For those in cold (ie. snowing) climates, what is the youngest age that kids go skiing?
I thought it might be fun to take the kids skiing this winter but was looking at Australian ski resorts and the minimum class age is 3, while in New Zealand it is 2. For those of you who live in snow what age do you have your kids out skiing? or even what age are the sledding or tubing?
My little man is 4.5 so apart from a lack of balance i think he'd be pretty good...but my other little one is only 18 months so i'm just wondering if it is too young? She was walking at 11 months so is pretty fast and agile and appears to have no fear when it comes to speed or heights - i think i'd have more chance getting her on a sled than the 4 yo!
So do you think this is do-able for 2 or 3 days even if we just played in the snow and bobsledded?
Just it is a bit of a journey from Perth (3 or 4 hr flight plus min 2 hr drive) so dont want it to be a waste and we all just freeze...
thanks, tam
Reply to this Where do you plan to go Tam?
The will love the snow...whatever the age. Not sure you'll find anything on ski at 2 years old...but going down on a sledge will be no issue. I did sky in Mt Buller...pretty average, but still want to do NZ one of these years to come...
Reply to this I started taking ski lessons when I was 7 or 8, but that had a lot more to do with family dynamic and financials than it did being "allowed" or "safe" to do earlier. 4.5-5 years old won't pose any problems. Might be hard to find ski equipment rentals that will fit your 18mo, however I doubt the cold will be an issue. I LOVED playing in the snow at that age and was impervious to the cold (plus they're moving and being active so body-temp stays pretty warm. The coldest part is actually riding the lifts).
I've frequently seen younger kids out on the slopes. If your kids seem excited about it, it will probably be a great time. A lot of ski reports have intertubing or sledding sections at the base of runs, which is great for younger children that might not be ready to ski solo. And it also tends to be close to the lodge for warm-up breaks.
Reply to this It turns out NZ is cheaper flights (or the same price from perth) and cheaper accomodation and right on the slopes...but probably a 6 hour flight minimum which might be pushing it for a long weekend 😊
Mt Buller is around 2-3 hours from melbourne (plus 3hr flight) i think or perisher/thredbo are around 2-3 hours from canberra (plus 4hr flight). So maybe Mt Buller! I think i went there as a kid actually as i grew up in Victoria. I'm thinking your 'average' might be perfect for a 2 year old 😊)
I'll have to look into the places a bit more and see if there are any blogs etc but i guess i'll be looking more for child friendly slopes or activities and acomodation/restraunts with minimal travel or car hire required. My hubby and I have ski gear but neither of us have skiied for nearly 10 years, although i shld be pretty good balance wise he might not be so good with the 'old' body not quite as fit as it used to be lol! I think it would be pretty amazing for my kids though as we pretty much do beach things all time...so maybe good for a change.
Reply to this Mt Buller is pretty easy skiing. You just have to make sure they have snow...as it is a Mount..in the middle of nowhere, and when I went there...there was just the snow up there...enough, but make me wonder if they have snow all the time. Will be more than sufficient for your little ones...and if you haven't ski for 10 years...and the people are wonderful...just check they have snow!
Reply to this I grew up in Canada and up there you are almost born in snow. It is tradition for the god father to give to the parents of the new born a wood sledge. I was playing in snow before I was able to walk. They will love it. Might be toff at the beginning but they be fine after a day
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