At What Age Can Children Start Learning to Ski?

Winter sports are enjoyed by many, especially families eager to share their passion with their children as early as possible. However, the question of the right age to introduce kids to skiing often raises concerns: Is there a minimum age, and why? Under what conditions should they have their first skiing experiences? Travelski sheds light on these common questions that may come to mind when it comes to teaching your children how to ski.

Where to Start ?

We all know that skiing is an activity that comes with certain risks. The first step is therefore to enroll your child in a ski school, where they can learn the basics in a safe, enclosed environment such as a jardin des neiges. These areas are supervised by trained instructors and staff, and are free from the risk of collisions with more experienced skiers.

Introductory sessions should not last more than an hour, as it can be tiring for young children to stay on skis in the cold for longer periods. Children who are already active and used to physical activity will likely be more resistant to fatigue and cold.

Ski instructors often use games to guide the youngest learners and help them understand how to move on skis. Small circuits allow quick observation of their progress. This supervised setting is much like a daycare or preschool, providing a fun and safe space for discovering the world of skiing from an early age.

At What Age Can Chicldren Ski ?

Accessible from the age of 3, the ESF’s Club Piou Piou allows children to be introduced to skiing. In these classes, they learn how to move on the snow and make small slides.

It is also at this age that children start to anticipate falls, regain balance, and avoid getting hurt. Once the basic skiing skills are acquired, lessons continue on the slopes.

From the age of 4, and after becoming familiar with the slopes, you can enroll your child in group lessons of various levels offered by the ESF. They may be rewarded for their progress with badges such as bears, snowflakes, or stars.

It is also possible to introduce your children to skiing yourself. Initially, cross-country skiing might be more suitable.

In any case, the child must want to ski and should not be forced; otherwise, they may reject the activity or develop a fear of it. Indeed, sliding or even wearing the equipment can frighten children.

During your ski trip, you will therefore be able to enjoy the slopes with your children quite quickly. However, you should follow your child’s pace and listen to the ski instructors’ advice. Children are not aware of danger, so it is up to you to avoid taking them on slopes that could be dangerous for them.

Resorts Offering ESF Lessons, Perfect for Your Children

Indeed, you can find ESF in many resorts such as:

La Plagne – Phone: +33 4 79 09 00 40

Val Cenis – Phone: +33 4 79 05 92 43

Les Menuires – Phone: +33 4 79 00 61 43

Les Arcs – Phone: +33 4 79 07 40 31

Val Thorens – Phone: +33 4 79 00 02 86

Les Orres – Phone: +33 4 92 44 01 30 (Les Orres 1650) or +33 4 92 45 42 92 (Les Orres 1800)

Valfréjus – Phone: +33 4 79 05 05 97

Tignes – Phone: +33 6 68 86 77 62

Les 2 Alpes – Phone: +33 4 76 79 21 21

Risoul – Phone: +33 4 92 46 19 22

Saint Sorlin d’Arves – Phone: +33 4 79 59 71 53

La Toussuire – Phone: +33 4 79 56 73 12

La Rosière – Phone: +33 4 79 06 81 26