Skiing With Kids
As a parent to two children (aged 3 and 6) there are many decisions to make about skiing with kids and the family. Over the course of the winter we’ll be writing a number of short articles looking at various aspects of skiing with the family. Let’s look firstly at some of the decisions you have to make when planning a ski trip with your kids:
1. Should we go skiing?
Well, that is a big question! Let’s be honest - it’s not easy going skiing with kids, especially when they are young. What is supposed to be a “fun family holiday” could potentially turn into a nightmare, for parents at least. The good news is that with the right knowledge and preparation it can be fun and incredibly rewarding. I think also, in an age where kids spend increasing amounts of time on computers or in front of the TV, skiing represents an opportunity to get outdoors. Furthermore, it is a sport where kids can progress at their own pace, while always having fun, and in no time at all they will be skiing independently of you. Simply fantastic!
2. At what age can they start?
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3. What sort of lifts are best?
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- Magic carpet or ski mat – these are like a conveyer belt on snow and are really easy for beginners.
- Rope tow – less common these days, rope tows typically have a handle or you just grab the rope and get pulled up the slope. After the first couple of goes they are pretty easy.
- Platter or Poma – standing up, you put a pole between your legs and get pulled up the slope. Easy and popular lifts.
- Chairlift – by far the easiest, although less common on beginner areas. Sit on the chair and get whisked to the top!
So which lift is best? Magic carpets are the easiest to start on but once the kids have those mastered in the first day or less, they’ll move on up the list fairly quickly.
4. Where should we go?
Well there’s another big question! There are many different types of ski areas in New Zealand ranging from large commercial areas such as Mt Hutt, to smaller commercial areas such as Porters, and then down to club fields like Broken River. All offer beginner facilities of some sort (which is what your kids will need) and most will hire ski gear. However, there are significant differences and costs between the fields. When selecting your ski area you need to consider a number of factors that may make or break your day, such as:
- Cost: Which one offers the best value? (see below)
- How do I get there? Shuttle or take your own car? Some roads are easier than others.
- Lifts: Magic carpets are best for first timers, but they soon move off them.
- Terrain: What is safest, or offers the best progression?
- Child friendly facilities: Some areas are definitely better than others.
- Car parking: Will I be miles away from my car when I need stuff?
So here’s a very quick (and not very scientific) overview of a handful of New Zealand ski areas:
- Whakapapa and Turoa – the largest North Island ski areas, both very well equipped for kids and beginners.
- Mt Lyford – in North Canterbury, Lyford is a great place for families and kids. They have a great cafe and learner areas and a car park that is easily accessible from the mountain.
- Porters – the closest ski area to Christchurch with a ski mat and great platter lift. The road is easy, there is a free shuttle from the bottom, and parking is close to the area. Also there is a great new cafe.
- Mt Hutt – a good ski mat and easy terrain for first timers. A big cafe, parking is (normally) reasonably easy and close to the base area. However, it is a long drive up, chains are more likely to be required, and it is more expensive than many smaller areas. Children aged 6 and under get free lift tickets and discounted rental, and they have full day programmes for children aged 2 years to 17 years old.
- Dobson – another smaller area, Dobson has great slopes and lifts for kids. It’s also one of the cheaper areas to ski at, and has good car parking.
- Roundhill – without question Roundhill is the best place for young kids to learn. Easy road, great beginner slopes, and well priced. It’s Roundhill's speciality. And for the adults, back your car up to the platter slopes, get out the BBQ and watch them whizz by!
- Ohau - Another smaller area which offers a total family experience. Stay at the lodge and then head up skiing during the day. They have a large beginners slope with ski mat and a good platter to progress up to. The areas are a little separated, but the carpark and cafe are in between and it’s also another great BBQ spot!
- Treble Cone - TC has a reputation for being a more advanced mountain, but our experience has been brilliant for first timers. TC has a real personal approach and an excellent (small) beginners' ski mat. The best thing is that you can sit on the deck of the cafe with a latte and watch them learn!
- Cardrona - Cardrona is well known as a great place for kids. Lots of instructors and they have three magic carpets and then good progression upwards. But, it is busier than the smaller areas, you will possibly walk a long way from your car and the BBQ will have to be left at home. They do have lots of hire gear, but for young first time kids it can be daunting getting through ski hire.
- Coronet and Remarkables - Remarks is the best option if they have never skied as it’s tailormade for learners and intermediates. Coronet is good, but expect it to be busier. At Coronet, children aged 6 and under get free lift tickets and discounted rental, and at Remarkables it is aged 10 and under. They have full day programmes for children aged 3 months to 17 years old. These fields have 3 carpet lifts each, making learning for little ones easier.
5. Is it expensive?
Certainly, skiing is not the cheapest sport, but if you consider that it’s a family outing or holiday and a brilliant experience for the kids, then it’s great value. There are ways to make it cheaper, like taking your own lunch, or borrowing gear. You might also consider learning at one of the smaller areas; they are general less busy, still have good facilities, and cater really well for people doing things on a budget. Here are some example costs from the areas we’ve mentioned above:
| Area | Free Kids? | Child Pass | Kids Ski Hire | Kids learn to Ski Pack* | Creche |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whakapapa/Turoa | under 5 | $48 | $29 | $60 | Turoa, 2+ |
| Mt Lyford | under 5 | $15 | $25 | $55 | - |
| Porters | under 7 | $40 | $30 | $50 | - |
| Mt Hutt | under 7 | $48 | $36 | $150 ** | Yes, 2+ |
| Dobson | under 5 | $25 | $22 | $58 | - |
| Roundhill | under 5 | $32 | $25 | - | - |
| Ohau | under 6 | $26 | $20 | $40 | - |
| Treble Cone | under 6 | $50 | $37 | $133 ** | Yes, 3+ |
| Cardrona | under 6 | $42 | $32 | $70 | Yes, 3 months + |
| Remarkables/Coronet | under 7 | $51 | $36 | $160 ** | Yes, 2+ |
* Learn to Ski packs generally include: a beginners pass, equipment hire and a 1 or 1.5 hour lesson. These will vary a little between areas.
** Full day
If cost is an issue, you might want to check out our "Day Pass Discounts" guide.
6. Do I need to buy skis and boots?
No. All these areas offer good hire gear and it’s a good way to get the kids started. Once you become a little more serious, some areas like Whakapapa/Turoa offer season rentals and some shops will offer a guaranteed buy back. You do, however, need a few essentials:
- Waterproof jacket and ski pants (no jeans)
- A thermal layer and then skivvy/jersey before your jacket
- Warm socks
- Gloves (preferably waterproof) and warm hat
- Sun glasses or goggles and sunscreen
- Plenty of water and food
- Possibly a change of clothes for afterwards
Porters also has a good beginners' check list.
7. What about lessons?
Yes, lessons are good. Realistically however, many kids probably need to be 5 or older to get any value; after they become used to listening and learning at school. It can be useful to just have them play around initially, but a lesson will give them the jump start they need. In fact, don’t stop at one, ideally do two or three lessons on consecutive days to get them going. You won't regret it!
8. What if I can’t ski?
Well, now’s your chance! Take a lesson with them and learn as a family. If you don’t wish to then, feasibly, they could learn and you can watch from the sidelines. This would probably be fine for the first 1 – 2 years. But once they progress onto the higher lifts they will need someone to accompany them. Maybe a friend, or take those lessons yourself!
Right, so that is a lot of information to digest. Watch this space as we’ll be talking more on some aspects, such as where to ski, and we’ll also be taking a closer look at lessons and learning to ski.
See you back soon, and maybe on the slopes ;-)
