There’s something special about late fall in Utah. The leaves have mostly fallen, ski racks are starting to replace bike racks, and the air carries that subtle, winter chill. It’s also a time when parents everywhere are starting to wonder how the family ski days will go this year…and just how many gloves their kids will lose.
It might not seem like it, but this pre-ski time is the perfect opportunity to get outside and start preparing yourself and your kiddos for those memorable, beautiful days on the slopes.
Preparing for the Big Days Starts with the Small Ones
I’ve learned that the best way to prepare my kids for big adventures, like those first ski days, is by making time for the small adventures. You know, those seemingly simple, yet always chaotic outings where everything takes longer than planned and someone is either crying, hungry, or jumping into a puddle even though it's 30 degrees out.
Last year, while my wife Kat and I lived on the road with our kids, we discovered that adventure doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Some days were cold, messy, and far from picture-perfect. But those were the days that built the most grit, laughter and memories. They also prepared our kids (and us) for the all day adventures we did later in our travels.
Now that we’re back home, we’ve started a new ritual to keep that momentum going: one short hike a week, no matter the weather. It’s nothing epic, but it keeps us connected and ready for the season ahead. These little moments outside help our kids build confidence, help us practice patience, and make the transition into winter feel natural, like we’ve already found our rhythm before the lifts even start spinning.
Trail-Tested Tips for Parents Looking to Get Out Now
Start Simple: For those in Utah, our front-country trails are your best friend right now. Look for paved or packed routes where little legs can move freely and build endurance without too much elevation. For those out of state, even going for a walk around your local park can be a great start.
Pack Smart (and Realistic):
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Snacks they actually like. A sugar crash mid-trial is a universal parenting nightmare.
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Trailhead treats or hot cocoa! My four and two year old hike twice as fast when they know there’s cocoa waiting at the car.
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Extra mittens. Because one always ends up missing.
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Layers, even if it feels warm at the start.
Set the Tone, Not the Pace: Let your kids lead sometimes. Their curiosity builds endurance better than any stopwatch. We often let our four year old lead with his “imaginary map” to make sure we’re going the right way. Sure, we move more slowly, but the joy on his face is priceless.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Whether it’s making it a mile without a trailside tantrum or returning to the car with the same number of gloves you started with, celebrate the victories.
Small Steps, Big Lessons
These short, chilly hikes will still have surprises and setbacks, but taking the time to do them reminds us what really matters. It’s about laughter echoing through the canyon and pines, it’s about the muddy boots on the backseat, and learning to go with the kids' pace. Whether on a hike or on the slopes in Utah’s famous powder, it's our job as parents to foster that curiosity and confidence, to help our kids step out of their comfort zones with the people they trust most.
So if you are like me, and preparing to teach your first kid how to ski, or maybe you are a seasoned “ski” parent, remember this pre-snow season isn’t just about preparing the kids, but also yourself to be more patient, more adaptable, and quicker with the snacks.
