new to skiing/boarding - looking for advice please

[amieelynne]

Hi,

I came across this forum when I was looking for info and it has been great, but I have a few more questions and was hoping some of you experienced on the slopes could help me out.

I've never been on skis or a board in my life, but my 7 yr old has been asking for a couple years now to try it out so this year is the year! oh my, what have I gotten myself into?? between trying to find somewhere close, prices for lift tickets, rentals, buying needed clothing etc--it's a bit overwhelming!

What are the absolutely MUST buy items to start out? I just can't see buying the ski socks, ski gloves, ski goggles, ski hat, ski..... (you get the idea) before the first run, considering 7 yr old attention spans can last as long as the trip up the tow rope..lol. can he get away with just a ski jacket, a pair of snow pants and a pair of gloves?

what about a helmet? I have seen many places that rent them but my 17 yr old nephew, the only person I know who boards regularly, said they are not used often and it's not neccesary.

skiing or boarding?? is it easier to learn to ski first, and then change? my son really wants to learn how to board, but I have heard several of you on this forum say that it is hard. it looks like I have to break down and learn this stuff too--because I'm not the type to sit in the lodge for hours--and I have to admit I'm a bit apprehensive! lol to say the least.

and last question for now, but probably the most important...is any one place better than others for lessons/teaching? I wanted to stay somewhat local in the beginning until I know that he likes it and will continue with it. the closest places for us seem to be Blanford, Bosquet, Butternut and Jimeney Peak. any thoughts on one of those being better for beginners than others?

Thanks everyone, in advance, for your time and advice! Amy

 

[thetrailboss]

Hi,


I've never been on skis or a board in my life, but my 7 yr old has been asking for a couple years now to try it out so this year is the year! oh my, what have I gotten myself into?? between trying to find somewhere close, prices for lift tickets, rentals, buying needed clothing etc--it's a bit overwhelming!

Welcome to the sport! :beer: There are a lot of good areas that are close by and are not too expensive. Chicopee...that's near Springfield, right? Well, be sure to try Berkshire East as well as the Springfield Ski Club's place. Both are relative inexpensive and have some good stuff for novices I'm sure. Welcome to the boards as well!

What are the absolutely MUST buy items to start out? I just can't see buying the ski socks, ski gloves, ski goggles, ski hat, ski..... (you get the idea) before the first run, considering 7 yr old attention spans can last as long as the trip up the tow rope..lol. can he get away with just a ski jacket, a pair of snow pants and a pair of gloves?

Yes, those are perfect as well as a good hat. Googles...well, not on a first day. :wink: Let him get into the sport before buying too much other stuff. Use basic wool socks from Target...they'll work. If you have something other than cotton, that will help if he gets wet, but don't worry about it too much. Just for now plan on him going to go sledding...enough warm and dry stuff for a few hours. There's always the lodge.

what about a helmet? I have seen many places that rent them but my 17 yr old nephew, the only person I know who boards regularly, said they are not used often and it's not neccesary.

For a beginner, it may not be necessary, but this day and age some places may require you to rent one...for boarding, I'd say yes because he will fall alot and it could hurt :x So spend the $5 for a rental is my take on it. :wink:

skiing or boarding?? is it easier to learn to ski first, and then change? my son really wants to learn how to board, but I have heard several of you on this forum say that it is hard. it looks like I have to break down and learn this stuff too--because I'm not the type to sit in the lodge for hours--and I have to admit I'm a bit apprehensive! lol to say the least.

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite. I'd leave it up to him. Many places offer learn-to-ski/ride packages for multiple lessons. Why not try it yourself? :wink: Nowadays many young boys are going back to skiing thanks to twin-tips and parks...but boarding is still popular and fun! I personally ski myself...as a 7 year old he could pick it up after a few lessons especially with today's shaped skis. Does he ice skate at all? I ask because skiing is kind of similar to that :idea:

and last question for now, but probably the most important...is any one place better than others for lessons/teaching? I wanted to stay somewhat local in the beginning until I know that he likes it and will continue with it. the closest places for us seem to be Blanford, Bosquet, Butternut and Jimeney Peak. any thoughts on one of those being better for beginners than others?

