West strapped on his first pair of ski boots this winter at two and half years old. We live in a ski town. It can get a bit competitive around what age people get their kid on skis. We try not to get caught up in it, but badges of honor are real in mountain towns.
We held out and waited until West said he wanted to go. Did he mostly want to go to ride the bus? Maybe. But new adventures with toddlers benefit from lots of incentives.
Keep it Fun
We try to bring the party to every new endeavor with West. Lots of fun and exciting treats and integration of other things he loves like fun modes of transportation.
In the Italian Dolomites, we did some of the best hiking, but that primarily had to do with the intrigue of gondolas and farm animals at refugios/ uts. Whimsy breeds enthusiasm for the next time we try something.
We set the ski day up for success. We picked a warm and sunny day, rode the bus up, and promised a milkshake after a few rides on the magic carpet.
Keep it Simple
We kept it simple. We spent an hour and half in the boots. A few rides up the magic carpet and down.
We placed no emphasis on technique. When he said he was done, we stopped. Day 1 is always for testing the water and ensuring a positive experience.
He has already said he wants to go again. Mostly to ride the bus, but who’s keeping score on motivation here? I am not. It can be easy to forget how intimidating trying something new can be. And so much is new for a toddler. Keeping it fun and easy has set us up for many successful firsts.
