Skiers come in! Family ski trip questions

[sunshineandpinot]

We are looking very seriously at taking our girls (4 and 7) skiing in Canada (Sunshine Village) for spring break. They have never skied (dd#2 has never even seen snow.) I grew up skiing once a year.  I'm decent but have not skied since 2001. (oh my gosh I'm old.) Dh has never skied. He's super athletic and things like this come very naturally to him.  We're both in pretty good shape and work out very regularly. Girls are also athletic and fairly coordinated for their ages. 

Growing up, I just remember skiing being a lot of work, and I was just in charge of myself. Granted, we skied hard from the moment the lifts opened to when they closed. 
They both have ski bibs and snow boots. I'll have to get the rest, maybe borrow. 
I have a friend who can loan me everything I will need. 
I can probably borrow for dh as well. 

We will drop girls in ski school the entire time. We're thinking we'll be gone 5 nights, which is 4 days. I was thinking we'd ski 3 days. 

I will want to take a refresher lesson. Dh SWEARS he does NOT need a lesson and will teach himself. Part of me wants to watch that train wreck take place. The other part of me wants to insist on a lesson, even if private. 

What else do I need to think about?  We'd be flying.  Not sure if we're staying in a condo type place or a hotel. This sounds fun but not at all relaxing

[momin2013]

All I have to say is I'm probably a "slightly below average" skier and I've never taken a lesson in my life. I really did just sort of figure it out on my own. That said, I'm nowhere near confident enough to go down the "big hills".

The last time I skiied was pre-DS, and I always started out on the small starter hill and could manage the medium hills by mid-day or so.

Don't forget you'll be able to rent basically everything ski-related (boots, skis, poles and helmets), so with your outerwear, boots, snd a good pair of winter gloves for everyone, you should be all set.

Oh, and don't forget your bathing suits for when you want to thaw out later in the hot springs. 

[momin2013]

Oh, and there's a place in Banff where I got the best fudge I've ever eaten in my life. 

[carfar]

Personally, I'd want a lesson, but if he wants to just try, I'd let him try. I feel like it really is a very different type of movement to learn than anything else, and he'd probably get proficient faster with a lesson, even if he can completely teach himself.  A lot of skiing is confidence, though, and I'm a scardy cat and even though I could maybe do tougher runs than I do, I'm scared by big hills, so if he's confident, he's conquered, maybe 60% of the equation. 

[steamboat185]

We ski a lot- almost every weekend and DD is learning to ski now at 2.5. Take a lesson! Skiing has changed a lot since 2001 and it is much easier. If you just are on groomers it doesn't require much muscle if you are doing it right. I'm an expert skier and would still love to take a woman's clinic to get better they really help!

Since you don't have your own stuff, rent as much as possible there. We always rent a condo it's nice to not have to go get breakfast every morning especially getting 4 people out of the house in time for lessons. I'd also try to get something within walking distance of ski school if possible. We rented a place really close to ski school this past weekend and it was SO nice.

[InBetweenDays]

We also ski a lot - most weekends locally and take one or two family trips to
Whistler each year. I agree with steamboat185 that skiing has changed a lot since 2001. Back then they were just introducing the shaped skis! Personally I think everyone - no matter how good you are - could benefit from a lesson occasionally. I'd look into doing a private lesson for the two of you on the first day (maybe even 1/2 day) and then taking it from there to see if you want to do more lessons or go on your own.

Few other recommendations - stop skiing before ski school ends and take advantage of some kid-free apres ski beers. Our kids no longer take lessons - they just ski with us - and I miss that down time.

I too would recommend a condo over a hotel. Especially if the condo has a drier so you can throw your wet gear in at the end of the day.

Invest in a balaclava for the kids. Even on days that is isn't super cold our kids wear them under their helmets.

Make sure your ski boots are comfortable. I think boots are more important than skis in terms of your happiness and performance.

