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5 Common Mistakes Parents Make with Kids’ Ski Safety
Skiing is a fun and exciting winter activity for kids, but it can also be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken.
As a parent, it's important to be aware of common ski safety mistakes and take steps to protect your child on the slopes. Here are some tips to help keep your little ones safe while skiing.
Is Skiing Dangerous? The Truth About This Thrilling Sport
Before we get to how to keep our kids safe on the ski slopes, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is, “Is skiing dangerous for kids?”
Skiing is a popular winter sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. While it can be a thrilling experience, it's important to understand the potential risks involved. From collisions with other skiers to falls and avalanches, there are several hazards that skiers should be aware of. As with any sport, whether outdoor adventure or extreme sport, it’s important to understand the risks of skiing to make an informed decision and then to keep making the best decisions for you and your family each day you are skiing on the slopes.
I don’t write this article to scare you. After all, I’ve chosen to live in a ski resort and started taking my kids out on skis in the snow from the age of 2, and I wouldn’t do that if I thought it was too dangerous. However, I followed some basic rules and guidelines to keep my children happy and safe.
In this article, I'll explore the dangers of skiing and provide tips on how to stay safe while hitting the slopes.
Understanding the Risks of Skiing
Skiing can be a dangerous sport, with several potential risks that skiers should be aware of. Collisions with other skiers or objects falls, and avalanches are just a few of the hazards on the slopes. However, proper preparation and safety measures can minimise many of these risks. Skiers of all ages need to understand the potential dangers and take steps to stay safe while enjoying this thrilling sport.
I’m going to move through the risks of skiing and have a look at some common mistakes that parents and caregivers often make when it comes to kids’ ski safety.
Not being aware of the ski slope etiquette
While skiing and snowboarding can be thrilling winter activities for children, it's important to prioritise safety. To promote piste safety, it’s important that parents and caregivers take an active role in teaching children about the rules of the slopes. By doing so, we can help prevent accidents and ensure that children learn to behave responsibly on the slopes, regardless of their age. Ski safety and safety on the slopes are about working together to follow shared rules, basically piste etiquette.
There is a fantastic group based in Morzine who have set up the Piste X Code, and I’m showing their poster here, but they also have some great videos you can watch with your children to explain the basics of how to ski safely on the slopes.
Let's work together to ensure that skiing and snowboarding are fun and safe for everyone!
Kids Ski Safety: Not properly fitting equipment
One of the most common mistakes parents make when it comes to ski safety is not properly fitting their child's equipment. Ill-fitting boots, skis, or helmets can increase the risk of injury on the slopes. Ensure your child's equipment is professionally fitted and adjusted before hitting the slopes. Additionally, check their equipment regularly throughout the day to ensure it remains secure and properly fitted.
Ski boots are not the most comfortable! Of course, they shouldn’t cause you pain, but their nature is to hold your foot and leg in a different position. This can be confusing for kids. So, to get them more comfortable with ski boots, start by having them walk indoors with them on. If you have a pair at home, wear them before your holiday. If you rent boots, let them wear them around your accommodation before they attempt to walk on snow and ice in them.
TOP TIP: I would always recommend renting ski boots for kids. We buy our kids ski boots because they wear them almost daily. With family ski holidays, kids usually grow out of their ski boots each year. By renting your ski boots, you will ensure your children are seen and fitted by a professional ski boot specialist. And if your children are anything like mine, they will listen to the ski technician much more closely than me!
Not teaching proper skiing techniques
Another common mistake parents make with kids’ ski safety is not teaching proper skiing techniques. It's important to teach your child how to properly turn, stop, and control their speed on the slopes. This will help prevent accidents and increase their confidence and enjoyment while skiing.
I would 100% recommend booking a ski school for your children to learn these essential ski skills. I really think everyone can benefit from ski lessons – yes, even you! When writing this article, my oldest ski kid is 6, and because he has been in ski lessons since he was 3, he is by far a better skier than I am! He has the correct technique on the slopes that I do not because I am self-taught. This technique has led to increased confidence and enjoyment on the ski slopes.
The most popular form of ski school lessons is group ski lessons. If you are looking to book ski school, you will find that group ski school lessons run in the mornings and again in the afternoons. Morning ski lessons are much more popular than afternoon lessons as they fit into children’s natural daily rhythms more than afternoon lessons. The snow also tends to be firmer and easier for children to navigate in the mornings. However, the popularity of morning ski schools also means that group lessons can be booked quickly. So if you want to book morning ski school lessons for your children, you must get organised and book them in advance.
TOP TIPS: When you book a family ski holiday, you will find yourself surrounded by well-meaning individuals with tips on how to ski. I always recommend taking this with a pinch of salt – unless they are a professional ski instructor! Take advice, sure, but remember that everyone is different, and all children learn skills in different ways and at different speeds. Ski schools are set up to match their learning to your child’s ability and help them progress while having fun on the slopes.
We always say with young children that it is not about teaching them how to ski or “getting ahead”. It’s about experiencing something new and helping them learn to love something they see mummy and daddy doing. And most of all, to have some fun in the snow!
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Trying to advance too quickly
Another mistake that parents make when skiing with their children is trying to advance too quickly for their children. And yes, I am speaking from experience! We are guilty of wanting our kids to progress quickly so that we can all head up high into the mountains to ski together. But all that will happen is that you will be stuck at the top of a mountain trying to ski down with a small, scared child between your legs. Because the only way home is down!
If you want to explore with your children, then ask your ski instructors what slopes they have been on in their lessons and then do those slopes. Ask which other chairlifts they recommend heading to and the names of the family-friendly pistes to explore with your children. For example, in La Plagne, there are dedicated beginner ski areas and great fun slopes for the kids to enjoy. Taking things a little slower with your ski kids can minimise the risk of injury or upset and enjoy all the thrills skiing offers.
TOP TIP: If you are heading to La Plagne for your family ski holiday, check out my recent article with the top 5 family-friendly ski slopes in La Plagne.
Not dressing children appropriately for the weather
Not taking breaks and staying hydrated
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of skiing and forget to take breaks and stay hydrated, but this is a crucial aspect of skiing safety for kids. It’s a long-running joke between my husband and me that my youngest gets very hangry (hungry + angry!) – just like my husband does! To stave off these meltdowns, we know that by 1130, he is running on empty, so we will always aim to get out early, by 9 am, so that we can stop for lunch by 1130 / 12 noon at the latest. And we always pick a family-friendly restaurant where we know we will get a warm welcome!
By figuring out your children’s patterns, you can accommodate these natural peaks and troughs in their energy levels into your day. If you try to fight them, you will lose!
Ensure your child takes frequent breaks to rest and drink water or other hydrating fluids. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other dangerous conditions on the slopes. Encourage your child to drink water before they feel thirsty and pack a water bottle in their ski bag. My kids love these squishy water bottles that won’t cause any injury if they fall on them. I always have a water bladder or CamelBak in my rucksack, which the kids find fun to drink out of, so it works a treat.
That’s La Plagne & How to keep your kids safe on the ski slopes
I hope this helps reassure you that, yes, skiing might be dangerous IF you don’t prepare yourself. But in reality, if you are organised, aware of the risks, and take some simple steps to manage the risks of skiing, you and your children can begin making some magical memories – so get booking that family ski holiday!
TOP TIPS
- Always dress appropriately. Layers are your friend! Think thin layers rather than thick, bulky clothes.
- Book ski lessons and ski school for your children. They will learn more quickly and enjoy more by learning more from a qualified ski instructor.
- Plan those rests and take regular breaks. It doesn’t have to be a full-on hot chocolate stop every hour, but a chance to clip off their skis and relax.
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