The discussion with kids, about skiing and safety, should happen much before reaching the slopes. Skiing is such a fun activity but there are some basic rules. Here are three essential rules that have to be stressed with the kids whom you are taking to the slopes:

1. Ski with an adult. There is no discussion about this. Someone has to be with the child and know where he/she is, at all times. Too many things can happen on the slopes and this is just basic security.

2. Wear a helmet. Even on gentle slopes, kids should become used to wearing a helmet. The sizing has to be checked at the beginning of each season. The fit has to be snug enough so that the helmet does not travel when skiing. - There are still some venues that do not require helmets. However, it is just a good idea to think along preventative lines. Your child may be safety conscious but there may be others who are not as careful.

3. Before reaching the slopes, the ‘rules of the road’ must be taught. For kids, for example, they have to know to give their friends and others on the mountain some falling distance. That means that they should not be too close and prevent a soft landing. There are other things like passing, right of way and basic rules. These ‘rules of the road’ are best taught at home. It is too distracting on the slopes to go over things such as this. It’s just much easier done at home.

Hopefully, skiing becomes a life-time sport. These fundamental safety lessons set the ground work for years and years of fun. A preventative approach on the mountain eliminates so much regret.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]skiing, kids, rules of the road, supervision, helmets, safety, prevention[/tags]