Today's blog post is written by ski enthusiast and friend of Northern Classics, MacKenzie Bickel.
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MacKenzie discovered her love for skiing at just 3 years old on the small tow-roped hills of Michigan. What began as a joyful hobby quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for downhill ski racing. With a remarkable journey that included two high school state championships, podium finishes at the Junior Olympics, and a spot on the US Ski Team Development Team, skiing has truly shaped her life. Now, after retiring from racing, MacKenzie has dedicated the last 15 years to coaching young racers in her community.
With winter around the corner, you might be wondering how to introduce your little ones to the thrill of skiing. Planning an outdoor adventure in the cold with a spirited child can be a bit daunting. Drawing from her extensive coaching experience and her own early beginnings, MacKenzie shares essential tips to make this exciting journey smoother for you and your kids.
1. Start ‘Em Young
By age 4, most children are ready to embrace the physical demands and attention needed to learn skiing basics. This age is perfect for developing motor skills, balance, and focus. To ease them into the experience, try on their boots at home so they can get used to walking in them. Show them pictures or videos of skiing, or even pull them around on the carpet or in the backyard with their skis on. Remember to take it slow; focus on one skill at a time to avoid overwhelming them.
2. Watch the Weather and Dress Appropriately
No one likes being cold or wet—especially kids! Make sure your little ones are equipped with weather-appropriate, waterproof clothing. Look for outfits that allow for movement, are easy to remove for potty breaks, and can be layered for flexibility. It’s crucial to ensure a proper fit for all gear, including skis, boots, goggles, and, most importantly, helmets. Remember, helmets are essential for skiers of all ages!
3. Bring Snacks
We all know the feeling of being hangry! Pack plenty of easy, energy-boosting snacks like granola bars or trail mix. If you're heading to higher altitudes or out for longer stretches, don’t forget the water. For younger kids, a small treat—like gummy bears—can be a great pick-me-up if they start feeling discouraged. A backpack, camelback, or fanny pack is perfect for keeping these essentials handy.
4. Demonstrate the Basics
Once your child has their skis on, demonstrate a proper athletic stance: knees bent, hands in front, and weight forward from the shins and hips. For younger kids, encouraging them to keep their hands on their knees while bending them is essential to help shift their weight forward and avoid sitting back in "the back seat." A fun way to illustrate this is to tell them to imagine there’s a water balloon between their shins and the front of their ski boots. When they turn, they want to “pop” that water balloon with their downhill foot. Emphasizing pressure on the downhill foot will help control the skis during turns.
To reinforce these basics, try a quick game of "Simon Says" or sing a silly song like, "This is the way we bend our knees..." to make the lesson more engaging.
5. Guide Them onto the Chair Lift
Getting on the chair lift can be quite intimidating for first-timers. Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Have someone next to you carry your poles (or leave them at home while teaching), and ask the lift operator to assist with lifting your child onto the chair. Remind your child to look over their inside shoulder and reach for the chair, lean all the way back into the seat while riding, and keep their ski tips up when unloading at the top of the hill.
6. Help Them Achieve Balance
Once your child has true balance, encourage them to lift the back of their uphill ski slightly off the snow while turning. This will help shift their weight forward and is a fun way to test their balance—these are known as javelin turns.
7. Control Speed Through Games
To help with speed control, incorporate a repetitive game of "Red Light, Green Light" while practicing the "pizza pie" and "french fries" techniques for slowing down and speeding up. You can also make it fun by doing this to music, similar to musical chairs—where your child can ski while the music plays and stop when it stops. If that resonates more, you could even play freeze tag as well.
8. Navigate Obstacles Together
Once your child has established control, find some obstacles—a cone, tree, sign, or mogul—for them to turn around. You can do this in a follow-the-leader style or have them navigate in front of you using a harness or hula hoop. Calling it a "ski safari" can make it feel like an exciting adventure!
9. Pass the “Teacher” Baton When Needed
While you might dream of teaching your kids to ski, it can be more challenging than it seems. Teaching and doing can feel worlds apart. Professionals have specific techniques—both physical and mental—that kids might respond to better than the methods we remember from our own learning experiences. Investing in lessons or finding a knowledgeable friend can be invaluable for those first outings on the slopes.
10. And Most Importantly, Make It Fun!
For many, skiing will become a lifelong passion rather than a competitive sport, so keep the experience enjoyable! Turn lessons into games—use hula hoops instead of harnesses, play follow the leader, or incorporate classic ski terms like “pizza” and “french fries” into fun songs. Stick to family or kids' zones at most resorts, as these areas are designed to provide a fun experience for all ages.
Embrace the adventure and enjoy creating cherished memories with your little ones on the slopes!
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When it comes to winter gear, MacKenzie swears by her favorite Northern Classics pieces. She can’t live without the quilted puffer (because layers are a must) and the classic bibs (no one likes snow up their back!). She loves the slate color—it's gender-neutral and offers a unique, vibrant shade!
1 comment
Great list McKenzie. We look forward to putting these tips to good use with our grandkids (who wear Northern Classics, Kristin)!