Children:

learning & equipment requirements

 
 

A child’s needs for learning and equipment requirements are different to those of an adult.

Young children should be in the care of an adult rather than an older child. If you are not skiing or snowboarding together, be sure they know where they can find you.

Clothing

Clothing can be divided into two types: insulating layers and the outer layer.

Insulating Layers

In cold weather these are the most important layers. Several thin layers that trap air and are made of material that will stay warm, even when wet, are better than a couple of thick bulky layers. The number of insulating layers you wear depends on the weather and the activity you are participating in.

Wearing thermal underwear will also help insulate against the cold. Wool is a good natural fibre and manufactured fibres such as polypropylene and fibre pile are also effective. Cotton undergarments perform poorly in cold and wet conditions.

Outer Layer

Staying dry and reducing the effects of wind chill are important. As such, your jacket and overpants should be waterproof and windproof. The outer layer also helps to insulate by trapping warm air next to the body. If you don’t have your own windproof and waterproof outer clothing you can hire them from most ski hire outlets.

It is important to wear a warm hat or helmet as significant body heat is lost from the head. Woollen or synthetic socks and gloves or mittens should also be worn. On wet days, large rubber dishwashing gloves can be worn over the top of your gloves to help to keep hands warm and dry.

Before buying clothing, seek expert advice and remember that showerproof is not the same as waterproof. Never wear jeans or cotton/vinyl gloves as these do not give adequate protection against wind, rain or snow.

Children’s Clothing/Equipment

Skis, boards, boots and bindings can be bought new or second hand but should be specifically made for children, not adapted for them. Equipment should be properly fitted by a reputable ski shop where the proper ski binding settings can be properly adjusted.

Warm, protective clothing should always be worn by children. The use of a helmet is recommended and may be mandatory at some resorts to take lessons. The advice regarding layers and materials referred to earlier apply even more so to children.

Make sure your child is able to be seen by ensuring they wear high visibility clothing bright colours and/or reflective materials.

Having a name tag in an obvious place (with ski lodge or home address and contact phone number) can help the Ski Patrol locate you should your child become lost or injured.

Ski & Boarding Lessons

Most ski and snowboarding schools provide special classes for young children. This is a great way for them to learn to ski or snowboard. They are taught by instructors who are trained to teach children and they learn to ski or snowboard with other children their own age. As they become more experienced they can become involved in the more advanced programs available at most mountains.

Child carriers & Backpacks

Children should not be piggy-backed in child carriers while skiing or boarding as there is an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite for the child. There is also an increased risk of injury to both the skier/snowboarder and the child if the skier/snowboarder falls. Child carriers are prohibited on the ski runs at some alpine resorts.