When to start skiing with children?

The question of when to start is probably on the minds of almost every ski parent. Keep in mind that every child develops differently and that motivation also plays an important role. As a rule of thumb, the following applies:

• 2 to 3 years: At this age, it's all about getting to know the equipment and the snow through playful experiences.
• 3 to 4 years: From now on, most kids are physically and motorically ready for their first attempts on skis. This is when their muscles are sufficiently developed and their coordination is good enough to keep their balance.
• 4 to 5 years: Longer sessions (up to 2 hours) are now possible to learn to ski in a concentrated manner.

Tip: If the next generation wants to go straight onto a snowboard, the age of 6 to 7 years is recommended. This is the best time to start snowboarding as it requires better balance and coordination skills.

Please note that the ages given are rough guidelines. Deviations are possible due to individual development. So don't be disappointed if your kids aren't ready for winter sports until they're 6 or 7.

To ensure that the little winter sports lovers are safe on skis and minimise the risk of injury, certain physical requirements should be met:

• Fine motor skills: The child should be able to stand securely on their feet and walk easily without losing their balance.
• Muscles: In particular, the leg and core muscles must be strong enough.
• Coordination skills: Your kids should be able to coordinate the movements of their arms and legs.
• Stamina: At least 1-2 hours of concentrated practice must be possible – both physically and mentally.
• Sensitivity to cold: Your child has no problem with low temperatures and can withstand longer periods outside.
• Motivation: The decisive factor is the desire to ski. As soon as they see mum or dad on the slopes, they often want to try it too. But never force your child to ski! If your little one just doesn't feel like it, it's better to postpone the project for another 1 to 2 years. In the meantime, you can perhaps get them excited about winter with tobogganing and snow hiking.

Basically, if your little one likes to climb around, runs a lot and has no problems keeping their balance, there's a good chance that their first steps on skis will be crowned with success.

Another question that parents ask themselves: Should I teach the children to ski by myself or should I book a professional ski school? Both options are justified – but a ski school is often the better choice.

At the ski school, kids not only learn the right technique from the start, but often also have a lot of fun. Learning together with their age group is easier and encourages ambition in a positive way. What's more, professional ski instructors specialise in teaching children to ski in a fun and patient way. They know exactly how to motivate the little ones and which exercises make sense at which age.

Another big advantage: Most ski schools have their own practice area for kids that is specially tailored to the needs of beginners. There are extra flat and wide slopes as well as magic carpets instead of T-bar lifts, fun figures and obstacle courses. There's no hustle and bustle and your child can practise in peace.

What you should look out for when choosing a ski school:

• Group size: Maximum of 8-10 participants per group, even fewer for beginners
• Ski instructor qualifications: Specialisation in children and pedagogical training
• Own practice area: Demarcated area with magic carpets and flat runs
• Course duration: Short units; depending on age, max. 2-3 hours at a time
• Childcare: Some ski schools also offer supervision during the breaks
• Educational concept: Mascots, games and no pressure to perform make it even more fun

Would you still like to teach your child to ski yourself? This is generally possible - provided you are a confident skier and have a lot of patience. The first attempts should be made on flat, empty practice slopes, never on busy runs. It is important not to overtax your child and to prioritise fun.

Tips for exercises at the beginning:

1. Learn to carry skis: Show your child how to assemble and easily transport the skis. Independence builds confidence!
2. One-legged skiing (roller 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. Triple steps uphill: Together you take a few steps up the flat slope. This trains the leg muscles and coordination and helps your child get used to wearing the unfamiliar ski boots.
4. First ride in a squat: At the top, your child assumes the correct position: knees slightly bent, leaning forward a bit, hands on thighs. And off they go on their first short run!
5. Pizza and fries: The most important thing of all is braking! The pizza technique (ski tips together, ends apart) teaches your child to slow down and stop. With the "Fries" the skis are parallel – this is necessary for higher speeds.

Common mistakes that you should avoid:

• Choosing slopes that are too steep to begin with
• Exercising for too long without breaks
• Impatience with slow progress
• Making comparisons with other children
• Guiding the child between the legs
• Setting your own expectations too high

Whether it's ski school or self-teaching – there are a few universal rules that make the learning process much easier and more successful. We have summarised the most important tips to help you teach your child to ski with fun and without frustration:

