Teaching 2 year olds how to ski?

[Superstar Punani]

What kind of skis are best for teaching toddlers? Do they make boots that small? I want to get Superstarlet Punani on the hill before she turns 3 in February, and ripping down Chair 10 before she turns 4.

Here's some stuff I was looking at on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=21244&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=21244&rd=1

[Superstar Punani]

Maybe I'll give Adam and the boys a call.....

[altachic]

i've definitely taught my share of 2 and 3 year olds at alta...it really is fun, just takes time and patience. they do make boots pretty small. pm me...lots to say on this topic

[iceman]

Why not just post it, AC? God knows there's not much to read on here today, plus others might find the info valuable or have points to add. That's kinda the point of a forum.

[Benny Profane]

From what I've seen, it's best to just let the kids enjoy the enviorment at such a young age. A cold, snowy ski hill with tons of new people tromping around in big plastic boots and funny clothes is very strange to them. If they want to just hang at first and eat some snow, well, cool, but NEVER push them into this thing. You could scar them for life. Patience, patience. Just because your neighbor's kid seems to be ripping at 4, doesn't mean yours should. As we all know, it's all about fun, and if they ain't having any, well.....

Oh, yeah, pros are worth the money if you know they're good, just like the girlfreind/wife thing.

[teledave]

Look for 70 (if possible) or 80cm skis. There is a seller on E-bay; fanni_nanni or fanni_rev or fanni_something(?) that handles a lot of small childrens stuff. I got my daughter (just turned 4) a pair of Dynastar shapes w/bindings for $45 plus shipping. Boots are a bit harder to come by, she wears a 9 and the smallest anyone local can get is a 10. Local hill has rentals that will fit her though so I'm sure the 'Weed can hook you up. Don't expect much from your daughter as far as skiing goes, slope time probably won't be more than 2-3 hrs in 30 minute increments.

[splat]

Most of the kids I've taught are jelly on the first go around. key is to make sure the kid has fun, forget about what you want.

That said, they come back with a feeling they already know it, enjoy and are ready to learn. Ain't nothin better than passin it on!

[teledave]

Originally posted by Tap
miniTap PowRippah turns 4 in January, so he's gonna be learning this year....2nd year with his sticks, but last year he just rode between daddy's legs

Same as my girl, "Wheee, faster Daddy faster!"

Also, Altachic I'd love to hear any good insight as to how to really teach kids to ski, I'm operating on the trial and error method with a bit of instruction thrown in for good measure.

[Keoni]

Originally posted by Punani
What kind of skis are best for teaching toddlers? Do they make boots that small? I want to get Superstarlet Punani on the hill before she turns 3 in February, and ripping down Chair 10 before she turns 4.

Here's some stuff I was looking at on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=21244&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=21244&rd=1

I found with my tax exemptions, it was cheaper to *shudder* "rent". They just outgrow boots too freakin fast. I think they can change like 3 sizes in a season?

[altachic]

ok, ok iceman...i'll post. With these little kids, especially 2 and 3 yr. olds, it's all about patience. That's key. There are some super small boots that are made, just a bit hard to find. Try skis that don't have so much shape, it's easier for them to catch on with a straight ski. Take breaks, as many as they need and want. They'll want to keep trying if you allow them to have that fun with eating the snow, looking around and just standing there. Ski in front of them, don't ski with them between your skis, or they won't catch on and be independent. It's all about the pizza and french fries when teaching. Wow, i hate sounding all PSIAish...good thing that's not my gig anymore, although i miss teaching sometimes...anything else??

[Keoni]

Originally posted by altachic
ok, ok iceman...i'll post. With these little kids, especially 2 and 3 yr. olds, it's all about patience. That's key. There are some super small boots that are made, just a bit hard to find. Try skis that don't have so much shape, it's easier for them to catch on with a straight ski. Take breaks, as many as they need and want. They'll want to keep trying if you allow them to have that fun with eating the snow, looking around and just standing there. Ski in front of them, don't ski with them between your skis, or they won't catch on and be independent. It's all about the pizza and french fries when teaching. Wow, i hate sounding all PSIAish...good thing that's not my gig anymore, although i miss teaching sometimes...anything else??

PIZZA! Damn, I told mine pie. Gawd I'm stoopid...no wonder they now like the single plank

[The Dude]

I'll add my .02 here as well...

From my experience teaching kids, everything that has been said already is true, don't push too much and let her have the desire to go ski. (I've had too many kids just start to cry on the mountain complaining that they don't want to ski and they just want their mommy.)

