When can children learn to ski?

The question of the right time is probably on the minds of almost all ski enthusiasts who are parents. In general, most kids are physically and motorically ready for their first attempts at skiing between the ages of 3 and 4. By then, their muscles are sufficiently developed and their coordination is good enough to keep their balance on skis. When making your decision, bear in mind that every child develops differently and that motivation also plays an important role. So don't be disappointed if your loved one isn't ready for winter sports until the age of 6 or 7.

To ensure that your child is safe on skis and to minimise the risk of injury, certain physical requirements must be met:

• Stable balance: They should be able to stand securely on their feet and walk without difficulty.
• Sufficiently developed muscles: In particular, the leg and core muscles must be strong enough.
• Coordination: The movements of their arms and legs ought to be coordinated well by them.
• Stamina: They should be able to concentrate on practising for at least 1-2 hours, both physically and mentally.
• Sensitivity to cold: Your child is comfortable in cold temperatures and can stay outdoors for long periods of time.

Basically, if your loved one likes to climb around, runs a lot and has no problems keeping their balance, the chances are good that they will take their first steps on skis without any problems.

Age and physical development are important, but the desire to ski is the key. Children who are exposed to skiing and see their mom or dad on the slopes often develop a wish to try it themselves. However, never force your child to ski! If your little one is not interested, it is better to postpone the project for 1 to 2 years. The motivation will come – and until then, maybe you can get them excited about winter with sledging and snow hiking.

Another question parents ask themselves is: Should I teach my children to ski by myself or should I book a professional ski course? Both options have their merits – but often the ski school is the better choice.

At the ski school, children not only learn the right technique from the start, but often have a lot more fun. Learning is easier when they are with their peers, and their ambition is stimulated in a positive way. In addition, professional ski instructors specialise in teaching children to ski in a playful manner and with a great deal of patience. They know exactly how to motivate the little ones and which exercises are appropriate for each age groups.

Another big advantage is that most ski schools have their own practice areas with children's zones that are specially designed to meet the needs of beginners. They feature extra-flat and wide slopes, magic carpets instead of T-bar lifts, figures and obstacle courses. There is no hustle and bustle, so your child can practise in peace.

What you should look for when choosing a ski school:

• Group size: Maximum 8-10 participants per group, even less for beginners

• Qualifications of the ski instructors: Specialisation in kids and pedagogical training
• Own practice area: Bounded area with magic carpets and flat slopes
• Course duration: Short sessions; max. 2-3 hours at a time, depending on age
• Childcare: Some ski schools also offer supervision during breaks
• Educational concept: With mascots, games and no pressure to perform, it's even more fun

Still want to teach your child to ski? This is possible - as long as you are a confident skier and have a lot of patience. You should make your first attempts on flat, empty practice slopes, never on busy ones. It is important not to overwhelm your little one and to focus on having fun.

The following exercises have been proven to be effective for beginners:

1. Learning to carry skis: Show your child how to assemble and carry their skis in the easiest way possible. Independence builds confidence!

2. One-legged skiing (scooter exercise): The kids have only one ski on and push off with the other leg like on a scooter. This gives them a feel for the gliding motion.
3. Tripping steps uphill: Together, you should take a few steps up the flat slope. This trains the leg muscles and coordination and helps your child get used to wearing unfamiliar ski boots.
4. First run in a squatting position: Once at the top, your child assumes the correct position: knees slightly bent, leaning forward slightly, hands on thighs. And off they go on their first short run!
5. Pizza and chips: The most important thing of all is braking! The pizza technique (ski tips together, ends apart) teaches your child to slow down and stop. And "chips", when the skis are parallel, is necessary for higher speeds.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing slopes that are too steep for beginners

• Too long practice sessions without breaks
• Being impatient with slow progress
• Comparing them with other children
• Guiding your child between your legs
• Setting your own expectations too high

Whether you go to ski school or teach your kids yourself, there are a few universal rules that make the learning process much easier and more successful. We have summarised the most important tips so that you can introduce your child to skiing with joy and without frustration:

• Fun comes first: As soon as your child loses interest or starts whining, call it a day. Never force them to continue!
• Keep practice sessions short: A maximum of 1-2 hours at a time is perfectly adequate. Kids have a shorter attention span than adults.
• Praise and motivate them a lot: A high five after each successful run works wonders! Praise is the best motivation to keep going.
• Plan regular breaks: A hot chocolate in the hut or a little storybook at the side of the slope provide relaxation and new energy.
• Don't compare: Everyone learns at their own pace. Comparisons with siblings or other kids are poison for motivation.
• Stop immediately when tired: When young skiers get exhausted the risk of injury increases. On days like this, it's better to finish early than too late!
• Be patient: Some children need longer than others. This is perfectly normal and says nothing about their future skiing ability.
• Be a role model: Kids learn a lot from their parents. So ski safely and set a good example!
• Don't instil fear: Don't constantly talk about possible dangers but calmly explain how to avoid them.
• Celebrate successes: At the end of the day, it's a good idea to discuss together what went particularly well today. This boosts self-confidence!

