Skiing for children: at what age to start?

 Skiing is the essential activity of a stay in the mountains. When it is perfectly mastered, skiing is ideal to have fun while exercising healthily. But at what age can a child practice and what equipment to buy for his safety?  

Introduction to skiing: is there an ideal age?

You can register your children for skiing in FebruaryChildren can be taught to ski as soon as they are able to learn, that is to say from 2 and a half to 3 years old. In most of the ski resorts near Lyon and located in different French cities, group ski lessons for children are offered from the age of 3. In order for the lessons to have the desired results, registration should not be systematic. Only enroll your children if they are active and willing to learn.

The desire to learn can be recognized by memes such as doing what you do in the living room when you go down the slopes. For a safe initiation of the children, the resorts generally devote a fitted out track to them. Very light slopes, small marked trails that remain straight, everything is done to adapt to the needs of children. For little athletes, such as those who are already swimming, learning can begin as early as 2 years old.

However, it is recommended that you hire an instructor for private lessons. To keep the learning process 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 of 4 years and older.

Skiing: what equipment for my child?

The equipment must be adapted to the physical characteristics of the child. And as for adults, the equipment should not be chosen lightly. Shoes, for example, should be neither too soft nor too stiff to be comfortable. Even today, many parents buy shoes that are two or three sizes larger than the ideal size to be used in the next season and this is a serious mistake.

The shoes must fit the child's feet perfectly. In addition to the simple tightening system, they should be equipped with notched soles to limit the risk of falling and facilitate walking on the ice. For easy-to-handle skis, make sure they are not long, but rather short to be as manageable as possible. Also, before the age of 6, children do not need to use ski poles.

A brightly colored helmet to be visible, a goggle and a back protector are the only ski accessories that they absolutely need. Depending on the amount of sunlight, the goggle must be equipped with a category 2 or 3 lens. These goggles must be able to filter UV rays, depending on the child's age. UVB rays are the most dangerous for the eyes, and are very intense when reflected off the snow. A mask with a flexible frame is also recommended for young skiers.

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