Ski lessons for little ones?

I would only ask them if they wanted to. If it’s not something that interests them, then skip it and let them do the other things. If they want to learn to ski or board and your willing, then give it a go. They might enjoy doing this once a year. Once you ski, you never really forget and it’s something new learned. Being it’s only once a year is also a good thing. They might really look forward to it. It will also give you and Rachel some “chalet” time to sit by the fire and have hot chocolate. I’d let them decide as long as your willing.

PS….living in MN, I can’t even begin to imagine life without snow!! I really do love it and wouldn’t live anywhere else.

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My almost 5 year old son just got back last night from his first ski trip with his dad. His dad is a big skiier (I am not) so he's been looking forward to taking our son for years. Our son is pretty coordinated for his age, and a bit of a risk taker, and he absolutely LOVED it. But I do think it depends on the kid. Our daughter, who is 3-1/2, would not have enjoyed it at all, because for one she's too young and for another, she doesn't really enjoy physical stuff.

I think if you're all happy not skiing you can skip it.

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I live in the Bay Area like you and it seems that everyone goes skiing almost every weekend! We are a 2-3 times a year family. But you might want to get your kids familiar with skiing, because as they get older they might get invited to go with friends, or you may want to go up with another family who skies. I think if you can, it is better to start young. Not that they need to become experts this season, of course!

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We went to Tahoe a couple of years ago without our 9 mos. old...and I haven't had the experience of putting our little guy on skis yet, but I'm guessing he will be all for it by next winter. Supposedly little ones have such low centers of gravity it is pretty easy for them...and by the amount of 4 year olds that whooshed past me on every run I would say that is true. The resorts really cater to giving kids lessons and have great instructors that make it very fun for them.

A little off your question...we tried many of the resorts out there and if you and your family are beginners I would HIGHLY recommend Northstar!!!!! I was with a bunch of seasoned skiers (and I am NOT!) and they preferred Kirkwood and Squaw Valley for the challenge, but loved Northstar for the fun. None of us were too impressed with Heavenly (for a variety of reasons). Northstar is smaller and lovely and has SUCH a great laid back attitude and seemed very family friendly. They give FREE lessons, which were SO much better than the one I paid for at Heavenly. There are so many fun runs and so many fun little details, like at the bottom of the mountain they organize the racks you store your skis in by state...so you can see the variety of people there...and maybe even bump into a neighbor! The village is charming (it was being worked on while we were there...but I could see the potential!).

So that is my 2 cents...and I think your kids are at the peak age to start out and have a blast! It is an experience the they won't forget, and it is a skill that is good to know and develop over the years. I betcha you all will get the skiing bug once you get out there and want to try it at least one of the days. I wish I could have started at that age! Have fun!!!!

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Isn't skiing crazy expensive? I say skip it at least until they're asking for it.

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