In the past, the advice has been to get children skiing first. There was a valid reason to this. Until recently, there was a huge absence of appropriate equipment for snowboarders who are just beginning their journey We know that when you are learning to snowboard or ski using equipment that isn’t properly fitted can make your day miserable! Luckily, Burton has solved the equipment issue by introducing new boards and bindings specifically designed for small shredders. This allows the kids to begin their journey in the snow as young as age 2! 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 also created to be easy to use, and come with Velcro closure boots as well as single strap bindings that make it simple to get kids who are 2 years old and older in the snow and on their bikes in no time.
Another reason we’ve heard about waiting until children are older to be able to ride boards is that snowboarding requires more muscle growth than younger children (under the age of 8) aren’t yet able to develop But is it true?
Snowboarding is an extremely natural stance for children and I think they are more protected from injury than skis (no chances of twisting legs, etc.) therefore there’s nothing wrong with children who do not have the physical strength required to board. It’s a matter of standing as normal on the board to move straight. For the edges to be used it is as they get ready. generally , at the age of three, every child is capable of using the edge at the heel. Toe edges are an issue of being mentally prepared as well as physically and as soon as they have the ability to comprehend the benefits of turning, they can begin this process.
Read our snowboard blog when looking to get your kids in to the sport.
Every child develops and grow according to their own individual pace as well as their muscular development and skeletal development as well as their progress on the slopes. So the most important thing is to make sure that they be having fun. To ensure this occurs, Read our best tips for children of all ages who are taking to the slopes for the first time, whether ski or boarding
Tips for the First-Timers
Let kids choose – whether they’d like to snowboard or ski is irrelevant so long as they’re enjoying themselves.
Don’t attempt to force them to master both – trying to master both snowboarding and skiing simultaneously will just be confusing and drastically decrease the progression of either or both sports.
Allow them to have a slope in small doses . Keep the duration short and sweet, and don’t overdo it. (hot chocolate breaks always taste great! ).
Don’t try to teach your children by yourself . It’s worth investing in classes by an expert to help them progress faster and ensure their safety. ensure that they have enjoyable times also (most important of all) 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 make the perfect sugar boost in a small-sized package).
They are not gloves, but they are much easier to put off and on and, in most cases, warmer.
We’ve now established that children can get into snowboarding from the age of 2 if they’re prepared to learn, the question is which is the best location for them to begin their learning?
There are numerous fantastic resorts to learn how to snowboard at both Europe as well as North America, but here are our top picks:
Best Resorts to Learn How to Snowboard
Avoriaz – firmly on very top of our lists. Burton have put their magic wand on Avoriaz and, in addition to being near Geneva Avoriaz, this family-friendly resort also happens to be the home of its exclusive Burton Riglet park, as well as shops in town carry Riglet equipment that can be hired.
Whistler World-class resort, and a heaven for kids Ski or snowboarding schools of North America have been ahead of the curve and have been getting children younger than them to snowboard for a long time. There is also the Burton Riglet park and once the youngsters are on the slopes, they are able to go all over the mountain using blue and green pistes, which means you’ll never be restricted to an area for beginners. 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 that are accessible for novices to take a few easy slopes to start your journey. There is also an array of lovely blue and green runs that you can explore at your leisure Many of them are spacious and smooth that make a difference when getting used to turning. You should check out Mille 8 as well which is a great playground for children to explore or visit after a long day and relax in the in the pool, as well as sledging.In the area of instruction, New Generation offer private snowboarding lessons for kids aged 5 and over as well as group classes (not specifically designed for children) starting at age 10. Kids can participate in classes at Spirit from Arc 1950 starting at age 8 and join the ESF starting at age 8 for school holidays , and age 10 during all through the rest of the season.
La Rosiere La Rosiere Les Arcs, this lesser well-known resort has more tranquil slopes and an attractive resort center. Kids can participate in Evolution 2 group lessons from age 8 and ESF lessons starting at age 8 in school holidays and the age of 10 in the off-peak week. When you’ve gained more familiarity, you’ll be able to move to the more sloping Italian part of the mountain, but it’s ideal for beginners since approximately 90% of La Rosiere terrain is suitable for those who are just starting out, meaning there’s plenty of room to grow.
Alpe d’Huez – Known as one of the most sunniest resorts of the Alps, Alpe d’Huez is perfect for children who are learning, as its slopes that face south usually prevents kids from becoming too cold. The beginner area that is located just above the resort features an abundance of green slopes that are accessible via the lifts that are available with a less expensive beginner pass. The local ESF has several meeting places near the base of the resort as well as an excellent play area for children to play in. Similar to every ESF bases, snowboarding lessons begin at age 10 during the off peak times and at age 8 during school holiday.