The ones you list are excellent choices. Use whichever one has the most green terrain, best reputation regarding lessons, the closest one, and the one that gives you the best deal. :wink: I have never skied any of your choices listed...so I can't help you too much more.

Good luck! :beer:

 

[riverc0il]

What are the absolutely MUST buy items to start out? I just can't see buying the ski socks, ski gloves, ski goggles, ski hat, ski..... (you get the idea) before the first run, considering 7 yr old attention spans can last as long as the trip up the tow rope..lol. can he get away with just a ski jacket, a pair of snow pants and a pair of gloves?

you have a catch-22 with the gear situation here. on one hand, you could buy lots of gear and the kid could hate it. BUT on the other hand, if you don't buy warm gear for the kid, he/she is almost certainly going to hate being cold! i would say warm gear is very essential. the most common complaint i hear from people who had horrible first experiences was that they hated being cold. but if you have the right gear, you are almost never cold while skiing.

worst case scenerio? you buy ski pants, ski jacket, gloves, hat, and neck warmer and the kid doesn't like skiing... so now the kid has warm clothing for playing outside in the snow or sledding or some other out door sport.

you really do need a nice warm jacket. you can skimp on the ski pants and go with just thermal underwear under pants if price is a concern and you're learning in MA where it's not as cold. gloves are a must, as is a hat. helmet is not a must, especially when first learning. goggles would really help, but i ski a lot without them on (at least until i got a decent pair). ski socks are pretty important, boots don't fit right with cotton socks and they lead to cold feat and bad experiences.

tough decisions regarding gear. i say all this, yet i learned to ski when i was younger without ski pants or ski socks. pretty easy for someone that has been skiing for a while to say it is all essential, but i think the more appropriate gear you buy, the better the first few experiences will be and more likely chance of sticking with it.

skiing vs. boarding i would say let the kid do what he wants. they are benefits and drawbacks of each equipment. can always change to the other later.

how close are you to berkshire east? they have a nice beginners area and reasonable prices. i would recommend the beast if you are in western mass. but that is just personal bias any place close to home with decent rates and not a lot of crowds will work just fine.

 

[riverc0il]

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite.

having never boarded, i always thought it was the opposite. at the least, i am always impressed when i see a great boarder ripping it up... because i don't see it happen that often whereas i see a lot of master skiers tearing it up. maybe i am just not skiing the right mountains where the master boarders are at in either case, it is always fun watching someone who has mastered their equipment.

 

[Powderhound21]

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite.

having never boarded, i always thought it was the opposite. at the least, i am always impressed when i see a great boarder ripping it up... because i don't see it happen that often whereas i see a lot of master skiers tearing it up. maybe i am just not skiing the right mountains where the master boarders are at in either case, it is always fun watching someone who has mastered their equipment.

All tha shreds are at stowe rippin it up.

 

[stomachdoc]

Your 7 year old is very lucky; I wish that I was exposed to skiing at such a young age.

I have kids aged 4-9 who are all learning to ski; yes there is a lot of stuff to buy, but most of the expensive stuff you can rent, including the helmet, which most ski schools absolutely require at this point.

So, you'll have to buy the jacket, gloves, ski pants and ski socks. We had friends with slightly older kids who happily handed stuff down to us (jackets and ski pants); look around for that stuff.

As said above, you want the exposure to the cold to be comfortable, so make sure that the kid is well equipped. Helmets are generally warmer than hats. Don't forget a neck gator if its real cold or windy.

Many ski schools believe that kids should have some exposure to skis before snow-boarding. Real young kids are generally felt not to have the strength needed for boarding and start on skis; my daughter started skiing at around 5 and first got on a board at 7 years of age, so your child is in the range to get on a board if he/she wants, but I would suggest a season on skis first to learn basic balance, riding the lifts, etc.

