Teaching Kids to Snowboard.
My Tips for Teaching Kids to Snowboard.
Over the past decade, I have taken it upon myself to teach our kids to snowboard. It's a real commitment, and one where at times you find yourself questioning your sanity. But the thing is, it’s so damn rewarding when you are on the other side, riding with your kids and having the time of your life.
Teaching kids is as much a learning process for them as it is for parents, I’ve realised. It’s also ironic, as most things that you need to remember when teaching kids to snowboard, you can relate to life in general.
So for each of these headlines, whilst it's about snowboarding, spend a second thinking how you would relate this to everything off snow too.
Has Everyone Slept Well, Eaten and Drank Water?
This was something my mum always used to say about parenting. If these three questions are a yes, then in general you will be well set up.
Don’t Be That Pushy Parent.
The balance between encouragement and being pushy is such a fine line; it’s a constant tightrope. The first time I realized this was a couple of years ago when my son, Lenny (three years old at the time), during our paternity leave when we were in Mayrhofen for a month, which was amazing.
Lenny was doing well, and I was asking him every day for the first few days if he wanted to go snowboarding. We went up for four days or so, and then one morning he said, “I don’t want to snowboard today”. I tried to get him to go, but the next day it became, “I don’t like snowboarding”. After my despair had subsided, I thought about it, and then we decided to not ask him to go for a few days until he asked, “So can I go snowboarding today?”
Keep It Fun.
Between this trip and the last, I kind of framed it up as more of a game of exploring the mountain than snowboarding. “Let’s go and check out that snowcat”, “Oh, there is a new snow blower over there!”, or “Oh, I think I saw a yeti!” Each time it’s kind of an excuse to get them to ride somewhere else.
Keep a Steady Stream of Snacks.
On this trip, with the mountain restaurants closed, it's actually been really good for us as it’s meant we just go up and ride and then have snacks on the chairlift or somewhere sitting in the sun.
Listen.
We all know the difference in our kids between a “I don’t want to do this” versus a “I really can’t do this.” Today, Lenny had a really big scorpion slam and that took him out for the day. Some days you have to assess when it’s time to just hit the hot chocolate and head home, and that’s a totally good solution too.
Look for Easy Starts.
With resorts being so quiet, it's been amazing, so the kids don’t get scared by people whizzing by them.
Also, try and find nice blue runs that can help kids go from edge to edge, as that’s likely the hardest thing getting them off their heel edge. Some resorts are now building fun slopes too, which have things for kids to ride through, high-five, and bonk. It’s such a great way for them to ride without having to think about the actual snowboarding itself.
Get Organised.
The number one struggle I always find is trying to get a family on the hill with all of their stuff that they need.
Helmets, gloves, neck gaiters, goggles, sunscreen – the list is kind of endless.
To make this easier on me (as I know no one else will think of this) is to have a Roamer Pro 50L Split duffel ready with everything to go in the car or to the lift. I find it big enough for the kids' boots, all the other stuff they need above, and I can keep it all in one place. You don’t want to be that guy dragging tired kids, dropping stuff all along the way to the lift, so I keep it all in one place.
The one thing I have used repeatedly also is the MDXONE backpack to teach the kids to ride. It's like a leash for their back which is a life saver and a dad-approved back saver.
When I get on the hill, I really like a slim profile backpack so I either use the Db Snow Pro Vest which is amazing because of all the pockets everywhere (which means bribing kids with snacks is super easy) or the Snow Pro Backpack 25L if I need more space for extra layers or jackets.
Be Present.
The thing that I love about snowboarding, and this is something I am trying to take into everyday life, is that when you’re on a chairlift, you are there. No iPads, phone calls, distractions – just you looking at snowcats, eating snacks, and watching people ride by. I need to remember these chairlift rides when I’m making dinner while on the phone and parenting – not the greatest combo.
Get Hyped!
One of the things I loved to do growing up was watch snowboard videos, turns out our kids are the same, they love it. Good music is a perfect, fun way to get ready for the hill!
Get Stuck In.
For sure you could hire an instructor. For sure you could start them skiing, but chances are if you got this far, you love snowboarding anyways and know roughly which edge to start on (heel edge).
I was fortunate enough to have an amazing powder day this morning: blue skies, fresh snow. I came down at 12 to get my son, and we spent the afternoon on the bunny hill, and he got both his turns linked. Guess which part of my day will stay with me forever?
100% those turns he did. I was trying to keep it chill on the slope, but inside I was screaming with delight for my dude as he’s off on his own now, and I will be chasing him from here on out, and I couldn’t be happier.
Of course you could put them into ski school, but sharing those moments when they learn are priceless for me, and I’m sure they will be for you too.
Considering Kids Snowboarding Lessons?
If you do want to put them in for lessons (I did think about it to get him onto his toe side turn, but we managed to get through), just choose a proper snowboard school. A few examples off the top of my head include the Mint Snowboard School in Morzine (Avoriaz), The LAAX School, and the Hotzone Snowboard School in Gerlos.
Final Thoughts.
I hope these tips help. As I say, keep an eye out for kid-friendly resorts, and if you see other parents with kids learning either at the hill or online, reach out and give them a huge high-five!
Follow me on @jonathan_weaver to watch our progress!