How to Ski and Snowboard with Your Kids
March 5th, 2026
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Skiing and snowboarding with kids is rewarding, but it isn't always easy to go about doing it. This guide is for people who skied or snowboarded before having kids and want to bring that joy to their children. It is for parents taking their kids out for the first time, returning families aiming for a better family ski trip, and multi-kid households looking to better teach kids of different ages to ski.
In this guide, we cover when and how to start skiing or snowboarding with kids, tips for planning a family-friendly trip, essential ski and snowboard gear, teaching methods, safety tips, and real-world tips from experienced families.
To give tips on skiing and snowboarding with kids, we asked four accomplished skiers and snowboarders for their tips. Some are parents who work in the ski industry. Others are former ski school instructors and outdoor education teachers. Our testers represent different ski and snowboarding geographic areas of the U.S.. Each brings their own expertise and experiences to teaching kids to ski and snowboard.
Disclaimer: Skiing is an inherently dangerous risk, especially with children. Even more important than the gear, it’s crucial to have training and education. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your kids!
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Why you should trust us
Here are the experts sharing their advice, listed alphabetically:
Chris Hrenko
Chris Hrenko is a lifelong snowboarder and skier based in Vermont with a day job in outdoor industry communications. Along with his wife and daughters (ages 3 and 7), he's been riding the highs and lows of little kid skiing for the past five seasons. He's a former snowboard instructor at Sugar Bush Resort in Vermont.
Sara Kruglinski
Sara Kruglinski is a Treeline Review snowboarding writer based in Tahoe (California and Nevada). Sara has spent over 20 years skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. A former kids' ski instructor, pro ski patroller, and SAR K-9 Handler, she usually aims for at least 50 days on the hill each year, either on skis or a board.
Stasia Stockwell
Stasia Stockwell is a long-time ski writer for Treeline Review and has been skiing since she was very young. Based in Breckinridge, Colorado, where ski season lasts almost 6 months, she skis backcountry and at the resort. She's a mom and is teaching her two-year old to ski.
Mattie Schuler
Mattie Schuler is an outdoor writer for Treeline Review covering snowboard and snow gear. Her day job is as a supervisor of two Forest School classrooms in Boulder, Colorado. Seven years ago, Mattie started this program for four-to-five-year-olds at the school she works at, after she convinced her director that it was a great idea. Since then, it has grown every season. Along with her knowledge of snowboard and outdoor equipment, she brings to this discussion an understanding of kids' developmental growth and learning.
When and how to start skiing or snowboarding with kids
Chris Hrenko shows how to get kids familiar with a snowboard.
As a former snowboard instructor, Chris Hrenko thinks it is easier to teach kids to ski first. Most kids won't want to start snowboarding until they are 5 years old.
For kids, Chris Hrenko recommends starting with strap-on skis, like Lucky Bums for kids around 18 months, using special treats like Nilla milk (vanilla-flavored milk) to make the experience fun and unique.
Treeline Review ski writer and gear tester Stasia Stockwell suggests exposing kids to the cold and snow from a young age (even before skiing).
Once they get a little bigger, she suggests using plastic skis and snowsuits, and gradually increasing their time on the slopes.
Outdoor school teacher and snowboarder Mattie Schuler emphasizes the importance of preparing kids for being dropped off for ski lessons or childcare for the first time. Kids benefit from having peers to learn from, but it can be scary being dropped off for ski school if it is their first time away from parents or loved ones.
Tips for Planning a family-friendly ski trip
Kids’ snow play areas can offer an alternative way for kids to spend time outside. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Choosing kid-friendly resorts
Chris advises planning family-friendly ski trips at resorts known for their family-friendly atmosphere, such as Cochran's in Vermont and Smugglers Notch.
Chris and Stasia agree that Utah resorts are generally very kid friendly
Chris likes small, family-run resorts that have no chair lifts and a focus on teaching kids, such as Cochrans in Vermont.
In Colorado, Stasia Stockwell suggests smaller, more affordable resorts like Arapaho Basin and Monarch Mountain, which are less crowded and more enjoyable for families.
Lessons, kids’ areas, and childcare
Mattie recommends double-checking childcare policies on potty training for both ski lessons and on-slope childcare.
She also recommends using wagons for transporting gear and giving kids a sense of ownership over their day.
Best times to travel with children
Chris recommends traveling before nap time (if your kid naps). This can help avoid meltdowns.
Essential ski and snowboard gear for kids
The author testing her son’s ski legs for the first time. Photo by Jon Stockwell
What ski gear and apparel should you invest in for your kids
Stasia advises if you're going to invest in snow gear for your kids, get good wool base layers, fleece suits with footies, and well-fitting snowsuits. Keeping kids warm and comfortable is the first step to having them love skiing and snowboarding.
As a former ski instructor, Sara emphasizes the importance of goggles and waterproof mittens to prevent snow blindness and wet hands. Many parents may think these don't matter and they are absolutely essential.
You can read more about snow gear for kids that we like in Best Kids' Snow Gear for Winter, which covers apparel like base layers, midlayers, snow suits, and hats and gloves.