The learn-to-ski packages are fabulous; make sure you join in too! :lol:

 

[thetrailboss]

Yes, hand-me-downs work fine as well as last year's stuff on sale now at many places...

 

[awf170]

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite.

having never boarded, i always thought it was the opposite.

I heard it from many people also. Also watching my best friend learn how to snowboard from day 1 this seems pretty accurate

 

[amieelynne]

Yes, those are perfect as well as a good hat. Googles...well, not on a first day. :wink: Let him get into the sport before buying too much other stuff. Use basic wool socks from Target...they'll work. If you have something other than cotton, that will help if he gets wet, but don't worry about it too much. Just for now plan on him going to go sledding...enough warm and dry stuff for a few hours. There's always the lodge.

thanks for the welcome and the advice. glad I don't HAVE to buy all that stuff right off the bat, I was a bit worried as I was adding up prices..lol. I have to buy a new winter coat this year anyway--so I'll just spend a bit more and get one that's meant for snow sports--worst case, even if he doesn't like the slopes he can still wear the gear outside. gloves and hat are the norm to buy every season too, so not a big deal there either. my nephew offered to look and see if he had any old gear left from when he was younger--said he knew he had at least one pair of goggles and some gloves

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite. I'd leave it up to him. Many places offer learn-to-ski/ride packages for multiple lessons. Why not try it yourself? :wink: Nowadays many young boys are going back to skiing thanks to twin-tips and parks...but boarding is still popular and fun! I personally ski myself...as a 7 year old he could pick it up after a few lessons especially with today's shaped skis. Does he ice skate at all? I ask because skiing is kind of similar to that :idea:

he doesn't ice skate, is usually a bit cautious when it comes to trying new things--kinda funny, I pointed out to him that he would be flying down a 200' mountain strapped to a piece of wood and he has no problem with that! he has started rollerblading and caught onto it very quickly. he has a good sense of balance and an interest in sports and being active--just not competitive stuff so I think this might be just what he's looking for

I was wondering what the difference between a "tow rope", "chair lift" and a "surface lift" are. three of the places I am looking at have these and I never knew there were differences, I just thought you hopped on a chair to get to the top...sometimes a J bar, right? or something like that..lol boy, do I have a lot to learn!

thanks!
Amy

 

[amieelynne]

Your 7 year old is very lucky; I wish that I was exposed to skiing at such a young age.

I have kids aged 4-9 who are all learning to ski; yes there is a lot of stuff to buy, but most of the expensive stuff you can rent, including the helmet, which most ski schools absolutely require at this point.

So, you'll have to buy the jacket, gloves, ski pants and ski socks. We had friends with slightly older kids who happily handed stuff down to us (jackets and ski pants); look around for that stuff.

As said above, you want the exposure to the cold to be comfortable, so make sure that the kid is well equipped. Helmets are generally warmer than hats. Don't forget a neck gator if its real cold or windy.

Many ski schools believe that kids should have some exposure to skis before snow-boarding. Real young kids are generally felt not to have the strength needed for boarding and start on skis; my daughter started skiing at around 5 and first got on a board at 7 years of age, so your child is in the range to get on a board if he/she wants, but I would suggest a season on skis first to learn basic balance, riding the lifts, etc.

The learn-to-ski packages are fabulous; make sure you join in too! :lol:

Thanks very much for the info, I wish I knew some others that had been into snow sports...that would make hand-me-downs available. I'll just have to look around for something that fits the bill on sale...I did see a nice "snow sport 4in1" at land's end kids that was about $100 and that's not bad, he can wear it as an everyday coat too so I don't mind paying that price.(they also had thermaskin tops and bottoms--that sounds like what he should be wearing underneath, right?) I found two different kinds of socks when I searched for ski socks, wool or some kind of synthetic--I'm assuming that I should get the synthetic because they are thinner?

