003: Teaching Your Kids to Ski, Expert Tips from Ski Mom Carley Sawers

In this episode, Carley Sawers shared her journey of growing up skiing, to then teaching her babies how to ski when they were younger than 18 months old. Now 7 years of taking her kiddos to the hill she is an expert ski mom. 

OVERVIEW: Tips for Skiing with Littles 1. Start at Home: • Skiing with kids begins before you hit the slopes. Start in the living room—let them wear their boots, click into skis, and get comfortable with the gear in a warm, stress-free environment. 2. Sliding on Snow: • Begin with simple activities like sliding around on flat snow. Make it fun and pressure-free. Once they’re comfortable, move to small hills where they can experience the sensation of sliding and start to build confidence. 3. Harnesses: • Harnesses, like the Little Ripper Gripper, can be a fantastic tool for teaching control and balance. However, they’re not always necessary—progress at your child’s pace and focus on creating a positive experience. 4. Snacks and Fun Are Non-Negotiable: • Always pack plenty of snacks. Breaks for hot chocolate or treats can make a big difference in keeping spirits high. The most important rule: when the fun stops, you’re done for the day. 5. Key Equipment pieces for Parents: • Trail Magik: An amazing tool if you’re solo with kids. You can carry younger kids when they’re tired while keeping your hands free. Backpack with skis on your back, and trail magik carrier on your front. • Backpack with Ski Straps: Look for a backpack that can securely hold your child’s skis, so you’re not juggling everything yourself. Two straps on the front is amazing! Touring backpacks or snowboard backpacks are great for this. 6. Gear for Kids: • Boots: Start with the smallest size available. A slightly bigger fit is okay—they’ll have the ankle stability, and you’ll get more use out of them. • Skis: Choose skis no taller than your child’s nose. For first-timers, even shorter skis can help with ease of movement. • Edgie Wedgie: A clip that holds ski tips together can be a lifesaver for teaching kids how to keep their skis in a pizza shape for control. https://amzn.to/3VnbCQi • Helmets & Goggles: Giro (https://amzn.to/4eXXSlN) and POC (https://amzn.to/3ZbDFmK) in my experience offer well-fitting, kid-friendly helmets. Pair with goggles that fit snugly without pinching. Basically the only equipment I bought new for the kids and they wore them for at least three seasons. • Used Gear: Check out used ski stores or Facebook Marketplace. I’ve never bought new skis! Skiing with kids is all about keeping it lighthearted, fun, and rewarding. With the right mindset, you’ll set your little ones up for a lifelong love of skiing! It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

Carley’s recommended ski hills kids in British Columbia:

Revelstoke

Sliver star

Sun peaks 

Manning Park

Other ski hills mentioned:

Grouse Mountain

Fernie 

Kicking horse

Castle 

Kimberly 

Gear Carley mentioned:

Little ripper gripper: https://amzn.to/3Vf8Mg2 Bula Balaclava: https://alnk.to/aeZxtGk Wee woolies neck gaiter: https://www.weewoollies.com/products/merino-mulitgaiter?variant=36210763169951 Winter snacks - Made Good granola bars: https://amzn.to/4fOJU7f Hot chocolate in a hydro flask: https://amzn.to/3D3Xxk8

Connect with Carley: 

Instagram: @gingesonajourney

Carley's blog

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