Learning to Ski

We visited the Squaw Kids Snowsports School over Valentine's weekend.  The school has programs for children from ages 3-12.  For information about specific programs, visit http://www.squaw.com/squaw-kids-programs 

There are several different options.  For example, the "Snow Cubs" Ski Program usually runs $129-169 from 8:30am-3:45pm.  This is a drop-off program just for ages 3 and young 4.  Parents must stay at Squaw Valley during this time, but it is a pretty darn big place and this seems like a great day care option for skiers.

On our visit, we chose a private lesson "special" -- depending on availability, on non-holiday weekdays after 1pm, the school gives private 1-hour lessons to 3 and 4 year-olds for $99.  This is a great deal (when available), because it includes equipment and the lesson, with great instructors.  You even get a short "report card" at the end of the lesson.

This was our 3-year-old son's first time ever on skis.  Our son's instructor Cheree hailed from Yinnar, Australia.  Our son loved her!  She was patient, careful, and kind.

Before going, don't forget that you will need at least the following things:  a waterproof winter coat, snow pants, hat, goggles (if it is a high-wind day), mittens or gloves, sun block, helmet (which comes with the lesson), and skis (also included).  We got a few of these items at the nearby Any Mountain store.

Part of the website "Red Tricycle," http://www.redtri.com, which is a favorite site of ours for finding out about family activities, includes a great resource for parents with kids learning to ski -- http://www.redtri.com/?s=skiing

--TC Mommy