A day on the ski slopes can be fun for the whole family. But how do you know that your child is as safe as possible for a skiing or snowboarding adventure? While following general winter sport guidelines will help keep children safe, parents need to pay special attention to the unique needs of child skiers and riders. Careful preparation can help ensure a positive experience for all.
Equipment
Choosing equipment has grown increasingly complex, and therefore parents should look to pro shop professionals for guidance. Finding the correct fit can make or break your child’s experience - ill-fitting or improper equipment can jeopardize their safety and hamper their skills. Children tend to be drawn to the “coolest looking” gear, but parents should select children's equipment based on an honest assessment of their abilities.
For skiers, proper boot fitting is most important as it dramatically affects skills and comfort. Children tend to have flatter feet than adults, making boots hard to size. Kids can’t evaluate and give feedback on a proper fit, so some experts recommend removing the inner boot for fittings. Ski length is based on skill level and height, while poles are usually not recommended for younger children as they can inhibit learning.
Snowboards and boots have a unique fitting process based on stance and riding style. Have your child talk honestly to the ski shop pros about his or her style and abilities in order to ensure a proper fit.
Given the high cost of both skiing and riding equipment, it makes sense to either rent each year or participate in an equipment trade-in or buyback program while kids are still growing so rapidly. If you would like to purchase equipment, don’t be tempted to buy larger gear with the intention of using it for multiple seasons - “leaving room to grow” will result in the wrong fit. Never use “hand me down” equipment without a professional fitting.
A properly-sized helmet is essential for both skiing and snowboarding. It will not only keep your child safe but also keep them warm, as a majority of body heat escapes from the head. The helmet should rest just above the eyebrows in order to protect the forehead. Straps should snap securely under the chin and keep the helmet in place. Just like skis, boards and boots, a proper helmet fit is essential, so parents should consult a professional.
Clothing and Accessories
The proper ski and snowboard attire is essential for warmth and safety. Most outerwear designed for children tends to be heavier and bulkier than those meant for adults, but this does not mean that layering is not as important for kids.
The best protection against cold is multiple layers of clothing. The first layer should be “breathable” such as nylon or newer “wicking” fabrics that pull sweat away from the body and stay dry next to the skin. Cotton can get damp and then turn very cold; therefore, it should not be used against the skin but only as a second layer. Layering items would include tights, thermal or silk underwear, leggings and long-sleeved t-shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters. All layers should be underneath outerwear specifically designed for winter sports, usually lined in fleece or another warm fabric covered by a waterproof shell.
Fashion trends aside, ski and snowboard outerwear can differ for functional reasons. Ski jackets tend to have a snug fit, while jackets designed for snowboarders feature vents that can be zipped open for cooling, due to the more intense upper body movement involved. Some snowboard jackets also have powder cuffs, as riders tend to spend more time with hands either in or near the snow. The proper pants for both sports need to open with either zippers or velcro below the knee to allow for large boots and bindings.
Accessories should be sized appropriately for children. A great piece for warmth is a neck “gaiter”, a fleece tube that can be pulled up to the mouth to keep cold air and snow away from the neck. Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves, but they can make it more difficult to handle equipment. Ski gloves will feature snug elastic enclosures to keep snow out, while snowboard gloves will usually feature longer cuffs for this purpose. Children’s goggles will both protect their eyes as well as cut down on solar glare off the snow, enabling them to more accurately see the trail surface.
Instruction and Safety Skills
While many parents are avid skiers, there is no substitute for a lesson with a qualified ski or board instructor. A good instructor can teach a child the proper basics in an age-appropriate manner and also impartially evaluate and correct any potential problems or bad habits. In addition, as a representative of the ski mountain, an instructor is uniquely qualified to reinforce the importance of the ski and board responsibility code. This code outlines ethics and rules of behavior common to all ski mountains. Key responsibility codes include maintaining control at all times, granting right of way to others and maintaining visibility at all times. Knowing and following these rules will dramatically reduce a child’s risk of injury.
Younger children and new skiers should always ski or ride with an adult. Older, more experienced children should ski in groups, never alone. If you decide to split up, designate set meeting times and places, and make sure kids have a watch and trail map with them. Frequent skiers may want to invest in two-way radios for communication on the mountain, as many ski areas don’t have consistent cellular phone service at the present time.
Stress for children to keep on designated trails and never venture into the woods or unmarked or roped-off areas. Always observe postings for closed trails or warning signs. Ensure that children understand the trail marking system and know which trails match their skill sets. In addition, make sure that children recognize the uniforms of the ski patrol and know that they can always approach the lift operators for help as well. Most ski areas have well organized systems for alerting parents to any problems with their children.
General Preparation
Just because it is winter doesn’t mean sunburn is not a factor. The solar glare from the snow can be more damaging than going to the beach in the summer, and should be treated with the same precautions. Children’s skin can be particularly sensitive, so skin and lip protection in a high SPF are crucial. As skin gets dry and chapped from a day outdoors, windburn also becomes a problem. Take care to moisturize exposed skin during breaks and at the end of the day in order to avoid chafing.
One point often overlooked is the importance of good nutrition and hydration. Downhill sports are intense activities, and parents should prepare their kids as they would for any day of active sports. Each day should begin with a healthy, hearty breakfast and include frequent breaks for refueling and enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
No matter what your child’s skill level, the correct gear, clothing and training can help prevent serious skiing or snowboarding accidents. Knowing that your child is well-prepared can give any parent peace of mind, and make for a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
