What age?
There is only one right age -- when your child wants to ski. You are flirting with disaster if you try to get your child to ski too early.

The best approach is to first get the child (at 4 years they are usually ready) enrolled in a children's instruction program at your favorite mountain. Amongst peers and under the guidance of specialist, they will learn quickly and most importantly; learn the correct techniques.

Clothing
Be sure your child is ready for the cold. A checklist follows:

• Layer clothes
• Long underwear
• Turtleneck shirt
• Warm ski socks
• Thick sweater
• Scarf if necessary
• Warm insulated pants and jacket
• Ski helmet or thick hat
• Waterproof gloves or mitts that won't fall off easily
• Good quality goggles
• Sunscreen

Ski equipment

Don't skimp on your child's equipment!

It is best to rent properly sized and serviced equipment for the rapidly growing child. Follow manufacturer's and ski shop recommendations for getting equipment checked and serviced.

Special training equipment We do not recommend the use of any training aids that attach directly to the child. If you feel the child needs a harness for safety, then you are most likely on too steep or dangerous terrain -- back off!

• Leave these difficult training techniques to trained instructors.

Instructors
Make sure you deal with competent instructors, specifically trained to teach children. Be aware that some ski areas "relegate" their poorer instructors to the children's area.

• Don't hesitate to ask the ski school regarding their selection criteria and training programs.

Terrain
Children acquire true perception of depth only in their teens. It is therefore imperative that parents exercise extreme caution when skiing with children. Keep the slopes well within the child's ability and insist on skiing slowly and always in control.

• Don't take all the fun out of it though!

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!

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