Pro tip: A small gummy bear or dextrose in your pocket can work wonders when motivation is low, giving them a boost of energy!

The right children's skis are crucial for ensuring that your little ones feel comfortable and safe on the slopes. But what else is included in the basic equipment? And what do you need to look out for when choosing? Especially with kids, it often makes more sense to rent. Otherwise, you will have to incur new purchase costs every season as they grow quickly.

An overview of the most important gear

A complete set of equipment for kids consists of several components, that should be optimally coordinated:

• Children's skis: For beginners, the skis should reach approximately to the chin and never be longer than the body size.
• Ski boots: Make sure they have a hard outer shell and a soft inner boot. As a rule of thumb, there should be about 1 cm of space between the big toe and the inner boot.
• Ski helmet: Absolutely essential! The helmet must fit perfectly and must not wobble.
• Ski clothing: A breathable ski jacket and trousers or a ski suit combined with layers provide a good basis. We recommend a water column of at least 4,000 mm.
• Gloves or mittens: Choose a waterproof and warm model that protects children's hands from the cold, wet and sharp ski edges.
• Ski goggles: For the best protection from the elements, look for products with UV protection for kids’ sensitive eyes.
• Functional underwear: This is very important to keep your little one warm and wick sweat away from the body.
• Back protector: An optional piece for added safety.

Also remember to bring sunscreen with a high sun protection factor – the sun's rays are much stronger in the mountains than in the valley!

Kids grow quickly, and last year's ski equipment no longer fits. Buying a complete set is expensive – and rarely economical for children. This is where INTERSPORT Rent comes in: you can rent high-quality, perfectly maintained skis or even a complete set of equipment at family-friendly prices.

Another practical feature is that if the skis don't fit or your skiing skills improve faster than expected, you can easily exchange the equipment. Our RENTertainers will advise you on site and make sure that everything fits perfectly.

Book online now and save valuable time on your skiing holiday!

Yes, absolutely! Skiing is an excellent whole-body sport and promotes development in many ways. When skiing, kids train their coordination, balance, concentration and endurance, all in a playful way and in the fresh air. Exercise in the mountains strengthens the immune system and leg muscles, while the shared experience with the family promotes social cohesion. Particularly valuable: They learn to overcome challenges and every little success on the slope boosts their self-confidence. Kids also develop a sense of speed, risk and responsibility.

Definitely yes! A professional children's ski course is the best investment for a successful start to skiing. Qualified instructors know age-appropriate methods, exactly how to motivate their students and introduce them to the right technique in a playful way. Practising in a group with peers is often much more fun than just with the parents. In addition, group dynamics can have positive effects as the kids spur each other on. Another advantage is that they often listen better to ski instructors than to mum and dad! 

Most ski schools accept children from 3 to 4 years of age. Some even offer taster courses for 2.5-year-olds. However, it is not only age that is decisive, but also independence and attention span. Also, look for small group sizes (maximum 8 participants) and playful learning methods.

For 3-year-old beginners, the rule of thumb is that the skis should reach up to the chin or nose, which is about 5-10 cm shorter than the child's height. Smaller skis are more maneuverable, easier to turn and require less effort - perfect for those first turns! For a 3-year-old who is about 95-100 cm tall, skis that are 85-90 cm long are ideal. Important: The skis should never be longer than the kid. The shorter and lighter the skis, the easier it is for your little one to balance and turn. Our experts at INTERSPORT Rent will be happy to help you find the perfect model. For more details on the ideal ski length for children, check out our ski sizing guide.

No, poles are more of a hindrance in the beginning! Kids should focus on proper position and footwork first. Without poles, it is easier to keep the balance and place their hands on the thighs to learn the ideal position for beginners. Only when your child is confident turning and braking should they start using poles. Read more about this in our article: kids skiing with or without poles.