7 Disadvantages To Skiing With Your Kids: You've Been Warned
Don’t get me wrong, I was happy doing what I was doing. Skiing with my young kids was time I knew would fly by, those seasons blowing out as quickly as they blew in… and they did! But if I’m being fully honest, I thought it meant I had reached my maximum skill level as a skier and was maybe even regressing… ALL THOSE HOURS spent in a pizza changes your muscle memory. Doesn’t it?
The disadvantages of skiing with my kids had surely muted my skills…
They demanded patience
In the beginning, it was never easy. My children and the mountains had their own agenda and mine did not matter. Patience most definitely became a virtue. If you’re teaching your own kids to ski, you know exactly what I mean.
Lucky for me, that patience carried into my skiing and I found myself being more patient in my turns, more patient in the powder, and even maybe a little more patient in line.
Their fears (and mine) came Up
I always thought I was pretty courageous until I took my kids skiing. So many fears came up, while out on the mountain, for both them and me. The joy of skiing helped us find ways to work together, to problem solve and face our fears, building risk management habits that will help keep us safe for a lifetime.
Lucky for me, that courage carried into my own and I found myself becoming much more aggressive in my movements, building up more pressure and carving much harder turns. As a result I became much more in control of my speed, using a variety of turn shapes, on a variety of terrain.
They just wanted to play
Lil’ rippers turn into playful mountain critters so teaching my kids to ski, has required I engage in a lot of play. As I gave them the reigns and dared to follow their lead, I skied lines I never thought to ski before, explored more tree trails than I thought could ever exist, all while encouraging me to make my own tracks… because it’s way more fun!
Lucky for me, I learned to utilize the mountain terrain differently. I had always skied a pretty straight and narrow line. Mostly on-piste. Always following tracks, skiing what had already been skied before me. Picking a line is playful now, not work, not stress. I see so many possibilities, I wonder how playful I can be.
They continuously challenged me
Last season my 12-year-old leaned against me on the chair lift and whispered, “Mom, I want you to ski one thing today that scares you”. Just 10 minutes later he had me hitting my first ever, cliff drop, at 45 years old… who would have thunk it! In the beginning it was me challenging them but as soon as they had control over where their skis could go… they began to challenge me instead.
Lucky for me, the challenges kept coming as I heard, “follow me mom” or “hit that mom” or “let's drop in here mom!” The confidence I have gained from being consistently challenged to step outside my comfort zone and drop into terrain I would have NEVER attempted before.
They complained about their Gear
I remember the years that I could care less about the state of my gear. But with children in tow, I quickly learned that there IS such a thing as bad weather… when you have bad clothing. I would work so hard to get them all out on the hill… but, if I didn’t make sure they were geared up properly all that work was for nothing and our day could end as quickly as it started.
Lucky for me, bringing up three lil’ rippers educated me about the benefits of investing in good gear. I’ve become a master at outfitting on a budget. The weather never stops any of us now.
They made me question my Sanity
I use to wonder, at times, if all the work was worth it? Season after season, the challenges of getting three kids to the mountain and teaching them all to ski, so often seemed bigger than the reward. As they grew and things got busier and more expensive I continued to wonder if we were sane!
Lucky for me, children grow up, and consistency DOES pays off. There’s a satisfaction that comes over me now when I’m skiing with my family, it’s such a great feeling, I seek it as often as I can get it. I like to think it’s the quality time together, mixed with the fresh air, boosted by the benefits of getting exercise in nature. But, maybe it’s just the realization that all the hard work WAS every bit worth it.
They expected me to be a role model
I use to not wear a helmet. Even several years after I expected my children to wear helmets… I still did not wear one myself. I grew up without them. They seemed strange, uncomfortable, maybe even unnecessary?
Lucky for me, children are a reflection of their parents and it didn’t take long before their questions arose. In an attempt to remain a good role model I invested in my first helmet. I’ve never looked back. I’m a smarter skier now.