No matter how good of shape you are in it can be difficult to get into "ski shape" without actually skiing. Be ready for your quads to burn, and call it a day before you get too tired. It's often the last run of the day where people are injured. One of our local hospitals has signs at the ski area that say "We're located just 30-minutes from 'One last run'"

Make sure your hotel/condo has a hot tub to help those tired quads.

Have fun! I'd love to hear what you think of the resort. We're going back up to Whistler for Spring Break and are considering doing some days there and then going to the Banff area (but H wants to stay in one place).

[steamboat185]

Another thing, make sure everyone has good ski socks! They are really important to having a good day. I love Smartwool, but any decent brand will be ok. You want to make sure they fit comfortably with no wrinkles anywhere below the boot line and that they aren't cutting off circulation at the calf.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

- ski lessons for everyone
- pay to check your skis/boots/poles with the valet, if it is available
- agree with condo over hotel
- I'd think about leaving the first day for acclimating to the altitude if you aren't used to it instead of skiing
- I prefer to have two pairs of gloves so that I can change them at lunch
- if you think this will be something you want to continue, I'd suggest buying the helmets. We seasonaly rent the kids' skis and will buy their helmets as needed. I wouldn't buy them a used bike helmet, so I won't rent a ski helmet.
- don't forget that everyone needs way more water than you would ever think

[Marmee]

I'd rent equipment for sure vs. buying/borrowing it & lugging it there Xs 4. I'd take a refresher, but my H is a grown man and if he wanted to learn the hard way, he can go for it. Have fun falling! My 6.5yr old tires out by lunch and basically plays in the snow for the afternoon in full day lessons...still worth it to me! Lol. Drink water, buy googles, wear sunscreen, buy ski socks & a base layer. I prefer condos or suites because on vacation I do not want to share a bedroom with the kids
Ski school is awesome and we can relax but it depends on a lot of factors...weather, altitude sickness, how far we have to lug the kids/equipment, etc. Have fun!

[iheartbanjos]

Definitely do lessons for everyone, and daily ski school for the kids.

Costco has kids and adults helmets and goggles right now for a great deal.

[sunshineandpinot]

@lauralynne, iheartbanjos, Marmee, thinkofthesoldiers, @kirkette, InBetweenDays, steamboat185, h, carfar, momin2013, Thanks for all the suggestions! Oh yes, I totally plan on renting equipment. I have never skied with a helmet but I actually thought they were mandatory now. Yes, we'll all be wearing helmets. I do plan on taking a lesson, just 1/2 day. Not sure if I'll do private or group. I think a half day private with me and dh would be perfect. I know what I'm doing but it's been a long time. And he'll pick it up quickly I think. However, if he wants to teach himself, so be it! He's a grown man!
Awesome suggestions on good socks, gloves etc. I had forgotten about that.
Question- the ski bibs I have for the girls. Someone passed them down to me. They're in pristine condition. However, the brand is Gap Kids. Is that quality going to be pretty bad? I took that anticipating spring skiing in CO or New Mexico where it's warmer. Canada wasn't on my radar.
I am a double black diamond apres skier I am very much looking forward to that!!!

[InBetweenDays]

I agree that the bibs should be fine. Our kids' bibs are from Costco.

But I wouldn't do jeans under them. Noting cotton. I'd do a good long underwear and then fleece pants (we usually just do one layer - expedition weight long underwear - but it generally doesn't get that cold here).

Also, instill in your kids that while skiing they never walk by a bathroom without using it. If they suddenly need to go on the hill it can be a struggle to get the whole group to a bathroom in time.

Sent from my SM-G920V using proboards

[sunshineandpinot]

Feb 6, 2016 11:07:38 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

I agree that the bibs should be fine. Our kids' bibs are from Costco.

But I wouldn't do jeans under them. Noting cotton. I'd do a good long underwear and then fleece pants (we usually just do one layer - expedition weight long underwear - but it generally doesn't get that cold here).

