What is the Right Time to Start Skiing?

Technically speaking, there is nothing such as the right time. It all depends on when to create the perfect opportunity. Sadly, this is not the case with skiing.

Good news first, skiing has no age bar. So, children as young as three years can start their skiing lessons under a trained professional. Similarly, there is no cap limiting the people who want to try skiing for the first time.

Hence, looking at the age factor, there is nothing that is going to stop you. If you are physically capable of doing the task, the court is yours. But speaking of the same, there are some other factors that you need to look into to make sure your beginner’s lessons are not overwhelmed by rough terrains and hefty prices!

The reality!

Most of us aren’t familiar with the mountainous ground. Truthfully, most of us are visitors during the vacation season who want to spend some time away from the bustling city life. With the snow-capped mountains providing perfect escape, it is a loss if you don’t enjoy the pristine nature skiing down the slopes.

But cut to reality, it is not easy. Especially the beginners training. More so, for children. Though the journey is arduous, all you need to wait for is the moment when you can ‘Yes; this is what skiing feels like.’ But forcing the lessons on them will put you in a tough spot. Some children will love them, while others may take their own sweet time to warm up to the idea. Hence, on a skiing vacation, don’t enroll your kids right away in skiing programs.

The right time

Skiing is an expensive sport. It also requires dedication to grasp the technique and apply them one on one. Safety is also one of the key responsibilities. So based on the above, here are some timings that may suit you better than the others.

1. The Age

   These are no strict rules, but just a general observation over the years. If your child is interested or sporty and wants to try out new things, you can introduce the sport to him as young as three years. Just make sure that your kids are okay with socializing without known faces. But for others, you can wait till your kids are a little older. Five to seven is an ideal age where the kids can pick up the hobby.

   Many skiing schools run training centers for kids with both indoor and outdoor sessions. Professional assistance cannot be substituted with anything else. Not only would you be wasting time, effort, and knees, but you can also pass on the wrong technique unknowingly. But yes, if you have been practicing for years, you can start the basic lessons and culminate them with one or two private one-on-one sessions on the field.

   Similarly, if you are advanced in age, you can use them to your use and learn pretty much the basics in a lesser amount of time! However, do check with doctors about any health risks associated with skiing. Also, if you are not a fitness freak, add little exercise sessions to your routine to adapt your body!

2. The Season

   There are plus points with both the high and low seasons. Weigh them against each other to know which one is best for you.

   The peak season:

   • There are many study group sessions planned, catering to beginners, especially children.
   • They usually overlap theholiday season of parents and children alike.
   • You can also enjoy the festivities around after the skiing.

   The offseason:

   • Since it is not a crowded period, you can find one-on-one mentoring sessions or smaller group sessions with trainers.
   • Less crowd means you can practice without much worry.

3. The time

   A good snow cover is essential for skiing sessions. Hence, if you think of learning skiing just before your vacation trip, it might not fit right. The grounds may not be open and available ground won’t have enough snow. Hence, time your lessons on weekends or daily sessions as you pick them up.

   Simultaneously look for the weather fitting for skiing. Children may prefer warmer months, but snowy months are better when it comes to the best snow coverage. On the same lines, mornings provide the best sessions for practice. You have a lot more time at hand as you skid along the fresh slopes. If you have training sessions, you can have a follow-up in the afternoon and brush up on your skills.

4. The price

   The skiing sessions are indeed expensive. A simple group session will also go over a hundred dollars. The private sessions cost even more. Adding to it is the additional cost of the gears that are required. Hence, if the price is the limiting issue, you might want to look at these.

   Pick up the right place. The popular destinations cost more. No doubt, you have better exposure there, but smaller mountains will help you learn and replicate the training at a far lower price. Alternatively, you can look for sessions given out at discounted rates even in the peak season due to off-timings.