6 Reasons to Start Skiing Early: Benefits for Kids and Families
People often ask when their kids should start skiing. Why start skiing early?
For us, our oldest girls started lessons at four, but since we were eager to start taking family ski trips, our third was on skis at two. Now, as a 6-yr-old, she’s fearless on the slopes (and in life).
But don’t just take it from me, here’s six research-based reasons to start your kids early based on a 2019 study, The Potential Health Benefits from Downhill Skiing.
1. Self-Confidence
Skiing can be challenging, especially for young children. When we master something hard, we feel proud and confident. Learning to ski also means learning to overcome fears and face challenges head-on. The confidence gained on the slopes often translates into better self-esteem in other areas of life. Research has shown that people who ski or snowboard are likely to have favorable psychological effects, which can be linked to overall well-being.
2. Better Coordination and Balance
On the slopes, kids must learn coordination and maintain balance. Researchers found that skiing significantly improves balance in children by requiring them to constantly maintain equilibrium on a slippery surface, thereby strengthening muscles and enhancing coordination across various body parts, particularly in the legs and core, which are crucial for maintaining balance on uneven terrain. This is especially beneficial for young children who are still developing motor skills. What’s best, these benefits transfer off the slopes and can help in other sports, too.
3. Improved Physical Fitness
Skiing is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups. For children, it helps build muscle strength and endurance, especially on those seemingly horizontal greens! Research shows that skiing significantly improves a child's physical fitness by enhancing their cardiovascular health, leg strength, and overall muscle engagement, making it a great full-body exercise.
4. Independence and Responsibility
Skiing also teaches children important values like independence and responsibility. Research suggests that skiing allows kids to learn crucial skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and overcoming challenges on the slopes, which translates to a greater sense of self-reliance and confidence in other areas of their lives. They also must follow safety rules, learn to be cautious, and know their own limits. We experienced this first-hand when our 12-yr-old went on a school ski club trip independently and, lo and behold, she managed to put her ski boots on all by herself!
5. Socialization
Whether going on a ski club trip with school or skiing with family, kids are socializing without devices! Studies show that skiing significantly improves a child's socialization skills by encouraging interaction with peers, promoting teamwork in group lessons, creating shared experiences on the slopes, and fostering a sense of community within the ski environment. Who doesn’t enjoy hanging out with friends après-ski?!
6. Appreciation of Nature
Lastly, what’s better than experiencing beautiful, snow-covered mountains during winter?! This connection with nature is valuable and can encourage kids to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors.
But I don’t need research to suggest that being active in nature, especially during gloomy winter, is good for my soul. I’ve experienced it. Do you agree? Drop your thoughts below!
