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Ski extravaganza at Deer Valley

Posted by Jodi Saeland on March 7, 2010

After 6 Friday afternoon lessons at Deer Valley, we have arrived at the Ski Extravaganza.  It is the last day of lessons and the kids put on a little show for the parents to show them what they have learned during their time.  It is a beautiful day at Deer Valley and I've decided to take Brennan out to the moving carpet to see if he'll do a little skiing as well.  After lugging all our equipment in and getting Emily sorted out, me and Bren head out.  First off....way overdressed.  Ok, up the hill we go anyway to get to the beginner area.  I've done everything right...had snacks, water, change pants...what could really go wrong.  Yep...you guessed it....he doesn't want to go!  We go up once and he lays down on the ground and won't move.  He's sweating because I've overdressed him and he's done before we started.  Again, a lesson I've taught throughout my blog to everyone but myself, DON'T try to teach your 2 year old to ski.  Get an instructor.  At this age, if they don't want to do it...game over!  So, we decide to lounge in the sun and wait for Emily's show to begin.

The show is for all the Bambi and Reindeers.  Since Emily is 4, she's still a Bambi so she has had her lessons with Myles and one other little girl which has been nice.  I've blogged about the whole program in a previous entry, but it really is nice to have the 2 on 1 lesson at this age.  The kids get a lot of attention and can really learn almost one on one the correct techniques.  If you can't quite afford a private lesson, this is definitely the way to go.  Also, gaining the trust of the same instructor week after week, a good relationship is built.  The kids get to know the routine of the day and can concentrate on building their skills vs wondering what is happening next.

After me and Brennan have had our sit time, let the show begin.  I still have my ski boots on; so does Brennan.  We stop to say hi to Ruby and then off we go.   After carrying Bren up the hill where all the parents are lining the ski run in the sun, I'm roasting and worn out.  Quite a sight, the 2 of us.  The music is playing over the loudspeakers and the announcer is letting us know what is happening.  Each instructor will ski down with his group as they announce their names.  Could this be the start of Emilys Olympic training? :)  Each instructor has a name for their group and have put balloons or some decoration on the kids helmets.  We watch as each group comes down and finally here comes Emily.  "Team Tiger" is what name Myles has given them.  Now, since Em is just 4, I haven't had many of those "heart swelling, eyes tearing moments"....this is one of them.  Em has come so far this year and I am so proud!  It doesn't matter than Brennan is pulling the rope down and laying on the ground 1/2 way on the slope..here comes Em!!  She skis down and at the bottom gets a "medal".  A gal puts a "medal" around her neck.  (It is a big cookie wrapped in tinfoil, better than a gold medal!)  I have included the whole video and it is so cute .

A successful 6 weeks at Deer Valley and I would recommend it to anybody who has the time to bring the kids.  It is well worth it and definitely an experience I won't forget.  Thanks Myles...our Australian instructor at Deer Valley for the winter.  Deer Valley employs many seasonal workers from Chile, Australia and New Zealand.  A great global flare for the thousands of visitors every year.  It also is a great place in the summer to mountain bike and hike as well.  I would definitely check it out in the off season.  It is quiet with beautiful scenery and you may have the mountain to yourself

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

Posted by Jodi Saeland on January 28, 2010

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.

There is a general play area with lots of ride on toys, jungle gym and everyones cubbys.  There are indivual rooms for the age of the child in a different area.  Since Brennan is still 2, we head to the Big Tot room.   Problem...it is nap time at 12:30 and he isn't interested.  Now, if everyone else is sleeping and your child doesn't, there are movies and quiet time to be had.  Bren found all the trucks and toys and was happy until I was leaving.  OH OH!! Scream!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm thinking "please don't wake everyone up".  I left and was informed he didn't cooperate too well.  But, with professional caregivers, they did their thing and I was able to go out to ski-sorry guys.

The child care facility is a great option for those that have young ones and want to spend the day skiing. They will take them as young as 2 months!  You drop them in the AM before the lifts open and pick them up by 4:30.  They will also coordinate with ski school.  If you have a 3 year and they are potty trained (sorry Brennan, not yet), there is a Fawn program.  This is an hour long private lesson coordinated with the day care staff.  Your child can get out and get the feel of their skis and boots.

