We’re Back! Why Our Family Loves Baldy and Three Tips for Successful Family Ski and Snowboard Days
If you follow the Baldy Mountain Blog, you might remember us from last year.
Yes, we’re that family.
We’re the family that traded in their cross-country skis for downhill hills and hit the slopes for the very first time. The family that kept slowing down the lifts because we couldn’t figure out how to get on (or off) without losing a pole, a ski or a child. And yes, the family that loved it so much, we’re back at Baldy Mountain Resort for a second season of snow and fun!
Our very first days of downhill skiing were a glorious mix of embarrassing and exhilarating. From our first shaky runs to ripping down the slopes, it was a year of firsts, fun and laughs.
How did we go from being a hesitant snow-plowing family to confident glade skiers in just one season? Let me share with you our three secrets to success.
1.Take Ski or Snowboard Lessons.
Last year I registered my kids in Snow School and it was one of the best decisions I made. Not only were the instructors amazing but my kids learned and progressed so quickly. Kids are amazing! Eventually I noticed that my kids were starting to out ski me so I took a couple lessons too. Best money ever spent.
Baldy Mountain Resort has so many great lessons options for kids, youth and adults. The absolute beginner can sign up for the super affordable Discover Skiing or Snowboarding package, or beginner and intermediate skiers/boarders can register for Ski and Snowboard for Fun (my kids love these lessons!). There are even group lessons, private lessons, school lessons, camps, Never Ever Days and the Mt Baldy Alpine Club.
Family tip: Sign your child and yourself up for lessons this season and practice, practice, practice!
2. Dress for Success.
A successful family day on the hill starts with dressing right. We learn this lesson the hard way. It’s no fun to cut the day short because someone feels cold.
Start with a good base layer. Base layers are made of a material that stays dry, warm and sit close to the body like a second skin. Avoid wearing cotton, and choose merino wool or polypropylene (synthetic material) instead. Next wrap up in a warm mid-layer like a fleece top and pants. Finally, jump into those outer layers: snow pants and winter coat. Don’t forget warm socks, mitts, balaclava, goggles and a helmet of course!
Family tip: Bring spare clothes and mitts.
3. Keep it Fun!
Family skiing and snowboarding should be FUN and there’s no better place for family fun than Baldy Mountain Resort. The atmosphere there is so family friendly that I can’t stop recommending it to my friends and to random strangers. Be sure to take advantage of their special events and fun activities like the weekly toboggan party. These are great opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, create memories and enjoy the beauty of winter with your family.
Also, when you’re out skiing or snowboarding with kids don’t forget to be encouraging, patient and positive. If your kids are struggling, take a hot chocolate break and then try again. Hot chocolate makes everything better.
Family tip: Bring along some yummy treats for the kid for break time.
I hear there’s snow in the forecast. Time to pack up our skis for another weekend of family fun. We’ll see you at Baldy!
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Bio: Josée is a writer, photographer and busy mama to three kids between the ages of five and nine. Her family enjoys spending time outside and you can often find them hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing and skiing their way around the western provinces of Canada and further abroad. You can read more about her adventures and tips for getting outside with your own family at Backwoods Mama.
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