The straight skis are the best bet for her size. Also consider getting an edgie wedgie to put on the front of her skis. That will help her keep a wedge when moving downhill. At that age they don't have the muscle strength to manipulate the skis too much, so it helps out a lot.

[baseWeldr]

I think my folks had me in socks/shoes/more socks then skiboots... circa early 70s...
will also be crossing this bridge soon...
quit while you're havin the most fun I've heard so the memories are good...
would snowlerblades work for miniskiers? :all they're good for:

[Beaver]

I had my first two out on skis at 2 years old, the third will be starting this year. Like Splat said at 2 they are pretty much jelly. I only took them up if they wanted to go and stopped when they wanted to stop. At 2 years old it is all about hot chocolate in the lodge. You really have to be patient and expect that once at the hill they will change thier mind and not want to ski. I had them ski beside me holding onto my ski poles which I was holding horizontaly with 2 hands. That way they has a feel for sliding and holding them selves up while at hte same time if necessary I could hold them up. They fall down alot and getting up over and over wears them out quickly so I would stand them up on thier feet for them most of the time. It is really hard for them to get used to standing & manouvering up with planks stuck to thier feet and they may tend to get frustrated so once again you have to help them.

Basically just be patient and go with whatever works for the kids.

[half-fast]

let 'em bomb around the house in ski boots-to get used to them. if you have a place that can take the damage-put the skis on too-

[Arty50]

I started at 4 and barely remember it. So I'm no help in that department other than I knew it was fun as hell.

However, Spats and I were drooling over gear at Sports LTD at the Y last weekend, and I noticed a super short pair of skis (not snowlerblades). So I'd give them a call if you want. Depending on the price, it may just be better to rent.

My 2 cents.

[watersnowdirt]

Total cutie SuPu!! Does she ever come with you up to the Weed? If you want, I'll watch her while you ski some time since I'll probably have to take it easy this year anyhoo.

But also - GET A WORMIE! One of those things that attaches the tips of the skis together so it's easier to make a pizza.

[Shredhead]

I started both of my boys at 2, but they really don't get it until 4-5.
The key is "Peer Pressure", get some other kids the same age and get them out there and have fun. Ideally the other kid is a little better and in my case, a girl.

When I took them out alone they just got bored with it after an hour. When I took the two boys out together, it turned into a brawl. I finally found a friend that had two girls a little older than both of my guys and it just clicked. It made a world of difference keeping the kids interested.

I got a pair of 80's with some really small boots I will sell you cheap. KabertatAOLdotcom.

[britney]

hmmmm, you COULD try the time-tested instructional method of all the guys who seem to find their way on the lifts beside me (caution: this is a modified rurun of something i believe i've posted over at powmag, but dammit it IS a slow day):

1) leave the kid with the wife

2) ditch them both

3) pretend to be single, until the wife squawks through the radio that the kids are getting cold and she needs you to meet her at the bottom right fucking NOW

4) turn off radio

but of course none of THOSE guys hang out here!

PS mini-supu is really cute! she is clearly destined for greatness. please dont teach her to drink like daddy, though, mmm-k? thx.

PPS where is the pic of mini-Tap? and how does he ski between daddy's legs when daddy's on a s________?

[phUnk]

Originally posted by watersnowdirt
But also - GET A WORMIE!

Good Idea! You can just pull one off your NKOs or FaGS.

[char]

I can see the conversation at the top of the bunny hill.

"Daddy?"

"Yes sweety?"

"I"M GONNA RIP THE SCHIT OUTTA THIS!!"

[Arty50]

Originally posted by char
I can see the conversation at the top of the bunny hill.

"Daddy?"

"Yes sweety?"

"I"M GONNA RIP THE SCHIT OUTTA THIS!!"

POTD!!!

[char]

On a slightly more serious note, I'd consider renting gear the first few times. If she likes it after a few times then it's probably worth it to buy the gear. I know my parents spent lots of money on sports I never ended up persuing as a kid.

[iceman]

Originally posted by altachic
ok, ok iceman...i'll post...anything else??

Hey, it turned turned into a decent thread instead of a two-post thread and a buncha PM's. Thank you for bearing with me.

If you all would just accept me as your king, this would be a lot easier.

[britney]

Originally posted by Tap
http://www.biglines.com/photos/blpic15492.jpg

here's a not to clear picture of the miniTap taken with the NookBombs camera-phone.

Tap skis too, jah know!...multi-dimensionality is so, like, au courant

mais bien sur, monsieur Tap!

he is sooooo cute! he looks wise. just like a young jedi should.