Has anyone started their kids skiing around 2 years old? I'm curious to see if you'd have any tips, or some used equipment! My son will be two this winter and we're going to give it a try. We didn't find him skiis or boots at the tent sales this weekend. And, yes, my husband is a ski nut!
I'm glad to hear that other people have at least tried this! We'll be checking the ski swaps for equipment. If anyone comes across Dolomite mini ski boots let me know! :-)
My SIL did this with all three of her LO's and they all love to ski! My neice is going again this year and she just turned 3. They ski at Trollhaugen and I know that they have lessons for the really little ones and a very small hill for them to go on.
I would check out the local ski areas and see if they offer lessons and or a ski swap. I know my SIL got my neice some skis for I think $30.00 with the boots.
I thought of starting my daughter with skiing last winter when she was 5 and thought she was to young after checking things out. We did the tubing hill instead and that was a big enough challenge. She was barely barely able to do the tubing hill 1. because they're minumum age is 5, and it requires alot of independance and maturity.They're is rules and mannerism's and waiting in line things like that she needed to learn. She went down with me most of the night before she actually could do it herself and she's a brave tough kid.
Buckhill in Burnsville does have lessons for little one's but I believe they start at around 4 or 5 years old. They also have rental equipment you could check and see what they're smallest size is.
I personally can't see a 2 year old skiing, because they usually can't even waddle through the backyard with a snowfall. But if your husband is set on this the best of luck to you guys.
We started our daughter in Steamboat Colorados ski school last winter, she was 2 1/2. She did't like it at all. Her instructor had her going up on the magic carpet and skiing down the hill. When I noticed she was crying (15 minutes into her lesson) I pulled her out. We'll try again next year and see what happens.
As for the equipment. I would rent. Her equipment came with the lesson fee. I'm not sure of what the ski hills do here.
I would start your child. There were a lot of little ones her age in lessons that loved it.
Good luck.
My nephew got started with snowboarding at around that age (might have been 3yrs old). His dad is a snow nut as well. It will be a few years before your little one can be independent on the hill, but starting early reduces the fear level. I would call ahead about the availability of rentals in small sizes wherever you're going - you may need to rent from REI or a ski shop. Have fun!
