Teaching Toddlers to Ski: Our Journey from Wobbly First Steps to Confident Turns
Skiing is a huge part of our family life, and my sister and I were so excited to introduce our toddlers to the slopes. We first put them on skis last year when they were 2.5 years and almost 3 years old, and now, after another trip to Bulgaria, we've seen incredible progress. If you're thinking about teaching your toddler to ski, here’s what we’ve learned along the way.
Starting Early: The First Year on Skis
The first time we took our toddlers skiing, the focus was purely on having fun and getting comfortable on the snow. We didn’t push them to do too much—just a few hours every other day to keep it light and enjoyable. At this stage, our main goals were:
Letting them feel the snow under their feet
Encouraging them to shuffle forward on flat ground
Holding them between our legs while skiing short, gentle slopes
This approach helped them build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. It was more about play than technique, and that worked perfectly for their age and ability.
The Next Step: Gaining Independence on the Slopes
Fast forward a year, and our toddlers were eager to get back on their skis! This time, they skied every day except one, showing how much their enthusiasm (and stamina!) had grown. Our focus this year was:
Helping them feel comfortable skiing without being between our legs
Teaching them how to turn using their hips and knees
Practicing stopping in a controlled way
To support their learning, we used three game-changing products:
Slope Ropes – These gave us a way to guide them down the slopes while allowing them more independence.
Lucky Clover Backpack Reins – These were brilliant for helping us control their speed and positioning, especially when teaching them how to turn.
Ski Clips – These helped keep the toes of their skis together, making it easier for them to maintain the correct stance.
Keeping It Fun and Manageable
A key part of skiing with toddlers is knowing when to stop. We kept our sessions short, usually just a few hours, followed by plenty of rest and warm-up time off the slopes. The kids loved dancing in the restaurants on the slopes, making snowmen, sledging, and even visiting the hot spring pools nearby. Keeping it fun was our top priority—if they were enjoying themselves, they were learning!
Our Top Tips for Teaching Toddlers to Ski
Start slow – Let them get used to the snow and their gear before attempting proper skiing.
Use tools to help – Slope ropes, backpack reins, and ski clips make a huge difference in building confidence.
Make it fun – Play games, sing songs, and keep their spirits up.
Keep sessions short – Overdoing it can lead to frustration and exhaustion.
Have snacks ready – A steady supply of snacks helps keep energy levels up and prevents meltdowns on the slopes.
Praise every little success – Even the smallest progress is a big win at this stage!
Looking Ahead
After this year’s trip, we’re feeling really hopeful that by next winter, our toddlers will be skiing more independently. It’s been amazing watching their confidence grow, and we’re so excited to see where this journey takes them next!
If you're planning to teach your toddler to ski, my biggest advice is to take it slow, keep it fun, and enjoy the process. Watching them discover the joy of skiing is just as rewarding as skiing itself!
For a list of all the toddler ski essentials we've used, check out my Amazon storefront!