• Fun comes first: As soon as your offspring loses interest or whinges, that's it for today. Pressure is never a motivator to keep going! Playful sessions in the snow increase children's confidence on skis.
• Short exercise sessions: A maximum of 1-2 hours at a time is completely sufficient. Children have shorter attention spans than adults.
• Praise and motivate a lot: A high-five after each successful descent works wonders! Praise is the best motivation for further progress.
• Plan regular breaks: A hot chocolate in the hut or a small Pixi book at the edge of the slope provide relaxation and new energy.
• Do not compare: Everyone learns at their own pace. Comparisons with siblings or other kids are poison for motivation.
• Stop immediately if tired: When young ski bunnies get tired, the risk of injury increases. It's better to finish earlier on such days than too late!
• Be patient: Some children take longer than others. This is perfectly normal and says nothing about their future skiing ability.
• Act as a role model: Kids learn a lot from their parents. So drive safely and in an exemplary manner yourself!
• Don't stir up fear: Don't keep talking about possible dangers, but calmly explain how to avoid them.
• Celebrate successes: At the end of the ski day, it is advisable to discuss together what worked particularly well today. This boosts self-confidence!

Pro tip: A small jelly baby or glucose in your jacket pocket can work wonders when motivation is low and give you a new boost of energy!

In addition to our tips, the right children's skis are crucial for your little one to feel comfortable and safe on the slope. But what else is part of the basic equipment? What do you need to look out for when choosing and how often do you have to change the gear? As kids in particular grow quickly, there are often new costs every season, especially at the beginning. That's why it often makes more sense to rent equipment.

Regardless of whether the gear is to be rented for a few days or for the entire season – at INTERSPORT Rent you are guaranteed to find the right option for young winter sports enthusiasts.

Important equipment components at a glance:

Complete equipment for children consists of several components that should all be harmonised:

• Children's skis: For beginners, the length of the skis should reach approximately to the chin and should never be longer than the child itself.
• 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 between the big toe and the inner boot.
• Ski helmet: An absolute must! The helmet must fit perfectly and is not supposed to wobble. This is always included free of charge with ski rental from INTERSPORT Rent.
• Ski clothing: Breathable ski jacket and ski trousers or a ski overall in combination with an onion look 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, ask about products with UV protection for sensitive eyes.
• Functional underwear: This is very important so that your child doesn't get cold and sweat is automatically wicked away from the body.
• Back protector: An optional addition for extra safety.

Also think about sun cream with a high protection factor, as the sun's rays are much stronger in the mountains than in the valley. Lip balm is also advisable for dry, chapped kid's mouths. And don't forget tissues for runny noses!

Children grow quickly and last year's ski equipment often no longer fits. Buying a complete set of equipment is expensive and rarely economical for youngsters. This is exactly where INTERSPORT Rent comes into play: With us, you can rent high-quality, perfectly maintained skis or the complete equipment at family-friendly prices.

It's also practical: If the skis don't fit or skiing ability improves faster than expected, you can easily change the equipment. Our RENTertainers will advise you on site and make sure that everything is perfectly matched.

Book now and save time!

Yes, absolutely! Skiing is an excellent full-body sport and promotes development in a variety of ways. Kids train their coordination, balance, concentration and stamina, all while having fun outside 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: Children learn to master challenges and every small success on the slope boosts their self-confidence. They 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 a skier's life. Qualified instructors have age-appropriate methods and know exactly how to motivate and introduce them to the right technique in a fun way. Practising in a group with others of the same age is often much more fun than alone with parents. The group dynamic can also have positive effects as the kids spur each other on. Another advantage: Children often listen better to ski instructors than to mum and dad! 

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

The rule of thumb for 3-year-old beginners is that the skis should reach about up to the chin or nose - i.e. about 5-10 cm shorter than their height. Smaller skis are more manoeuvrable, easier to turn and require less effort. They are perfect for the first runs! For a 3-year-old with a height of around 95-100 cm, skis with a length of 85-90 cm are recommended. Important: The skis should never be taller than the child itself. The shorter and lighter the skis, the easier it is for the child to keep their balance and make turns. Our experts at INTERSPORT Rent will be happy to help you choose the right length. You can also find more details on the ideal ski length for children in our ski size 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 their balance and place their hands on their thighs to learn the ideal position for beginners. Only when your kid can turn and brake safely should they add ski poles. You can find out more about this in our article on children skiing: with or without ski poles.

Progress depends on age, motivation, fitness and individual development. In general, however, kids get the hang of skiing easy blue slopes surprisingly quickly. Between the ages of 7 and 9, they can sometimes do it in half a day, while younger kids need 2 to 4 days of lessons to make their first turns in the snow.

There is no minimum age for skiing! The right age depends on individual development, motivation and fitness. There is also the question of whether the ski boots already fit and whether the ski school offers an appropriate group. If all other factors are fulfilled, there is nothing to stop you from introducing your offspring to their first adventures on the slopes.