Also, instill in your kids that while skiing they never walk by a bathroom without using it. If they suddenly need to go on the hill it can be a struggle to get the whole group to a bathroom in time.

Sent from my SM-G920V using pro boards

Awesome advice, thank you. 

Can you talk to me about bathrooms again. dd#1, age 7, I'm not worried about at all. dd#2; she's 4. Fully fully p/t'd for over 2 years. However, she has a tiny bladder and most likely will need to use the restroom. Do the instructors help them at all, getting bibs off and on? This is a concern of mine bc I do remember it's a pain even as a grown adult. 

[bcarp30]

I would absolutely insist on a lesson for your DH. I can't tell you how scary/frustrating it is as someone who is in control of themselves to see someone who is not barreling straight down the mountain with no idea how to turn/stop properly or who has the right of way on a mountain.

Also ditto a ton of water and sunscreen. Have fun!!

[InBetweenDays]

Feb 6, 2016 11:14:33 GMT -5 sunshineandpinot said:

Feb 6, 2016 11:07:38 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

I agree that the bibs should be fine. Our kids' bibs are from Costco.

But I wouldn't do jeans under them. Noting cotton. I'd do a good long underwear and then fleece pants (we usually just do one layer - expedition weight long underwear - but it generally doesn't get that cold here).

Also, instill in your kids that while skiing they never walk by a bathroom without using it. If they suddenly need to go on the hill it can be a struggle to get the whole group to a bathroom in time.

Sent from my SM-G920V using pro boards

Awesome advice, thank you. 

Can you talk to me about bathrooms again. dd#1, age 7, I'm not worried about at all. dd#2; she's 4. Fully fully p/t'd for over 2 years. However, she has a tiny bladder and most likely will need to use the restroom. Do the instructors help them at all, getting bibs off and on? This is a concern of mine bc I do remember it's a pain even as a grown adult. 

I'm not entirely positive if the instructors helped them. I just asked them (we're actually in the car heading up skiing!) DS said no, DD said she doesn't remember. For their weekly local lessons I'm guessing no. For the daily lessons we did on vacation at Whistler I wouldn't be surprised if they helped somewhat with the outer layers. Would be worth asking.

Sent from my SM-G920V using proboards

[steamboat185]

Feb 6, 2016 11:14:33 GMT -5 sunshineandpinot said:

Feb 6, 2016 11:07:38 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

I agree that the bibs should be fine. Our kids' bibs are from Costco.

But I wouldn't do jeans under them. Noting cotton. I'd do a good long underwear and then fleece pants (we usually just do one layer - expedition weight long underwear - but it generally doesn't get that cold here).

Also, instill in your kids that while skiing they never walk by a bathroom without using it. If they suddenly need to go on the hill it can be a struggle to get the whole group to a bathroom in time.

Sent from my SM-G920V using pro boards

Awesome advice, thank you. 

Can you talk to me about bathrooms again. dd#1, age 7, I'm not worried about at all. dd#2; she's 4. Fully fully p/t'd for over 2 years. However, she has a tiny bladder and most likely will need to use the restroom. Do the instructors help them at all, getting bibs off and on? This is a concern of mine bc I do remember it's a pain even as a grown adult. 

I taught skiing and only worked with the 3-4 year olds. I would help the kids with their clothing as needed, but we couldn't go in the bathroom with them. We never expected them to be able to get 100% ready alone.

[atlas]

I would totally let your husband teach himself. He'll come crawling for a lesson after a run or two on the easy lift, haha.

For gloves for your kids. I LOVE these ones. These are good too. but the velco coming the whole length of the first style makes it SO easy to get on the 4-7 age range.

