Downhill skiing, also called alpine skiing, takes place on steeply inclined mountain slopes. According to the website ABC-Of-Skiing, professionally built downhill courses often feature jumps as well as hairpin turns. Teaching kids to downhill ski can be a rewarding yet challenging undertaking. Vermont Sports recommends that children practice indoors before attempting a run down a bunny slope. Teach your child the basic downhill turning and stopping techniques to help him stay safe on the slopes.
Step 1
Begin your lesson with a basic rundown of the skiing equipment. Show your child how to put on ski boots. Put on your own boots, and demonstrate how to tighten the boots.
Step 2
Allow your child to walk around on a carpeted surface to get comfortable with the angle of the skiing boots. Then place her skis on the floor, and show her how to insert her boots into the bindings of her skis.
Step 3
Transport your skiing gear to the bottom of a novice ski slope. Instruct your child to put his boots into his skis, while you do the same. Demonstrate how to push off the edge of your ski to propel yourself forward.
Step 4
Have your child take off her skis, and you do the same. Then walk to the top of the bunny slope, and both of you put your skis back on.
Step 5
Illustrate how to stand with your skis perpendicular to the slope to prevent your skis from sliding. Then rotate your shoulders to slowly ski down the bunny slope. Demonstrate how to slow down by putting the tips of your skis together, so that your skis look like a slice of pizza.
Step 6
Once your child has mastered slowing down, show him how to turn his skis slowly to the left.
Step 7
Instruct your child to mimic your left turn. Examine her turning techniques to identify any problems.
Step 8
Continue the instruction process with a right turn. Repeat these downhill exercises until your child is confident and proficient enough to move to a slightly more challenging slope.
Tips and Warnings
- Always be positive and encouraging, and make the lesson fun for your child.
- Your child should wear a protective helmet when he skis.
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