If you're thinking of foregoing lessons and teaching your little ones yourself, be sure to pack plenty of patience! Consider using a learning aid such as an "edgie-wedgie" that connects the two skis and holds them closer together; a tether that enables your child to ski securely in front of you, or a kiddy ski bar, which the adult holds while the child straddles.

Mom and Dad don't want to spend all of their free time worrying about their kids, which is why some resorts give parents pagers or request a parent's cell phone number in case of an emergency. Message boards posted at the top of ski lifts also alert parents of a need to check in.

Dress for the Occasion

Because their coordination and fine motor skills are not fully developed, it is more difficult for children to avoid obstacles when skiing. Children's proportionally larger heads and higher centers of gravity make them particularly vulnerable to falls and head injuries, which is why the most important gear kids should don before hitting the slopes is a safety helmet. It's helpful, not to mention safer, if parents set an example by wearing helmets too.

Dress your kids for a day on the slopes just as you would dress yourself. Select water-resistant, layered clothing that can be easily removed or added as needed, such as long underwear, turtleneck, sweater, waterproof jacket and pants (a one-piece snowsuit or bib overalls paired with a jacket work best at keeping out snow), nylon socks, waterproof gloves, and a hat. It's easy for anyone, adult or child, to lose items in the snow, so it's a good idea to invest in straps that attach items like gloves and hats to coats. It's also just as easy for a roomful of kids to get their clothes mixed up, so if possible, label every piece of clothing and make a list to check off before you head home.

Anyone who has donned a pair of ski boots knows that they are not the easiest or most comfortable footwear to get around in. If this will be your child's first ski excursion, consider renting ski boots before your trip and let her get used to the feel of them while clomping around in her ski attire.

Remember, ultraviolet rays are more powerful at higher elevations, so be sure your child's eyes are protected with either goggles or sunglasses that offer UV protection. Also, regardless of skin color or complexion, everyone needs to wear sunscreen, even on overcast days. Use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF protection and remind your child to apply it several times throughout the day.

With just a little bit of planning and some help from very family-friendly resorts, you can ensure that everyone—from first-timers to pros—experiences a magical mountain vacation. Just remember to ask your child one very important question before bundling him in all those layers of ski gear: "Are you sure you don't have to go to the bathroom?"

Click here to read about more Outdoor Winter Fun.

Additional Information

For the western region:
www.moguls.com
www.ski.com

For the northeast region:
www.alpinezone.com
www.newenglandskiresorts.com
www.skinewengland.com
www.skipa.com
www.wxusa.com/ski_ny/

For Canada:
www.skicanada.org