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This article presents a few skiing safety tips that will help increase the comfort and safety of children while skiing.
1. Appropriately chosen equipment and clothing
Quality ski equipment that fits children perfectly is crucial for safe skiing. Make sure that the ski boots are the right size, skis have the appropriate length, and bindings are adjusted to the current weight. Dress children according to the current weather conditions, don’t forget warm gloves, ski socks, neck warmers or balaclavas, and layer clothing. This way, you can quickly react to weather changes by adding or removing layers.
Tip for parents on ensuring quality equipment
Don’t hesitate to use the services of ski rental shops where they will readily and professionally advise you on the best equipment for your child. This approach also has an economic dimension, as purchasing new equipment every year can strain the family budget.
2. Ski helmet and protective gear
Before hitting the pistes, ensure that both you and your children have the necessary safety gear. The ski helmet is most important, it should be functional, the right size and comfortable. In Slovakia, children up to and including 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Back protector is another commonly used protective gear which protects children from serious injuries in case of collisions with other skiers or falls. Also, don’t forget ski goggles and additional reflective elements.
Tip for parents on “making” children wear helmets
Let children choose their own ski helmet that fits them well. Encourage them to design, i.e. personalise it according to their preferences using stickers or various plush animal ears. This way, you’ll ensure that if they like the helmet, they’ll be happy to wear it.
3. Riding a chairlift with a child
Every child is different, and only a parent knows best whether their little one is ready to ride a chairlift. If you’re not sure, that’s perfectly fine – you can always choose another option, such as a ski lift or a gondola lift.
Children’s safety on the slopes always comes first, so it’s important to keep them in sight and close to an adult at all times. Chairlifts are equipped with safety bars designed to pass between the child’s legs and help them sit safely throughout the entire ride.
A tip from parents for parents: With very small children, we found it works well when two adults go with them – one on each side. We lower the safety bar for the legs and the bubble as soon as possible.
4. Safe skiing – talk together
Many parents spend their energy on the ski pistes shouting instructions like “Slow down! Watch out! Be careful!” and similar. Try to shout less and teach children through specific examples how to stay safe when on the slopes. Use the time while travelling with a chairlift or a cable car or waiting in line for the lift to talk about skiing safety. Show them what constitutes safe and unsafe behaviour so they understand what you’re talking about. Regularly go through the rules and etiquette on the ski pistes (who has the right of way, how and where to stop safely, obeying signs on the pistes, etc.).
Tip for you: You can now see ski patrollers even in Slovak ski resorts. They oversee the safety of clients. Find out what the work of a ski patrol looks like in our article. Our blog summarises the most important points of the so-called White Code or piste rules which every skier should know.
5. Know the resort and agree on a meeting point in case of separation
If you decide on a specific resort, familiarise yourself with its lifts, cable cars, pistes, difficulty levels and additional infrastructure (restaurants, relaxation areas, refreshment places, fun parks, mountain rescue service centres, etc.). This will help you navigate and choose suitable pistes for your children’s skills and experience. Also, choose a safe meeting point at the beginning where your family can gather in case you get separated while skiing. Let the children show you where the meeting point is and remind them several times during the day where to come and what to do in case of emergency.
Tip for parents on helping children not to get lost
Take a photo of your children at the beginning of the day in case you get separated and need help from others to find them. It also helps to dress children in brightly coloured clothing to identify them easily. Always give children a card with basic information and contact details to keep in their pocket in case of emergency.
6. Ski together
Although it’s obvious that while skiing, you need to give space to others, skiing together has enormous benefits. If someone has a problem, there are other people around to help (this is especially important for younger children). Also, if everyone skis together, it’s easier to ensure that no one ventures onto a piste that’s beyond their abilities. Also, remember that skiing together is much more fun than being alone all day.
Tip for parents to help families stay together
At the top of the piste, choose a visible spot and agree to meet there.
7. Practice safe standing up after a fall
Falling is inevitable for children learning to ski. Make sure your children know how to stand up safely and quickly after a fall.
Tip for parents to help children learn how to stand up
If you have small children, let them practice getting up with their ski boots at home where it’s easier to learn the movements. This is one of the most important skills to teach when teaching your children to ski.
8. Know who has the right of way
Teach children that the person in front of them always has the right of way. You never know exactly where they will go next, so explain to children to give skiers in front of them enough space. This helps avoid unnecessary crisis situations.
Tip for parents on teaching children to take turns on the hill
When children are learning to ski, find areas that aren’t crowded. It’s difficult for children to think about who has the right of way when they’re concentrating hard on learning to stop and turn.
9. Follow all signs and information
It’s always tempting to dash through fresh powder or take a shortcut to the bottom of the lift. However, try to talk to children about why some areas are closed and why it’s important to respect this information and restrictions.
Tip for parents on teaching children to follow ski piste rules
If you have a child who constantly breaks the rules, talk to them about why this happens. Perhaps they’re ready for more challenging terrain and are eager to test their limits on new, more advanced parts of the mountains.
10. Know the abilities and don’t overestimate them
When skiing with children, it’s important for them to gradually understand their limits and be aware of other people’s limits. If you have a beginner child, don’t overestimate their abilities and stick to pistes that consider their experience and skills.
Tip for parents on teaching children to know their limits
When children are ready to “jump” to more challenging terrain, make sure you go with them to support them, or have another adult with them. Different types of terrain require different skills, so make sure there’s someone nearby who can help them understand what skills they need to learn.
11. Skiing under control
This is the most important thing children need to know about skiing safety. Skiers out of control are dangerous not only for themselves but also for others. Teach your children to control their speed and direction while skiing to stay safe in the mountains.
Tip for parents on teaching children to control skiing
To ensure your children have skiing under control, it’s important to master the correct skiing technique in the given terrain. If you’re not sure whether you can teach them yourselves, don’t hesitate to turn to the experts from a ski school who have extensive experience in teaching.
12. Safe skiing also includes breaks to rest
Ensure to keep the children’s “energy levels” high and plan regular breaks to rest to refresh and replenish fluids. It’s better to have several preventive breaks than to wait until the child becomes completely hungry, tired and loses energy to continue skiing.
Tip for parents on regular resting
“Coffee” breaks can serve motivate children to enjoy a sweet pastry, hot chocolate, take a short rest and recharge their batteries in warmth. Let these breaks become part of the “skiing adventure” and nice shared moments. These moments will strengthen the children’s positive feeling about skiing.
This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk
