M&Ms, good gloves cut down on tears

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Children ski at Burke Mountain in East Burke, Vt. It's important to get children ski lessons before hitting the slopes. The Associated Press

January 15, 2012

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL Associated Press Sun Jan 15, 2012, 06:14 AM EST

NEW YORK — One of the worst things a parent can see on the ski slopes — short of an injury — is the swelling of a tear underneath the layers of facemask, goggles and helmet. The problem isn't only that the little drop of water could freeze: It could be the moment your child is turned off from skiing or snowboarding.

Eventually, with the right pink helmets (I have two girls), foot-warmers and what seems like an endless supply of granola bars — and M&Ms — I have two devoted, dedicated skiers who now voluntarily give up birthday parties and sleeping in to spend time with Mom and Dad on the slopes. That has made what really were just a couple of frustrating days so worth it.

It's important for children to be in lessons at the appropriate level, said David Iverson, snow sports manager at Burke Mountain in Vermont. Otherwise, you have the nervous parents who want to keep their children on the magic carpets far too long, and you'll have the over-achiever parents who want their kids on black diamonds before they're ready. He adds: "A lot of times it's really better if mom and dad don't stop by the lesson."

But kids don't have to be in lessons every moment of every day, said Dan Sherman, Ski.com's marketing director. If you're on a family ski trip, leave time to ski together.

Other tips from pros and passionate skiers:

• Many problems are rooted in not-right clothing, especially too-bulky socks and knit gloves that get wet, said Iverson. If you are making the investment for lift tickets and lessons, make the investment in the right gear, he said. Two pairs of socks is a big no-no; you want thin wicking socks that won't bunch up inside the boot.

• Fill jacket pockets with snacks. "You need to eat or aren't going to survive a day on the hill," said Iverson. "You need calories."

• Plan evening meals and activities that give way to peaceful bedtimes and a decent night's sleep. "Bring to the mountain a well-rested child. That makes everything a little better," Iverson said.

• Hand out trail maps the night before so kids can start planning their favorite routes before they have their boots on, said Kara Woods Seeley, spokeswoman for Woods Valley in Westernville, N.Y. Between her own two sons and her nieces and nephews, she regularly skies with 11 children, ranging from ages 5 to 16.

• Schuon and her family ski mostly half days not full ones on their annual trip to Aspen, Colo. Once they do get out there for the day, though, Schuon never wonders if the trek from sunny Los Angeles is worth it. "It's an important t tradition for us. It's a great time to spend together."

• If you are booking a hotel or condo rental, ask how far it is located from the ski school and if there is a shuttle, suggests Sherman. And how are getting there: Is there a direct flight? A doable Friday night car ride? Can you ski in and ski out?

• Woods Seeley recommends a locker at the mountain for that very reason. It's a bit of an indulgence that "is a major convenience for parents."

The one thing parents MUST pack is patience, said Burke's Iverson. "Actually, bring double. A lot is out of your control. You can't come with an agenda."