For more detail on footwear in particular, see our Best Kids' Snow Boots and Winter Boots guide.
Teach kids how to layer
Mattie teaches kids layering with this infographic from National Weather Service.
Before they go skiing, get out in the snow just for fun so that they are used to wearing all of the layers.
Although aimed more for adults, the principles in our guide on What to Wear Skiing explain layering and steps to take for different conditions.
Buy big and roll sleeves up (to a limit)
Chris has found success buying gear big and rolling it up. He also recommends checking out kids' ski apparel brands that use adjustable sizing and brands like Flylow. (Disclosure: Chris works for Flylow)
However, don’t get too big! It will ruin the bottoms and hems, especially if used for everyday use as well.
Equipment to teach your kid to ski
Sara and Chris have found that it is helpful to use hula hoops, edgy wedgies, and harnesses for teaching kids to ski.
Chris has also used a pool noodle in the same way some use a hoop, and it might work better.
Chris also swears by the harness but doesn’t use the leashes.
Most edgie wedgies can be repaired with slingshot tubes.
Keep it fun
As a teacher, Mattie has found it is important to allow kids to express themselves through their gear and what they wear when they ski.
For example, kids can wear sparkly vests and tutus while skiing.
As long as you (the parent) are ok knowing it will not come out in pristine condition, it can help kids have more fun outside.
How to teach kids to ski and snowboard
Chris Hrenko shows how to ski backwards to give give kids confidence as they are learning to ski.
Ski school vs. self-teaching
Maddie recommends ski lessons over self-teaching, as kids are more likely to listen to teachers and benefit from peer influence.
Chris adds that peers can play a big role for kids learning as well.
Tips for teaching kids to ski
Sara's approach to teaching kids to ski starts with setting small goals and creating a plan to achieve them, such as leveling up on the ski hill.
Chris thinks it is important to declare victory early and not push kids too far.
Stasia says it is important to manage expectations.
Be aware of signs of overwhelm, and use snacks and hot cocoa to keep kids motivated.
Try to notice fatigue early. It’s not worth pushing it.
Making ski days enjoyable for the whole family and adapt for different ages and skill levels
Make sure kids are layered and warm enough before skiing.
Chris has found one way to get the whole family and kids of different ages to enjoy skiing together (including cousins) is to have older kids play defense and set boundaries for younger kids.
Sara says one of her favorite traditions was skiing top to bottom as a family at the end of the day. It is a shared activity that brings the family closer together.
Mattie says each kid can feel a sense of ownership in the trip through responsibility, such as making sure everyone has enough hot cocoa.
Chris says team roles can make everyone in the family feel included. Examples are skiing backwards or playing defense.
Tips for Safety, comfort, and energy management
Make sure they are warm enough
Check kids' extremities for warmth, especially hands and feet.
Be aware of the fit of boots and snowsuits.
Know your child's temperature regulation and use tools like headphones and books to help them re-regulate.
Safety tips while skiing
Teach your kids slope awareness, following rules, and not leveling up too quickly to prevent injuries.
Tools like harnesses, leashes, and pool noodles can help kids learn to ski and snowboard safely.
Some parents and ski instructors have success using harnesses, leashes, and pool noodles to teach kids.
More advanced parents who ski may want to consider skiing backwards to teach their kids (who are skiing forwards).
Common mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them)
Stasia recommends managing expectations, being aware of changes in kids' interests, and not pushing them too hard.
Mattie says overpacking or underpacking of gear is a common mistake.
Don't forget to pack tools like headphones and books to help kids re-regulate and have fun.
Real-world tips from experienced ski families
Chris advises learning to ski backwards, setting hard rules for older kids, and using team roles to make skiing more fun and manageable.
Sara emphasizes the importance of finding positives in each run and discussing improvements for the next run to keep kids motivated.
FAQ
What is the best age to start? If you are an experienced skier, many people start at age 2 or 3.
Should kids learn skiing or snowboarding first? Skiing is generally easier for kids to pick up first before snowboarding.
Is ski school worth it? Yes, as most kids learn best from teachers rather than parents and benefit from peers.
How cold is too cold? When they’re really young, they can’t talk—but can let you know they are cold or uncomfortable when they are crying. Don’t ignore that and always check to see if their hands or feet are cold, or if they’ve gotten wet anywhere. Stay cued into whether they seem to be happy. If they’re unusually quiet, or if they’re shivering, it’s time to go inside to warm up and check in. Learn more in Tips for Keeping Kids Warm and Dry in the Snow.
How much does family skiing cost? Costs vary from small, family-owned resorts in Vermont to bigger family-friend resorts in Utah. Large resorts in Colorado can be more expensive.
Building lifelong family ski traditions
A neck gaiter under the hood of a snow suit adds extra warmth and protection. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Skiing as a family is important because families need fun activities that the whole family can enjoy together. Creating positive traditions can help build those memories. Traditions start by keeping skiing fun and allowing kids to express themselves through their gear. Several of our experts look back on fond memories of skiing every weekend with her family and the benefits of creating positive traditions and having fun together. Skiing and snowboarding as a kid with your family can allow you to challenge yourself, feel comfortable outside, and build a lifelong love of the snow.
