Articles Related To: Ski N' See

Helmets are a MUST...finding the right fit for you and your kids

These days everyone has a helmet. If you don't, you should. In fact, most ski resorts will not give lessons for kids without helmets. You don't always have to buy one, you can rent as well. But how do you now which one is "good" and how should they fit?

Brighton snowboarding lessons at 4 years old!

Consecutive weekly lessons are such a great way to get kids started skiing. But boarding at 4 years old? Brighton is the only resort that offers this and after weeks of counting, Brennan started his lesson!

The first ski day of the season...take it EASY on the little guys and FREE skiing under 6!

The snow has arrived in full force and we're looking at a pretty great start to the season and hopefully a good snow year thanks to La Nina. That is a discussion for another blog.

So, we've rented the skis and we're ready to head out. Now, I'm not as mobile as my other fellow bloggers. With my equipment, Emily's, Brennan's and 2 kids in tow....it takes us awhile. The key is to pick a day when everyone is rested and happy....otherwise, you'll be very crabby by the end of the day :)

I thought I'd take Emily first alone. Just to get her "ski legs". What's that? Well, for those of you who have skied before, it is the first day of the season to take it easy and sort of "remember" how to ski. After our very successful season last year with Emily, I thought, no biggie...she's ready to go straight up the lift. NOOOO! Last run of last year was down the tram at Snowbird. For those that haven't skiied much, it is a challenging run for us adults let alone the kids.

Clothes, snacks and tips I've learned skiing with the little ones

Everyone heads to the slopes to have a good time. With little ones, this means also staying warm enough, being well fed and NOT tired.

As far as clothes go...I go the cheap route. At least when they're 4 and under. I take Em to her lessons and see a lot of the kids outfitted from head to toe in designer gear. Not us... we have Target brand all over. You know it is hard enough to keep the kids in shoes, pants, socks from year to year let alone jackets and boots. So, I decided that for the first few years, we'd get our snowpants and boots from Target. Ok, I know it's not cool, but up until now; they've worn their winter gear about 10 times max. Now that Em is a skier, we're going for the big time next year! This time of the year is the BEST time to shop. All the winter stuff goes on sale and you can stock up for next year so your kids don't have to wear the Target brand. By the way, snowpants and boots aren't that warm. Check out Ski n' See. They post new deals every week and if you keep up on it, you can really save a lot over time. After all, we can't afford the $150 ski pants for our kids; but keep an eye on end of the year sales and it is worth it as they are waterproof and much warmer than my generic brands; but they've worked until now.

Emily does her first green run and Brennan..isn't sure at Brighton

I've been waiting and the wait is over. Emily is doing the greens!! My goal by the end of the season was for her to do some green runs with me and we're already there!! It was such a proud moment!! We went up to Brighton because we decided to give Brennan another go at the skiing thing. As in previous blogs, I mentioned we bonded with Gina as an instructor. I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a good instructor and sticking with him/her. Get a lesson, get their name and stick with the same person if possible. Especially when they are young. Brennan doesn't trust very many, so important for him. I also thought the green runs are so nice at Brighton. If you find runs you are comfortable with and know well, that is the best place to go when taking the little guys on your own.

Trying out daycare with one child while keeping an eye on the other in ski lessons...

Brennan has not been a daycare child. We've been fortunate that one parent has stayed home. For those that have boys...don't know if yours are like mine... but there is a little separation anxiety. A GREAT place to take them is to Deer Valley. Brennan has been there a few times and all experiences have been very positive. The good thing is that the child care and the ski lessons are in the same place. Once you register your child-have emergency contacts in mind and any allergies. What made me very comfortable is the security. You get an "invisible" stamp on your hand. In order to move into the child care area, your hand will be scanned and there is a person that must "buzz" you in through the door. As a parent, this makes you feel very secure.

Getting the kids dressed to ski...it's about the "gobbles"

Now that the snow is hitting, time to get the kids ready to ski!! A BIG thank you to SKI' N SEE here in Utah for outfitting us in everything we'll need to have a safe and fun ski season.

As we arrive, kids are in rare form and ready to go. The hardest part with the little ones is trying to get them to put the boots on and liking the boots. After all, we all know the ski boots aren't the most comfortable boots in the world. Bren and Em were very willing to sit for a minute as their feet were measured. I learned to take the liners OUT of the boots and stick their feet in works great. You should be able to put a finger length behind the heel to get the right fit. Also, NEVER wear cotton socks...they hold moisture. If you are on vacation and can't get some ski socks, your dress socks will be OK. Polyester is OK, but cotton is the worst. So, we got some new socks for the kids so their feet will be comfortable.

I also asked "why no poles"? Well, it is better for them to learn and get their balance without them, so they don't get dependant on them to get down the hill. Hmmm, maybe that's my problem.

Since we're new at this thing and the kids are so young, height isn't as big of deal as their weight; so when you head in to rent your skis, pop them on the scale real quick. I feel comfortable in looking at their skis and seeing they are TINY!! Yea...protective Mom :)

Gas Up at Phillips - 2 for 1 Snowbird Tickets