Tips for Skiing with Kids Who are New to the Sport

Though it is the end of March and ski season is wrapping up in 90 percent of the United States, believe it or not, now is the time to start planning next ski season.  Especially if you’re planning to take a family.  Skiing on a budget requires planning a year in advance and below you’ll find my tips and tricks for skiing as a family within your budget.

Teaching Kids to Ski On Your Own

My husband and I learned to ski late.  Each of us were 25 years old and started with snowboarding. We transitioned to skiing and now enjoy both.  We exclusively skied at small resorts less than a three hour drive from our home in Washington, DC and committed to teaching our kids on the bunny hill for about six years at those local ski hills before we took a big trip.  We taught each of our three kids starting at the age of two by walking up and down the bunny hill with them.  I did not use skis on the bunny hill until year two and three of skiing for each of them which was when they were ready for the chairlift. They now are weekend warrior skiers who race on a Slalom and Giant Slalom ski racing team in Pennsylvania.  With that expense as our priority for the ski season budget for the past five years, we have since found ways to plan ski vacations at large resorts in the United States that are affordable and wonderful.

Non-Rental Items for Complete Beginners

While the kids were learning, we relied on this awesome item to help the kids move off the bunny hill quickly.  A ski harness is a must.  You may never use the straps to keep them close while on the trail, but the handle on the top is very helpful with picking up learners after an occasional fall and they’re even better for lifting them easily to sit on the chairlift.  In addition, they’re very compact and Perfect for packing a favorite snack before heading out.  The one we used is linked here: https://amzn.to/41OYaIs

Another item that was used for our third child was an edgie wedgie.  This small and simple bungee clips on to the front of beginning skiers’ skis to help keep them in the wedge position.   We wanted our youngest to progress to independent skiing at a faster pace and this tool helped give him confidence.  When it was time to say “goodbye” to the wedgie, I simply “forgot it” one day and it took about 2 days for him to make adjustments and gain muscle memory to hold his own wedge while skiing.  https://amzn.to/4crkN9L

Having a Positive Attitude

The things that helped our family most in the early years of skiing were keeping it fun, finding friends along the way, and focusing on turning.  They did not leave the bunny hill until they could turn in a wedge and stop on their own.  

Though teaching your own kids to ski takes time and financial commitment, if you plan ahead and put in about 5-7 day trips a year, the kids will catch on quick.  

Start Prepping for Next Winter the Spring Before.

Companies like Vail, Indy, and Ikon release their season passes for the following season at the end of March the year before. As you prepare for warmer temperatures at the end of winter, you might not be thinking ahead to next winter, but this is when you’ll find the absolute best deals.  Some individual resorts end their deals quickly (think a flash sale) while others run their best prices through early fall.  

The best value I have found is the Epic Day Pass.  You can buy up to seven days, and if you are on the east coast like we are, you can ski in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire for $24 a child and $45 an adult.  If kids can ski for the price of a movie, why not invest in a few days?

Best Way to Get Gear

Just like season passes and lift tickets, the best time to start looking for jackets, helmets, skis, and base layers is the summer before the next season.  

Skis

~Great sites to find brand new, but previous season skis, bindings, and snowboards are Evo, Level Nine Sports, and Ski Essentials.  

~Local ski shops will have last year’s inventory deeply discounted during summer months.

~Starting in fall, ski swaps are the best way to get kids’ skis close to the start of the ski season.  We have found our children ski and snowboard set ups for less than the price to rent!  They are held at different locations.  Ski shops, high schools, and even some local resorts will hold them in late fall.  I suggest googling ski swaps in your area for specific dates and locations in early fall.

*Boots should be purchased as close to the season as possible, because they are the one item in a set up that requires a perfect fit. 

Amazon will also have great ski jackets and pants on sale in the offseason.  You can find Obermyer, Helly Hanson, Columbia, ect on deep sales in certain sizes as they unload inventory.  Here is a great example of a coat we love: https://amzn.to/3RlZX1A 

Below is my post about planning now for 2026!

Check out my skiing page for ski content!

Get out there, 

Meghan