The traditional advice has been to get the kids on skis first . And there was a reason to this. Until recently, there was a huge shortage of equipment suitable for snowboarders who are just beginning their journey We know that when beginning to learn to ski or board with a poorly-fitting snowboard can make your day miserable! Luckily, Burton have solved this issue by introducing new boards and bindings that are specifically made for children’s shredders. They allow children to start their journey in the snow as young as two years old! The boards made of plastic called “Riglet” feature a retractable handle for cable that allows an instructor or parent to regulate the speed, direction, and even tow children. They’ve made to be easy to put on, using Velcro closure boots with single straps, making it easy for children to get who are 2 years old and older to the slopes and riding within a matter of minutes.
Another reason we’ve heard about waiting until the kids are older to be able to ride the board is that snowboarding is a sport that requires more muscle strength that children younger (under eight years old) do not have.
Snowboarding is an extremely natural position for young children and I think they are less prone to injury than skis (no chances of twisting legs, etc.) therefore there’s no problem when young children do not have the strength and physical endurance to board. It’s a matter of standing as normal on the board and then going straight. For the edges to be used it is once they’re ready. generally , at the age of three, the majority of children are ready to begin using the edge at the heel. It is as a matter of being and physically ready when they’re ready to grasp the benefits of turning, they can begin this process.
Each child develops and advance at their own speed both in their muscle development and skeletal development as well as their progress in the snow, so the most important thing to do is to ensure that they have fun. To make sure that is the case, here are a few essential tips for kids of all ages who are taking to the slopes for the first time, whether skiing or boarding
Top Tips for First-Timers
Let kids choose – whether they’d like to snowboard or ski isn’t a factor in the long run as long as they’re having fun.
Don’t attempt to force them to learn both trying to master both snowboarding and skiing at the same time only confuse and slow the progress of one or both sports.
Make sure to give them time on the slope in small doses . Keep the duration short and sweet, and don’t let them get tired (hot chocolate breaks are always a hit! ).
Don’t try to teach your children by at home – it’s definitely worth it to get lessons with an expert in order to help them progress faster and ensure their safety. ensure they are having enjoyable times as well (most importantly) keep a clear-cut line of communication between the family!
Make sure your kids have an extra snack for emergencies to keep inside their purses (PowderBeds suggestion… treat-sized candy bars, or boxes filled with raisins are an easy-to-carry sugar fix).
They are not gloves, but they are much easier to put off and put on and, in most cases, warmer.
We’ve now established that children can get to snowboard from the age of two, as long as they’re ready to learn, the question is what is the best place for them to begin their learning?
There are numerous fantastic resorts for snowboarding lessons both Europe as well as North America, but here are our top five:
The Top Resorts to Learn to Snowboard
Avoriaz is on very top of our lists. Burton have been able to cast their magic over Avoriaz and, in addition to being located close to Geneva Avoriaz, this family-friendly resort is also the home of its exclusive Burton Riglet park, as well as shops around town have Riglet equipment that can be hired.
Whistler is a world class resort that is a paradise for children Ski or snowboarding schools of North America have been ahead of the curve, and are getting youngsters to snowboard for a long time. There is also the Burton Riglet park and once the children are able to run, they are able to go across the entire mountain in blue and green trails, meaning there’s no need to be in the beginner section. Children can take part in snowboarding lessons in groups at Whistler mountain starting at age 4 and take private lessons from 2.5yrs old.
Les Arcs – Massively family and pet-friendly, Les Arcs offers plenty of lifts, which are all available for free for those who are just beginning to take a few easy slopes to start your journey. Then there’s an abundance of soft blue and green runs to begin exploring Many of them are wide and nice that make a distinction when getting used to turning. Take a look at Mille 8 also an amazing adventure zone for children to enjoy a ride or visit after a long day to enjoy the swimming pools and sledging.In regards to lessons New Generation offer private snowboarding lessons for kids aged 5 and above as well as group classes (not specifically designed for children) beginning at the age of 10. Children can take part in classes through Spirit from Arc 1950 starting at age 8 and join the ESF at age 8 during holidays in school and at age 10 for throughout the year.
Did you know? Snow Boarding Days is one of the best snowboarding blog.
La Rosiere La Rosiere Les Arcs, this lesser well-known resort has more tranquil slopes and an attractive resort center. Children can take part in Evolution 2 group lessons from age 8 and ESF lessons beginning at age 8 during school holidays , and age 10 in off-peak times. After you’ve gained some familiarity, you’ll be able to move into the more steep Italian part of the mountain, but it’s ideal for beginners because approximately 80percent of La Rosiere terrain is suitable for those who are just starting out, meaning there’s plenty of room for progress.
Alpe d’Huez – Known as one of the most sunny resorts within the Alps, Alpe d’Huez is ideal for children learning because its slopes that face south usually prevents kids from becoming too cold. The beginner area that is located just above the resort features plenty of green slopes that are accessible via the lifts that are available that have a lower beginner pass. The local ESF offers a variety of meeting points at the bottom of the resort, as well as an amazing play area for children to play in. Similar to the other ESF bases, snowboarding lessons start at the age of 10 in off-peak weeks and at age 8 during school holiday.