With school vacation weeks in full swing, lots
of kids will be taking to the slopes for lessons. Here are a few tips to make playing in the snow all about FUN.
Keys to a fabulous experience:
Make a reservation. The Hobbits Ski & Snowboard School was at full capacity for February 13-20th. Walk in space may
be available on a first come, first serve basis, but to avoid disappointment,
call ahead.
Select the right program. The programs are designed for the comfort of each
developmental stage. Enrolling your child in the correct age-specific program
will enhance their experience.
Eat breakfast. Kids lose energy quickly in the cold and in
new environments.
Plan extra time the first day. It always takes more time than you think it will!
Prepare for small
challenges when leaving your child. Separation anxiety is common for young children
(especially three-year-olds). The staff is very skilled at working with
children. Please follow their lead and ask them for assistance in helping your
child quickly acclimate to the Hobbits environment.
Let staff know if your
child has allergies, needs
medications, or has any learning needs.
Dress appropriately and
label clothing. More on dressing
for cold weather here.
Call ahead with questions: This will help you to be
more prepared and relaxed.
Programs
The
Babes in the Woods Nursery serves kids ages 2 months to 5 years. Enjoy a
worry-free stay on the slopes while caring staff entertains your child indoors
with games, storytelling and crafts.
The
Ski & Snowplay Program, for kids 3-5, is a great way to show your kids
how much fun the snow can be! The full-day program includes nursery supervision,
a one-hour group lesson and lunch. Children must be properly attired and
potty-trained to participate.
The Hobbit Ski & Snowboard Programs at
Bretton Woods are designed to introduce your kiddos to the fun of snow
sports. Kids can take ski lessons as
early as age four. Kids interested in snowboarding lessons need to be at least six
years old.
Private Instruction is a good option for any child or family with special needs or time
requirements that do not fit into the regular programming or children who would
like a one on one experience. Private lessons are also a good option for groups
of different age children of similar abilities to ski or ride together.
What can I expect my child to learn during the lesson?
Three to six year-olds often take longer to “get their wings” and be
able to ski on their own. The preparedness of the child, strength, willingness,
ability to balance, and equipment are the keys to success. Each child is an
individual, so success is measured by their willingness to want to come back.
Older children will often learn to turn and stop on the beginner slope
by the end of the first day. Snowboarding may take a bit longer. Be supportive
at the end of the lesson, and encourage your child to be happy with small
successes. Just balancing while gliding on skis or a board is quite an
accomplishment. Once the basic sensations have been repeated enough times,
there is often an “aha” moment when a child can glide and turn.
Instructors often use an activities-based approach, in which children
are often familiar with the games they play, and the variable is the skis or
snowboard. This will often appear that they are “just playing games” but basic
skills are being absorbed by the children as they play, making the next steps
come much more quickly... not to mention that the process is fun.
For children who already know the basics, the groups are split by age
first and then ability. This provides common ground for the children so
they will make friends and have fun while learning. The groups often explore
the mountain together, and find challenges through social activities that will
build skills and help them learn resort safety and etiquette.
What can I do to prepare my child for Hobbits?
•
Talk about winter activities and what your child can expect. View the
web site together, and look at photos of the places they will be visiting.
Experience other winter oriented activities together if possible with your
child. The idea is to eliminate the unknown variables in the sport to make the
transition from the unknown to the known easier.
•
For very small children, rent, borrow, or buy gear ahead of time and let
your child walk around on carpets or on the lawn fully geared up. This will
give some confidence and familiarity... be prepared to allow short exposures
often!
•
Kids should know their full name, age, parent’s full names, and phone
numbers. If staying at the resort, put your business card with the room number
and/or cell phone number where they can access it.
What equipment does my
child need?
•
Be sure to have your child’s gear checked by a reputable shop. Be sure
the bindings are set to the boots properly. Children grow very quickly, so
double check... it can mean their safety.
•
Water and wind resistant, breathable insulated pants and parka.
•
Water proof gloves or mittens (mittens preferred for younger children).
Remember they will be in contact with lots of snow all day long!
•
Helmets are recommended, and are available for rent. For
information on
purchase and fit, visit www.lidsonkids.org .
•
Neck gaiters are a must; especially when it’s cold or snowing .
•
Eye wear is critical; if you can’t see, you can’t ski or ride! Please be
sure your
child has appropriately sized goggles.
•
SOCKS are critical. Be sure to provide one pair of socks that fit well,
are NOT cotton (this will make for cold feet!).
•
When you return home or to your hotel room, be sure to get clothing and
gear dried out. This
is often forgotten, and can make the next experience very
soggy.
•
Try to plan for a good night’s rest, adequate time to eat well the day
before and
a nutritious breakfast.
•
Rentals can be added to the Ski & Snowplay and Hobbits programs, so
there is no need to acquire them elsewhere.
Arriving at the Kids’ Alpine Club
Parking: if you are driving to Bretton Woods, you can drive right to Kids’
Alpine Club to drop off your equipment. The Mountain Hosts will be happy to assist
you. You will need to return to park, but it will be worth the fewer steps with
your child.
If you are staying at one of the Omni Mount Washington Resort lodging
properties, you can take the complimentary shuttle to the ski area.
What level should my child participate in?
Skiers
Red: First time on skis.
Learning to stop in a wedge.
Green (Learning Center
Quad): Can control speed and stop on the Learning Center Quad.
Green (Mountain): Can
easily control speed, stop and make direction changes on easy to moderate
terrain.
Blue: Turn and stop in a
wedge; end some turns with skis parallel.
Black: Skis parallel all
the time, exploring all terrain.
Snowboarders
Red: First time on a
snowboard. Can slip around on a board.
Green: Can make heel- and
toe-side turns, control speed and stop.
Blue: Can link heel- and
toe-side turns and control speed through good turn shape.
Black: Can ride all types
of terrain and trying freestyle tricks and/or carving.
For safety reasons, upper
level groups may be required to take 1-2 runs on the Learning Center Quad at
the beginning of lessons.
Remember that first and
foremost the goal is to have FUN and enjoy the company of the children that
they are with. Be sure to speak with his or her instructor so you can find out
what actually happened in the class if you feel your child is not challenged
enough. Kids will have more fun and progress more quickly on appropriate
terrain.
Can I observe my child
in the lesson?
Children often listen
better, and learn more, when parents are not present. It is best to observe the
lesson from a spot where your child can’t see you. For beginners, the upper
deck on the Slopeside Level of the base lodge is a great spot to watch from
afar. If your kid will be on the upper trails, you can ask the instructor where
the class will be during the day.
If your child has trouble
separating from you, try to break away anyway. Leave a cell phone number, or a
room number where you can be reached, or check in at the desk (unobtrusively)
after about a half- hour. You may be surprised at how quickly your new skier
will adjust when focused on the mountain environment and the great activities
presented. Be sure to arrive at pick-up on time to share the stories of the day
with your child and his or her instructor.
Security at Pick-Up
•
When registering your child in the Hobbits Program, you will receive a
numbered card that must be returned at the time your child is picked up at the
Kids' Alpine Club. Children will NOT be released to an adult without this child
check card. This policy ensures the utmost safety and security for your child.
•
Please plan to arrive on time to see your child and discuss their day
with the instructors. You may arrive to a very sad child if they are the last
one to leave.
What kinds of questions
should I ask the instructor after the lesson?
•
Ask about the best part of the day, or the favorite activity
.
•
Ask what slopes and trails they experienced together.
•
Ask where you might be able to ski or ride together safely.
•
Ask if they made new friends, and what they are looking forward to next
time.
