Equipment advice needed for children skiing

Hello,
I am taking my son skiing for the first time. He is 3 1/2 but very small due to being very ill over the years. His shoe size is 5 (UK toddler size) and after checking with the resort they don't have rental sizes this small. I have been on the net and so far been unsuccessful. Now I have come across 'mini-skis' for small children but no mention of boots. Can anyone advise me the 'drill' for small children skiing. He is 84cm tall. Help would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.

Hi there

Dont know if this will help but I recently browsed a website called austrian-adventures.com advertising a chalet run by an English couple. In their photo gallery is a picture of their 21month old son learning to ski complete with mini skis and boots maybe you could email them and see if they can give you some info.

Also if you are going with a tour operator why not see if you could get the resort rep to source them from a larger resort if there is one nearby.

This is entirely a guess, but at that age and size, can you not get skis for him that will strap on ordinary boots? For example http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kids-childs-toddler-baby-ski-set-and-poles,-70cm_W0QQitemZ130185462380QQcmdZViewItem I doubt that a wee kiddie like that needs actual ski boots and release bindings (if the fall they just roll!), but I emphasise this is just a suggestion to look into. I have never taught anyone younger than 5 and my new granddaughter is only 6 months so I don't have any actual knowledge

Colin's suggestion is an excellent one.
I started my boys at 2 years old and used hiking boots as ski boots and used skis in which the boots are "strapped on"! If you do this get a ski bra, which is essentially an ellastic tube with two clamps which are screed on to ski tips!

Also remember that for a young child one hour is maximum time to ski!
May I suggest you first let him juts walk about and slide down a very easy slope!

Then place boy between your legs and hold him up by holding his shoulders.

Then move to having a ski pole placed horizontally in front of him while he is between your legs!

I am of course assuming you can ski! If not get instructor or friend!

At end a nice warm coco and chocolate bar would help!

After "sleeping on it" I feel all parents must understand that they must think like their children when sking at young age ( 2-4 years old)!

Most children will not do a complete day of skiing at 2-4 years old!

Most children have a short attention span so more than 2 hours on skis becomes a "negative" experiance!

Most children do not have all the muscular developement to do an all day ski session!

Most children will remember the "feeling" the emotive experience of skiing when they "grow up"! That is what parents must consider! That is what will motivate a person to ski!

If this is a first experience, start with short sessions of 30 minutes with just walking around on skis! Just that is quite a challeneg even for some adults!

Then learn to climb up hill! To set edges while standing! Some adults have not mastered this,,juts witness how many slide down sideways on slope!

The learn how to fall down correctly! Yes there is a correct technique in falling down!

Then teach basic rules in skiing! There is a man who is suing an 8 year old boy who hit him, because boy did not respect skiing rules ( according to man)!How do you do this? Explain basic rules, (that many adults do not know) such as; where to stop, how to avoid "others", etc...


Notice we have not yet gone up hill and skied down! It is the reponsibility of every parent to "prepare" children to the ski experience!

Please do not just rent skis and go up chair right away with child! If you do not know rules or ski techniques please get a knowledgeable person to help!

I see so many parents "teaching" their child all sorts of wrong "attitudes" and ski techniques that will take a lifetime to erase!You allow another adult to teach your child how to read, do math,,then why not allow another "teacher" also introduce the great sport to your child! You will have a better holiday and your child will have such a positive feeling about this sport that when you will be 90 he/she will take the time to help you get into your ski boots!

Hope this helps you !

I had the same problem with my Daughter a couple of years ago. I bought the mini skis from my local ski shop. They usually do them in three sizes 50cm / 60cm and 70cm. They should be chest height. They have straps which fit to normal snowboots / walking boots.

you could try something like these.... http://www.luckybums.com/Snow%20Kids%20Skis.htm

they just clip onto you childs snow boots?!