How to Keep Your Kids Safe & Happy When Skiing

Let's start with the most crucial piece of safety equipment - the helmet. I've seen firsthand how a good helmet can make the difference between a minor tumble and a serious injury. When it comes to kids, helmets are non-negotiable.

Statistics consistently show that helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 35-60%. But it's not just about wearing a helmet; it's about wearing the right helmet. Here are some tips for ensuring a proper fit:

As a parent, I know how tempting it can be to buy gear that your child can "grow into." But properly fitted gear is crucial for both safety and enjoyment on the slopes.

Properly fitted gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s also essential to keeping your child safe on the slopes. When it comes to sizing skis and boots, most families will leave this in the hands of the ski rental shop. But it's still useful to know what to look and ensure the rented equipment fits properly:

• Skis: For beginners skis should come somewhere between the chest and shoulder. For more experienced kids they should come up to the nose, and for rippers they should be up to the forehead. Too long or too short, and they won’t have proper control.

• Boots: Explain to your child that ski boots are supposed to be tight and stiff and not feel like normal boots. Your child should be able to feel the end of the boot with their toes but not feel squashed. Poorly fitting boots can make it hard to control the skis or lead to blisters

• Clothing: Layers are key. Make sure your child has a good base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer.

• Socks: Perhaps the most often overlooked item! Well-fitted ski socks will prevent blisters and keep feet warm, dry, and comfortable. A couple of good pairs will last all week.

• Gloves: Cold hands can ruin a ski day fast. Choose ski gloves or mittens that are insulated, waterproof, and sized correctly to ensure full coverage and warmth.

Like most things kids learn best when they're having fun. So, when it comes to teaching ski safety rules, I turn it into a game. Here are some of the key rules I focus on:

• Always stay in control and be able to stop.

• People ahead of you have the right of way.

• Look uphill and give way to others when starting downhill or merging.

• Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed pistes.

I’ll sometimes practice these rules through role-playing games on the slopes when the kids get to be the instructor and guide us safely down a run. During chairlift rides I help them identify good safety practices by playing "spot the safe/unsafe skier". 

As much as I love to see kids gain independence on the slopes, skiing together is crucial for safety, especially when they're young. It allows for immediate assistance if someone falls or gets injured, and it ensures no one tackles terrain beyond their skill level.

When it comes to supervising younger children, constant vigilance is key. I always keep them within 10-20m, and ski at the same pace as them.

In the event of a fall, small kids often won't be able to get their skis back on. So staying close means you don't have to walk too far back up the hill to help

I’m often asked about ski harnesses. Personally, I'm not a big fan, as I believe they can give a false sense of security and potentially hinder a child's natural skill development. However, I do see that they can be useful for getting kids from point A to point B on the mountain, especially in crowded areas.

If you choose to use one, make sure it's used correctly and doesn't become a crutch.

Bad weather can turn a fun ski day into a challenging experience, but with the right precautions, you can keep your kids safe. Here are some tips for skiing in poor conditions:

• Check the Forecast: I obsess about the weather during the winter months! Check the short term forecast for the next day, and dress appropriately; add an extra layer, put on a buff and glove liners and swap sunglasses for ski goggles.
• Reduce Speed and Distance : Slow down and keep a closer distance between each other to react quickly if needed.
• Stop More Often : Take frequent breaks to check in with each other and ensure everyone is comfortable.
• Stick to Runs You Know : Familiarity with the terrain can help navigate safely in low visibility.
• Bright Clothing : Dress your kids in bright, easily recognisable clothing to spot them quickly in a crowd or poor visibility.

The thought of your kid jumping on skis can be a little daunting. But as long as it's done in the right way it can be safe and really help improve their skiing and boost their confidence. Here is my non-negotiable checklist when a kid I’m teaching wants to do a jump.

• Check the landing - often the landing is out of site, so assign a spotter to make sure the landing is clear of other skiers, ice, rocks etc.
• Check the speed - if its their first time do a jump go super slow, then build up the speed as their confidence grows. I normally go first to show the correct speed or ski down next to them.
• Jump etiquette - everyone waits for their turn, and waits to see the person in front ski out from the jump so to be sure they haven’t crashed.

One of the most valuable skills I can pass on to the kids I teach is the ability to identify potential hazards on the slopes. Common hazards include:

• Icy patches
• Crowded areas
• Sudden drops or changes in terrain
• Trees and other obstacles

To make this fun, we play "hazard detective" while we ski. I encourage them to point out potential dangers, and we discuss how to ski safely around them. It's amazing how quickly kids pick this up when it's presented as a game!

Statistically, most accidents happen at the end of the day. When not only are your kids legs tired, but so probably are yours and everyone else's on the slope too! 

Try and avoid the busy times around 4pm when everyone is skiing back down to the resort. The layout of each resort is different, so the best way to manage the 'rush hour' will vary, but here are a few pointer that can help you get every one down safe and sound:

• Come down early and let the kids play on the beginner slopes if the still have energy to burn
• If the kids seem tired, take the lift down.
• Stop for a late snack then ski down a bit later when the crowds have cleared.
• If your kids are good skiers, take a harder route down, these tend to be less busy. 

Despite our best efforts, emergencies can still happen. That's why it's crucial to be prepared. Here are some steps to take:

• Ensure kids always carry identification and parents' contact information.
• Teach them how to ask for help from ski patrol or resort staff.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged. The cold mountain air will quickly drain the battery so keep it in an inside pocket if you are at all worried about your battery life.
• Have the resort's emergency numbers saved. This will be written on the piste map.

Skiing with kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a parent. Watching my boys discover the joy of gliding down a snowy slope brings back all the reasons I fell in love with this sport in the first place. But as a parent and an instructor, I know that safety has to come first.

By following these safety tips and making them a natural part of your ski routine, you can help ensure that your family's time on the mountain is not just exciting, but safe too. Remember, the goal is to build confidence, skills, and a lifetime love for skiing - and that starts with feeling secure on the slopes.

So gear up, stay safe, and enjoy the wonderful world of skiing with your little ones. There's nothing quite like it!