When I taught (4-5year olds) we had instructor helpers that would bring kids to the bathroom between our scheduled breaks, if one kid had to go, I wasn't going to stop teaching and bring in all 5 of them. I would go in with my whole class at least 4 times between 9 and 3; 10:30ish, lunch time, 1:30/1:45 ish, and then at the end of the day. We never went into the stalls with them (obviously), but I would help the girls get their ski pants unbuttoned and then back up. My boys would go with a male instructor, and I would take male instructor's girls. We had toilets for the kids that were really low so them going by themselves was never an issue.

[sagelily]

You've gotten a lot of great advice in this thread.  I'm a lurker but just wanted to add a few other ideas that weren't mentioned.  The goggles, balaclava and good quality mittens & socks are all really important in addition to the helmet.  Definitely label everything that your girls take to ski school.  Even a piece of masking tape with their names on each item will work.  It will be easier for you to find everything each afternoon when you pick them up.  

Even if you stay at or close to the mountain, you may still need to walk or take a shuttle to ski school.  If each child has her own lightweight bag they carry to ski school, it will be easier to pack up each person's things every morning and make sure you don't forget anything.  Most things in the bag are lightweight, so we get our kids (4 and 7) to each carry their own bag and we help them with their skis. We finally bought each one a ski bag this year but any lightweight backpack or duffle bag would work.      

We usually take two longer trips each year.  My 7 year old DD started lessons at 4 and she did really well with several days of full day ski school in a row.  My 4 year old DS is still a big napper and he can make it through 1 or 2 days of full day lessons, but we've found that he is happier if we sign him up for half day lessons and the other half day of childcare so he can nap and play inside.

Have a great time!  It is not the most relaxing vacation ever, but it is so much fun and the kids love it.

[mswax]

We are a skiing family. We go for 2-4 days about 6x per year. For adults, I think just start easy and go for it. Lessons are great for people who need to push past fear, but it sounds like you guys are all set there.

My kids started skiing at 1.5. They are now GREAT! The biggest things we learned:
Keep them warm (thermal tops/bottoms, balaclava, good mittens, goggles, and we do hand warmers too)
Feed them: we pack granola bars, peanut butter crackers, etc. as snacks in their pockets for them as they need it (usually around 10am and 2pm)
Enjoy it!

[sunshineandpinot]

This is all excellent advice, thank you so much! I had never heard of a balaclava but can totally see how it would help keep them toasty!! Thanks for all the input!!

[sunshineandpinot]

Another skiing question- since it's been so long, what kind of shape do I need to be in? I run 3 miles or do abt 30 min of cardio 2-3x a week and do 1 hour of body pump (high rep, low weight lifting) 3x a week. So I'm in shape. Certainly not the best shape I've been in, but decent. I can hold my own
However, if I remember correctly skiing uses muscles I probably haven't used in a decade. I've got a month to prepare. Any recommended exercises or should I just keep doing what I'm doing knowing I will hardly be able to get out of the bed next morning?

[bcarp30]

I would look at doing stuff on a bosu ball to get your knees strong. Do side to side jumps on it, jump squats, lunges, stuff like that. I bet there are some good videos on YouTube that would help with lateral moves.

[origami]

I would let your DH try a few runs before getting a lesson. My Ex-BF had never skied when we went but was very athletic like your DH and he picked it up so fast no one would've known he was a beginner. If there's a chance the lessons would fill up then I'd make him sign up in advance though.

[InBetweenDays]

If you want to switch up your exercises I'd say do squats, lunges, side lunges, jump squats, core work (planks, side planks, etc), etc.

Sent from my SM-G920V using proboards

[4speedy]

Your DH probably doesn't NEED a lesson. He'll spend the whole trip figuring it out but he'll be fine a won'the kill himself. But if he takes an hour long lesson as soon as you arrive, he'll figure it out faster and move on to more advanced hills, quicker. He'll get to the part where skiing is actually fun much faster.

If he refuses a lesson, make sure he doesn't "figure it out" on the intermediate and advanced hills. While he could safely get himself down those hills by inching his way down, he will be a danger to other skiers if he's blocking the path or cutting them off because he's out of control.