Many winter sports enthusiasts patiently wait for the day that their kids are old enough to learn to ski. Depending on your preparation, the experience may be either delightful or disastrous. Olympic ski champion Nancy Greene suggests that children learn best between ages 3 and 5. Enroll your kids in a professional ski school, but get them excited about skiing with activities that prepare them for the sport.
Scooters
If possible, use summer and fall activities to prepare your children for their first ski trip. Using the type of scooter that requires standing on one foot while pushing off with the other helps your kids learn the weight transfer and one-legged balance necessary for skiing.
Hiking Down Mountains
Some ski resorts offer lift-serviced summer hiking. Rather than hike straight down, walk down a short trail by making S-shaped turns, which simulate the movement patterns used in skiing.
Floor Sliding
Simulating the gliding motions used in skiing is difficult but not impossible. Wax a wood or linoleum floor and have your child place one foot on a paper plate or hand towel. Have him practice gliding the leg toward and away from the center of his body.
Sled Rides
Surrendering to gravity is intimidating if you're not used to it. As soon as the snow begins to fall, take your kids out on a sled and let them experience the joy of sliding down a hill.
Play Online Games
Several websites offer online games that teach kids about skiing. Some require reading abilities, but others simply use the visual skills necessary for navigating the slopes.
Wii Fit We Ski
Nintendo makes a Wii Fit game called We Ski, which simulates everything from wedge turns to ski jumps, racing and mogul skiing. Kids can practice ski-specific balance skills on the Wii balance board.
Herringbone Walk
The herringbone is the "V" position used for walking up a slope. Find an outdoor hill and have your kids practice walking uphill with their heels together and their toes apart, allowing space for imaginary skis.
Hopping
Side to side hopping teaches ski-specific weight transference. Take your kids to the playground and have them practice on a hopscotch board. It's an effective exercise for developing strategy and agility.
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