What is a good age to start skiing?

The right age to start skiing depends greatly on your family. However, choosing a good age to start skiing is key to a successful ski holiday.

First, you must consider the temperament of your child. Are they timid, or do they enjoy new experiences and challenges?

Second, how much skiing does your family plan to do as your child grows up?

What’s a good age to start skiing?

Children can learn to ski as soon as they are able to walk. If you plan to continue skiing as your children grow up, it’s best to start them off early. However, if your family will only ski occasionally, the best time for your children to learn is between the ages of 4 and 6.

Read on to learn more about what age is right for your child to begin skiing.

The youngest age a child can learn to ski

Many avid skiers agree that children can learn to ski as soon as they are able to walk.

The earlier they gain confidence in the snow, the better the foundation they have for a lifetime of skiing. Very young children can take to skiing effortlessly, whereas older children may be timid and allow the fear of falling to limit their progression.

However, not all ski fields are equipped to teach very young children.

Toddlers learning to ski will need private instruction combined with childcare, as they will tire easily.

If your family only skis once every few years, it might not be worth introducing your child to skiing at such a young age. Since they won’t remember the experience, it could be best to choose a ski field that provides the right terrain and programs for the rest of the family. Regular childcare programs will take good care of your child while the rest of the family skis.

However, if you are avid skiers and wish to foster the same love of winter sports in your children, choose the ski field that will best introduce them to skiing at a young age.

Can an 18-month-old ski?

With individual instruction, a child as young as 18 months can begin skiing. However, most ski fields in New Zealand do not offer ski lessons for 18-month-olds. Cardrona Alpine Resort is the best ski field for families with young children.

The best age for casual skiers to learn

If your family only skis occasionally, the perfect time for your children to begin learning is between the ages of 4 and 6.

Most ski fields offer lessons for children ages 4 and up. This means you have the flexibility to choose your ski destination based on the experience the rest of your family is after.

4-year-olds are generally encouraged to join group lessons only if they are sociable and eager to learn new skills. On the other hand, most 5- and 6-year-olds will enjoy group lessons.

Group sizes are very small, ensuring plenty of personal attention from the instructor.

For younger children, lesson times are kept shorter, and often combined with snow play and indoor activities.

What if my child is older than 6?

Most ski fields divide lessons between both age and ability. Even if your child is older than 5 or 6, they will be in good company.

Beginner lessons for older children are more active and exciting. As with younger children, the groups are kept small to ensure personal attention and engagement.

Older children can usually participate in a multi-day learn-to-ski course, which helps them progress quickly. They are accompanied by the same peers each day.

If your entire family is learning to ski together, private lessons can be a good option if you have teens. However, children generally learn faster than adults, so splitting the family into adult and child lessons will almost always be more effective. Just leave enough free time to practice your skills together after each day’s lessons!

Should a child learn to ski or snowboard first?

Snowboarding lessons are only available for older children. In general, skiing is easier to learn. We recommend children ski first to gain confidence on the snow before trying out snowboarding.