Skiing is the essential activity of a stay in the mountains. When perfectly mastered, skiing is ideal for having fun while exercising healthily. But at what age can a child practice and what equipment should they buy for their safety?
Introduction to skiing: is there an ideal age?
You can enroll your children in lessons skiing in February, as soon as they are clean, that is to say from 2 and a half to 3 years old. In most ski resorts near Lyon and located in different French cities, group ski lessons for children are also offered from 3 years old. For the courses to have the expected results, registration must not be systematic. Only register your children if they are active and interested.
The desire to learn is recognized by mimes consisting, for example, of doing like you in the living room when you hit the slopes. For a safe introduction to children, resorts generally have a designated track for them. Very gentle slopes, small marked snow trails that remain straight, everything is done to adapt to the needs of children. For young athletes, such as those who already practice swimming for example, learning can begin as early as 2 years old.
However, it is recommended in this case to hire an instructor for private lessons. To keep learning fun, start small and increase the duration gradually. From 30 minutes, the course will last 1 hour, then 1 hour 30 minutes up to 2 hours for children aged 4 and over.
Skiing: what equipment for my child?
The equipment must be adapted to the physical characteristics of the child. And as for adults, the material should not be chosen lightly. Shoes, for example, should be neither too flexible nor too stiff to be comfortable. Even today, many parents buy shoes two or three times larger than the ideal size to be usable next season and this is a serious mistake.
The shoes must fit perfectly to the child’s feet. In addition to the simple tightening system, they must be equipped with notched soles to limit the risk of falling and make walking on ice easier. For skis that are easy to handle, make sure they are not long, but rather short to be as maneuverable as possible. Furthermore, before the age of 6, children have no need to use ski poles.
The brightly colored helmet to be clearly visible, the mask and the back protector are the only ski accessories they absolutely need. Depending on the amount of sunlight, the mask must be equipped with category 2 or 3 glass. These glasses must in fact be capable of filtering UV rays, depending on the age of the child. UVB rays are the most dangerous for eyesight, and are very intense with their reflection on the snow. The mask with a flexible frame is also recommended for small skiers.