CHILDREN’S LESSONS

• Do Your “Homework.” Before your visit and lesson, familiarize your child with the resort. Visit the resort website. Look at the trail map.

• Try on Clothing and Gear at Home. Do a clothing and gear trial run a day or two before the first lesson. Make sure you have everything you need and that everything fits. Put the clothing your child will wear in one pile. 

• If you have ski or snowboard equipment at home, help your child put on the boots and stomp around on carpet. Attach the boots to the skis or board and let your child practice some simple sliding, either on carpet or outside on snow or grass.

• Be sure to use appropriate ski and snowboard equipment. Skis, Snowboards, and Ski Blades must have metal edges and be approved for “ski resort” use. If not, check our website for information about rental equipment.

• It is HIGHLY recommended that all children wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding. Make sure the helmet fits correctly – it is not something they should “grow into”. Ask our Rental Shop or Loft Shop Staff for help in choosing the right size helmet on the day you are visiting Perfect North Slopes.

• Protect children from the sun.  They should wear sun protection, even on cloudy days.  Kids should also have sunglasses or goggles with them. 

To help overcome any pre-lesson anxiety, follow these tips:

• For young children, the first ski or snowboard lesson can be stressful, especially, if your child doesn’t know what to expect. It’s kind of like the first day of school, in a new town. Your child may have questions or fears, but not verbalize them.

• Some of the things your child may be thinking are “Will the teacher be nice?” “Will the other kids be nice?” “Can I do this?” “Where will my parents be?” “When will you pick me up”?

• Talk About It. Discuss with your child what to expect from snowsports school. Help them understand that although there will be students and a teacher, snowsports school is not like regular school. It’s more like recess all of the time.

• Explain that the instructor helps kids learn about their equipment and how to move on skis or a snowboard. Emphasize that the lesson is all about having fun — BIG fun!

• Visit Before Class. If you can, visit the snowsports school before the first lesson. If your child doesn’t want to go inside, just walk by and get familiar with the school’s location. If your child is willing to go in, introduce yourself and your child to the staff. Ask any questions you both have and take a look around.

• Go over the “Responsibility Code” with your children.  Describe it in an age-appropriate way, so they are able to understand what it means.

• Check the Weather. Dress your child for the coldest weather of the day. It is better to remove and stow a layer, than to not have enough clothes. Dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for kids), a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants and long, thick socks.

• Bring Extra Socks and Mittens.  Bringing extra socks and mittens is a good idea. These are the items most like to get wet. And if they get wet, your child will get cold.

• Be ready to go! Remember that your child will need fuel for all the fun they are going to have. Eating and drinking before you arrive will help them “fuel up for the FUN”!

• Arrive Early. Get here a bit early. If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the snowsports school, getting there early allows your child time to pick up equipment, use the restroom and have a snack before the lesson.

• Meet the Instructor. Meet the instructor when you drop your child off at the lesson meeting place. Introduce yourself and your child. Even if you’re anxious, appear relaxed and confident. Never say anything in front of your child that could shake her confidence (i.e., “Sophie is really nervous about ski school.”) Set a positive tone for the day.

• Be on Time. Be on time, or early, to pick up your child. Arriving promptly for pick up will allow you some time to talk to the instructor after the lesson.

• Get a Full Report. Find out where your child skied and what your child learned. Ask the instructor to recommend some runs for you and your child to ski/ride together. Celebrate their successes!

• Keep It Fun. While you may be really excited to ski with your child immediately after a lesson, make sure your children are willing to ski some more. If he is tired or hungry, take a break, have lunch or a snack. Then when you head out on snow, let your child take the lead, set the pace and show off what he learned in his lesson. Avoid the temptation to suggest new and harder terrain immediately after a lesson.

• Be aware of your child’s physical, emotional and mental energy levels. Stop skiing/snowboarding and come inside for a break as many times as needed, depending on your child.  For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they’re chilled, if they’re injured, have a problem with equipment or even if they’re simply worn out.

• Make a meeting place if you get separated, and be sure your child can easily get to the meeting place on their own.  If they are not able to memorize your phone number, write it down and put it in their pocket.  Tell your child to look for a Perfect North Slopes employee if they get separated from you.  

• Be aware of the snow conditions and how they can change throughout the day (e.g., As conditions turn firm or icy, skiing/snowboarding gets harder and faster.) Kids performance can change based on the snow conditions. E.g., stay on shallower terrain as the runs become icy on a cold day or evening. Begin each run slowly, so you can assess the conditions.  Check out our daily Snow Report for information on conditions.

• Cheer them on! Everyone likes to be encouraged. 😁