If you’re wondering how to teach kids to ski, you’re in the right place! We’ve been there! We taught our kids to ski when they were just 2 and 4 years old, just toddlers!
So trust me when I say that kids are never too young to start if you feel confident, they feel safe, and you’re willing to go slow, laugh a lot, and pick them up about a thousand times.
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Family ski trips have become one of our favourite winter traditions as a family. It’s the thing that gets us outside on days when it would be so easy to stay home. It’s our way to unplug and spend family time together. Also, watching your kids ski down a hill all by themselves for the first time feels so rewarding.
This guide full of skiing basics, is everything we have learned along the way, from gear tips to teaching steps, confidence tricks, and simple ways to keep the day fun. Whether you are in Ontario like us or anywhere in the world, you can learn to enjoy skiing together.
Let’s get started!
Why Teaching Kids to Ski Is Worth It
Our kids started so young they could fit between our legs on the way down the hill. This made them feel safe and made us feel in control. They giggled the whole way down. And while it wasn’t always easy, it was so worth it.
Whether your kids are toddlers, school-aged or tweens, skiing teaches:
- Confidence
- Balance
- Independence
- Resilience
- A love for winter
- Family teamwork
And once they learn the basics? Skiing becomes a winter activity they’ll look forward to every year.
Choose the Right Place to Start (Anywhere With a Bunny Hill Works)
You don’t need a huge mountain for day one, fancy lifts or steep terrain to teach your kids to ski.
All you need is:
- A beginner slope (usually called the “bunny hill”)
- A magic carpet or easy beginner lift
- A friendly environment where kids feel comfortable
Pretty much every ski resort in the world has these. If you’re teaching your kids to ski yourself, smaller hills are often less overwhelming and less crowded.
We chose Glen Eden for our kids first ski days, and I recommend it to every family I know. If you are in Ontario, you may know it is in Milton!
Here’s why we thought it was great:
- It’s perfect for learning
- The bunny hill is wide, gentle and not intimidating
- It’s not too far from the city, so the drive is easy
- You don’t waste hours in the car
- Rentals and ski school are available
- It’s affordable
If you’re teaching your kids to ski for the first time, Glen Eden is such an easy win. It sets everyone up for success. And if you’re nervous about teaching them yourself, they have great ski instructors too.
Ski Gear Matters
One thing we learned fast is that warm kids equals happy kids. Cold kids equals meltdowns.
Before you even think about ski lessons or runs, make sure they have:
Warm Layers
Stick to the layering system:
- Base layers. All these sets on Amazon are so warm:
- Mid-layer (like fleece)
- Waterproof outer layer
Avoid cotton because it gets wet and freezes kids quickly.
Proper Ski Gloves
Good gloves make a huge difference.
Helmet
Non-negotiable. Required almost everywhere.
Goggles
Help with snow, wind, and visibility. It really makes it much more comfortable to ski with them on. Womens Goggles, Kids Goggles, Mens Goggles all found here on Amazon at reasonable prices.
Rental Skis Are Completely Fine
Especially for beginners. If you are just getting started and want to make sure they like skiing, rentals save money and stress. But if you are planning on going again, I actually prefer to own our own set of skis and ski boots. We don’t waste time lining up and trying on. Plus the cost of rentals add up quickly if you are going more than once.
Should You Teach kids to ski Yourself or Get a Lesson?
We chose to teach our own kids when they were very young, I think if you feel like a confident enough skier then it’s totally doable.
Take a Lesson If:
- You don’t ski confidently
- Your kids listen better to instructors
- You want good habits from day one
- You want less stress on yourself
Teach Them Yourself If:
- You have experience
- You’re patient
- You’re okay going slow
- You want to learn together as a family
There’s no wrong choice and many families actually choose to do both.
How to Teach Kids to Ski (Step-by-Step, Easy to Follow)
This method worked for us and works for kids of any age.
1. Start on Flat Ground
Show them how to:
- Put on skis
- Stand with balance
- Shuffle forward
- Stop safely
This helps them get comfortable before the hill.
2. Teach the “Pizza”
This is how they can brake.
Tell them to:
- Point ski tips together like a triangle pizza slice shape
- Use it to slow down or stop
This is the most important beginner skill.
3. Add the “French Fry”
When you point your skis straight, it makes you go faster.
Turn it into a fun game yelling “Pizza! French Fries! Pizza! French Fries!”
4. Ski With Them Between Your Legs (For Young Kids)
When ours were 2 and 4, this made them feel safe. I do only recommend this if you feel like a confident skier. If you are able to ski slow and stop, get on one of the little bunny hills and try!
You guide them, control the speed and they learn the feeling of sliding.
If your kids are older, skip this step, they’ll pick things up fast. Plus it gets tricky to have bigger kids skiing with you in between your legs.
5. Move to the Bunny Hill
Once they understand stopping and starting, head to the smallest slope. Keep it fun and slow. I held my ski pole sideways for them to hang on to. But if you are able to ski backwards, they can follow you down.
Don’t forget, celebrate even tiny wins!
6. Teach Turning
This is how they gain real control.
Use the pizza to turn:
- Slightly flatten the left ski to turn right
- Slightly flatten the right ski to turn left
It won’t look perfect at first but that’s okay! It takes patience.
7. Teach Them How to Get Up
This is a game changer.
Show them to:
- Roll onto their side
- Push up with hands
- Keep skis across the hill, not pointing down the hill
Kids who know how to get up feel much more confident.
8. Move to an Easy Green Run
Once they’re ready, take them to the next beginner level. We didn’t do this until their second year skiing and when they were a bit older. But when you’re all ready:
-Stick to wide, gentle slopes.
-Stop often.
-Enjoy the views
Make Skiing Fun
Kids don’t need perfection. They need FUN.
Here’s how to keep things light:
Play Games
- Follow the leader
- Slow-mo skiing
- Biggest pizza
- Wiggle turns
Games turn nerves into excitement.
Bring Snacks
Treats equals motivation. If there is a chalet, grab a hot chocolate or you can even bring a thermos and your own hot chocolate!
Take breaks whenever someone is getting frustrated, cranky or cold. It will keep your sanity too.
End While They’re Still Having Fun
It’s better to end early and happy than late and exhausted.
Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Here are a few things we learned the hard way:
❌ Starting on a big hill too soon
❌ Teaching too fast
❌ Forgetting breaks
❌ Staying out in extreme cold
❌ Expecting perfection on day one
Learning is a process and patience goes a long way.
How Long Does It Take Kids to Learn to Ski?
In my experience kids learn fast.
Most beginners, especially tweens who love excitement, adventure and are not afraid, learn the basics in one day:
- Stopping
- Turning
- Riding the beginner lift
After a few visits, they’re usually confident on green runs.
Our kids were confidently skiing greens at age 4 and older kids can pick it up if they feel ready.
You Can Teach Your Kids to Ski
If you’re nervous about teaching them, remember this:
We taught our kids at ages 2 and 4 with nothing but patience, hot chocolate, and a lot of laughs.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You don’t need fancy gear.
You don’t need a huge mountain.
You just need:
- A gentle hill
- Warm clothes
- Patience
- And a sense of humour
Winters are long, it’s so fun to be able to do an activity outside, getting fresh air and actually enjoying the weather. And trust me, watching them ski on their own for the first time is pretty amazing.
You’ve got this!!!
More Ontario destinations:
This is such a helpful post! Just as I am heading out to take my kiddos skiing this weekend!
Thank you so much! I hope you guys have a great time!