I am thinking more and more that I will try it out with him, but if you should ever see a news story about a western mass woman who somehow managed to get herself stuck on the lift for 3 days straight for fear of falling--that'd be me..lol. I let my son try out just about anything that he wants to, figuring if he doesn't try he won't know if he likes it or not, but I usually stand off to the side and observe

I'm really hoping that by making him wait a year or two and still being interested in boarding that it won't go the way of the guitar and keyboard in the basement..lol. in his defense, when he got to the drum set he found his calling--he has actually played with my nephew's band as a stand in on drums at a school show

 

[riverc0il]

I have to buy a new winter coat this year anyway--so I'll just spend a bit more and get one that's meant for snow sports

you don't have to go to a ski shop to buy jackets and gloves specific to skiing. generally, gear from ski clothing companies is very expensive. so long as it is a winter jacket, glove, hat, etc. it will fit the bill getting started. as long as it is warm and comfortable it will work. you certain do not have to go out and buy a set of spyder or obermeyer or HH gear which certainly would cost a lot for a full outfit!

a chairlift is any lift you sit on that lifts the rider above the ground. tbars, jbars, rope tows, handle pulls, and magic carpets are all considered surface lifts because your skis never leave the ground. you either grab hold of something (in the case of a rope tow or handle pull) or are pulled up hill via something (tbar, jbar). it's usually best to start off on a surface lift.

 

[tirolerpeter]

New Skier

I am only familiar with Jiminy from the three that you mentioned. Age 7 is a fine time to begin. I started my oldest at about age 10, my middle child at about age 6, and my "baby girl" (now 21) at age 3. Boarding was not an option then, so I can not advise you there. I think the key is to go someplace where you can rent the gear, stay slopeside, and be able to learn yourself while your child is in lessons. At Jiminy there is a really nice learning area that has its own lift which is only a couple of feet off the ground and runs very slowly. Also, you can come and go to see how things are going very easily. Although, (and this depends on the level of independence your child has developed) it is best to stay away or at least out of sight. Jiminy has really nice lodging/learning packages and the lodging is right by the learning areas. Don't fret too much about "proper gear" as long as you have pants and gloves that can handle being wet. The trouble with eastern snow is its water content. When it is warm enough to be reasonably comfortable for a beginner, the snow tends to be rather wet. You/he will undoubtedly find yourself on the ground a bit and waterproofing is important for comfort. BTW getting "geared up" with rental equipment is a tremendous hassle if you are doing it in the morning and are jammed in with the "day-trippers." That alone can spoil your child's and your day. The process can make you feel like cattle on the way to slaughter and you will likely be dressed way too warmly and will perspire badly, and then you and he will freeze once you get outside. Go somewhere that allows you to rent all your gear the NIGHT BEFORE so that you can get dressed in comfort in your own lodging. Or, rent it all locally, take it with you, and just get the lift/lesson packages. The years I spent skiing with my children are some of my/their best life memories. Doing stuff together (whatever the activity) is the best thing to do with your kids as they grow. Of course, as soon as they master skiing (and they do advance quickly) they will want to get out and do it without you hovering. That is just the nature of kids. LOL

 

[catskills]

Lots of good advice here. A little more advice.

Look for specials deals at ski areas like Catamount's Scout day. NY State has an awesome ski 123 program, which includes rental, lift ticket, and leasons for 3 days all for under $100. Need to call the ski area ahead of time to make sure they offer it.

Kids hands and feet get cold first. The best way to keep their hands and feet warm is to make sure they have warm gloves and a warm hat and neck turtle gator which he can pull up and keep his face warm. Also hand warmers make for nice xmas stocking stuffers. If you are going to rent a helmet he may need a head, face, and neck mask. Maybe one not that expenseive but you get the idea.

Snow bib pants are a must.

Socks are tricky for ski boots. You don't want to go too thick. A real thin liner with a thicker pair maybe be best. Again a warm hat is most important for keeping the feet warm.

Make sure his boots are on the correct feet, the socks are smooth with no bumps to cut off circulation, and the boots are not too tight.