Since Emily is in the weekly lessons, she is doing her thing in the Bambi program.  Quite a blustery, snowy day, so she just stayed on the bunny hill.  But...doing great!! Love the fact that it is one instructor to 2 kids. Next lesson...straight to the green slopes with the "big boys".

Couple of hints on equipment.  First off, make sure the boots are fitting correctly.  When we were fitted at Ski n' See, they took the childs liner OUT of the boot and then put it on. You can see if there is enough room in the boot. You don't want it too big as their foot will move around.  When it's snowing, get your child a gator!  If you don't know what that is...find out!! Ski n' See will have plenty!  It is like a big fleece "sock" around your neck. NEVER use a scarf.  Would be scary to imagine what could happen if those dangling ends got stuck.

So, next week...off to the green slopes for Emily and she just got a fresh wax on her skis.  With our season rentals at Ski n' See, they do it for free!! Can't beat that.

Skiing is awesome now with all this new snow!! I've been trying to get out as much as possible.  Carrying kids and equipment...I'm tired before I start.  Ok, say it...I must be out of shape.  That's why at Deer Valley, you get the shuttle from the parking lot!

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Weekly lessons at Deer Valley for a Bambi

Posted by Jodi Saeland on January 12, 2010

After only 3 lessons this season, Emily is doing GREAT at her skiing. As I've said before...enthusiam is key!  We've had 2 private lesson, one afternoon lesson and now we've started consecutive weekly lessons at Deer Valley.  As we all know, Deer Valley caters to your every need.  Same goes with the little guys.

Some differences in lessons.  Private lessons are wonderful and you get the one on one attention, but can be a bit spendy.  Showing up to a resort and having a group lesson is great because you can ski for the day and the kids get into their age group and enjoy learning with other kids.  The consecutive weekly lessons are really nice because you have the same instructor and same kids in the class week after week.

Emily is 4, so she is the the Bambi class.  This means there are only TWO kids to one instructor.  As they get older, they jump into larger classes.  Deer Valley has a magic carpet and 2 beginner lifts, so there is plenty of terrain for the little ones to get started.

After getting up early, going to school, eating and dressing in the car and driving to Deer Valley, we are ready to go.  A few bits of advice....ARRIVE EARLY.  You head to the Childrens Center with all the other parents and kids on the first day...imagine being in a line at Disney World where everyone is itching to get on the ride :) So, you need to register the kids. Be organized!  Fill out your paperwork on-line if you could, it will save time once you get there.  Also, the weekly lessons do fill up, so plan early and make sure you have your reservation.  Have the kids dressed in their ski gear and skis with you when you arrive into the Childrens Center.  It took us a good 1/2 hour, so plan ahead early to ensure all the lessons start on time.  After checking in, we head upstairs to the Bambi room to find our instructor and get ski boots on.  Prepare for LOTS of kids, so remember what your kid looks like :)

We find Miles from Australia and fill him in on Emily's skills.  She has only one other little girl with her.  Get a potty break in and Moms and Dads head out until 4 pm!  The kids will get a break for hot chocolate and to warm up as needed, but are out learning until 4.  You pick up the Bambis inside, the older ones at the bottom of the slopes.

I skiied for awhile and then went to check Emily out.  She was doing great!! This is the longest period she's skiied and I could tell Miles worked her legs hard :)  Again, another day without the edgie wedgies, so I think we're safe to say...already done with that.

Em is pooped out when I go to pick her up but has big smiles...important.  Miles fills me in on how she did. Need to work a little on how to get up when falling.  He feels she'll be ready for the big lift in a week or 2!! I'm so pleased and look forward to that.  I'll watch with 1 finger over my eye!

Deer Valley has a huge Child Care program as well.  If your kids aren't quite ready to ski, that's OK.  They take kids as early as 2 months old!  There are plenty of activities to keep them going all day.  For ski lessons, the kids need to be potty trained.  In the 3 year old program, they can go into an hour long lesson with an instructor.  I'll have to check this out when Brennan turns 3 soon!

Check out Deer Valley's web site for much more info on things to do.  They are definitely a full service resort and have just about anything you could possibly need.  After all, it's the Deer Valley way!!

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