Note that I drop a lot of my kids snowpants and thermal pants that they have outgrown off at the Salvation army. At lest the ones that don't have holes in the knees. Remeber if your child is not skiing or riding he may at least spend more time outside during the winter with warm cloths. Kids clothing garage sales is another option to keep the cost down.

You can rent equipment for the season which is usaually the best option. For a beginner I would rent day to day until you are sure he likes it first.

The day before call the ski area to register him in a leason for a day with other beginner kids early in the season like early December when it is still warm. Do NOT take your child to a ski area for the first day of skiing or riding when it is a real cold day or a windy day. Try to make the first experience a good one.

He probably will not like it the first day. But after the 3rd day he will not want to stop. Good luck and keep it fun. :wink:

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

For a beginner I would rent day to day until you are sure he likes it first.

I have 3 kids and rented for the oldest on his first day, many years ago. It was a long line and aggravating experience. I vowed never to rent again for a kid and never have.

Many ski shops let you trade in equipment you buy there, so they have a large selection of used for sale.

Last year I bought a used pair of skis for my snow for $110. They gave me a $50 trsde in for his old setup. Rossi B1 Jr., great shape, used lightly one season. This season I can trade them in for 60% of the purchase price on another pair. So I'll be able to get him a similar setup for around $50 at the same shop if I want to. Same deal for boots.

 

[catskills]

I have 3 kids and rented for the oldest on his first day, many years ago. It was a long line and aggravating experience. I vowed never to rent again for a kid and never have.

This is an excellent point. One of the biggest agrevations and turns offs is the long wait to rent equipment at the ski area. If you must rent equipment at the ski area get to the ski area rental shop early like 7:30AM and go directly to the rental shop. If you can rent equipment at a local shop the day before do it.

It sounds like your son is going to stick with the sport but has not decided on skiing or boarding. Many shops rent for the season and you can trade equipment in for a different setup. Remeber they see your son and they know they can make a lot of money off you and your child over the next 10 years.

 

[Geoff]

You really don't need expensive ski clothing for a 7 year old. Just use layers and avoid cotton since it holds moisture to the skin.

For a 7 year old, mittens rather than gloves.

Many mountains have excellent programs for children.

There are probably several ski clubs nearby. They are a big source of savings. Bus to the mountain. Discounts on lift tickets. Often, discounts on lessons. Often, a yearly ski swap where you can find used junior equipment.

 

[thetrailboss]

Yes, that's right...you don't have to go to expensive to have fun. Keep it simple :wink:

 

[deadheadskier]

Well, boarding is harder to learn and easier to master while skiing is the opposite.

having never boarded, i always thought it was the opposite.

I heard it from many people also. Also watching my best friend learn how to snowboard from day 1 this seems pretty accurate

I agree whole heartedly. I've had friends whom in their second year on a board I can take them up the Chin at Stowe and ride Profanity with. I've never seen a skier pick up the sport so quickly that in their second year they're ready to tackle such demanding terrain.

 

[awf170]

I've had friends whom in their second year on a board I can take them up the Chin at Stowe and ride Profanity with. I've never seen a skier pick up the sport so quickly that in their second year they're ready to tackle such demanding terrain.

Wow that is insane... after 10 years of skiing i doubt i could ski that stuff

 

[deadheadskier]

Oh and Aimelynne, have you looked into whether or not your local school system has and after school program?

That's how I got my start. It was at Ward Hill, Mass in the second grade. It was a very reasonable deal that included rentals and lots of advice as to what children need. Also because I had classmates join me, it was much more appealing. We went one afternoon/evening a week for six weeks if I recall. At the time no one in my family had any experience in skiing except for one cousin. The second winter my parents and older brother gave it a shot with me.

That was 23 years ago and I'm a resident of Vermont today because of my love of the mountains. My folks also retired here. So, without getting into details, skiing can be a very positive life changing hobby for an entire family.

Within a year you might find yourself in need of counseling like some of us AZers