Teaching Toddlers to Ski: 30 Proven Tips You Need That Work

Last Updated on 22 December 2025

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Teaching toddlers to ski is an adventure that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding for families. If you’re wondering how to teach a toddler to ski or planning your first trip skiing with a toddler, you’re in the right place.

Before our kids did official ski lessons at our local ski centre, we took them away on holiday and showed them the basics of skiing on the nursery slopes. There’s nothing better than seeing them master the pizza shape, to help them slow down and stop, before the end of the trip and seeing them enjoying themselves in the snow.

In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and all the information you need for successful family ski holidays ready for your next snowy adventure.

Let’s read on to find out more!

Children skiing on the snow. Photo by Maxwell Ingham on Unsplash — Photo by Maxwell Ingham on Unsplash

What’s the Best Age for Teaching Toddlers to Ski?

Introducing your toddler to skiing is an exciting moment for parents who enjoy snow sports.

For those who are thinking about getting their children on the mountain, they tend to sign them up for lessons as soon as they can, so they can get the most enjoyment out of their holidays.

Here in the UK, most ski centres take toddlers from the age of two. This is a good age to start; however, there are several factors to take into consideration beforehand. These include:

Your toddler’s physical development;
Their ability to listen to the ski instructor; and
How they are around others.

With my girls, both of them started at the age of two at our local ski centre. Around this time, it was all about getting them used to wearing ski boots and skis while sliding down a little slope. If you’re unsure, you can pop into your local indoor ski centre and ask about their toddler ski lessons. Teaching toddlers to ski at the right age can make all the difference.

Teaching Toddlers to Ski: Advice You Need

A ski group skiing down a mountain. Photo by Elien on Unsplash — Photo by Elien on Unsplash

Whether you’re old or young, skiing is a sport that takes time to master. This is why many parents decide to get their children learning at a young age, especially if they enjoy snow sports such as snowboarding or skiing.

Our eldest has been skiing since she was two and she’s now six. It’s great to see how far she’s come over the years and the confidence she shows when we’re skiing. Our youngest is following in her big sister’s footsteps and it’s lovely to see what she has achieved in such as short time. I love our ski holidays when we’re all on the snow together creating those core memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking into getting your little ones into skiing, here’s what to consider before hitting any ski resorts:

Try ski lessons beforehand: Even if you put your kids into ski school when you’re away, knowing the basics can help them
Start on flat ground: Let your toddler shuffle in their ski boots and skis. Play games to get them moving
Introduce the snowplough: Use a ski tip connector to help them form the “pizza” shape for stopping and get them leaning on their inside edges
Short, fun sessions: 30 minutes is plenty for little legs. Mix skiing with snow play
Use a harness (if needed): his will help guide them down gentle slopes
Enrol them in toddler ski lessons: Ski schools are brilliant for building skills and confidence
Go at their pace: Some days they’ll ski, some days it’s all about snow angels. Do what feels fun for them and they’re more likely to come back to try again when they’re ready

Beginner Ski Tips for Toddlers

Get them used to wearing skis: clip them into their skis by putting their toes in first and then their heel before pushing down to clip in
Make them comfortable: ensure they’re okay walking around wearing ski boots and skis as they’ll have to get used to a forward shuffling motion to walk
Use a flat surface: teaching your toddler to ski will involve flat ground. A ski harness for toddlers can help with confidence on gentle slopes
Find the gentlest ski slope: Use this so your toddler can get used to parallel skiing. You can either hold their hand, run alongside them or let them ski toward you so you can catch them at the end with skis pointing straight. This is a great way of helping them build their confidence until, eventually, they won’t need you beside them
Begin with taking wide, gentle turns: explain the need to shift their weight from their left foot and right foot as they lean on the inside edge to help them make shorter and tighter turns. You may find that when your toddler moves to other ski areas that offer steeper runs, they’ll be able to connect these turns more easily
Have them follow you: let them follow you down the mountain (if you’re happy with their progress), making sure to control your speed so they can keep up with you. They should be able to stop in a controlled manner before you do this. You’ll often see ski schools on the mountain with a line of children following the instructor downhill taking wide turns. Mimic this with your toddler and you’ll soon see their skills improve
Getting on and off lifts: At ski resorts, lift operators will slow the lifts down when they see toddlers and young children who may need help getting off. If they don’t, ask before you get on the lift to let them know and they’ll help you out
Take breaks: they may only want to ski for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to get them started
Celebrate every little win: photos and videos help
Dress in layers for changing weather: snowsuit, thermals, gloves, socks. Pack spare gloves and socks
Always end on a high note: don’t wait until your toddler is tired and is getting frustrated because they can’t do something
Book morning lessons for fresh energy
Try family-friendly resorts
Be ready for falls and laughs
Mix it up: try sledging, making snowmen, and fun park visits
Let your toddler help plan the day
If teaching your toddler how to ski isn’t working, consider a ski school. This is a good opportunity to let a qualified instructor teach your toddler, while also boosting their social experience

FREE Printable Skiing Gear Checklist

FAQs: Teaching Toddlers to Ski

A blue question mark on a pink background. Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash — Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

How do I teach a toddler to ski if I’m not a skier?
Book lessons at a ski school near you. Many offer “parent & child” beginner sessions.

What are the best ski resorts for families in the UK and abroad?
Check out my Ski in the UK: 11 of the Best Places for Families and my 17 Best Family Ski Resorts in 2025: Ultimate Guide for Parents

What gear do I need for teaching toddlers to ski?
See above for my skiing packing list to download before your next ski holiday.

When is the best time to go skiing with toddlers?
For a cost-effective option when you’re less likely to battle the crowds, then December.

January is usually a quiet month, but it’s cold with limited sunshine. February is a busy month with half-term holidays. Expect prices to rise as well.

March and April are great months as they bring warmer weather with decent snow levels on high resorts. You may even find discounts with the season coming to an end.

6 Handy Ski Tips to Know BEFORE You Hit the Slopes

Bring snacks with you. There’s nothing worse than being up the mountain, two ski runs away from a restaurant and your child decides they want something to eat
Rent ski equipment. When they’re young and with feet still growing, there’s little point in buying ski boots or skis
Don’t expect too much on the first day of skiing
Learn to do a snowplough. For newbie skiers, this is the most effective way to stop
Take plenty of photos and make sure there’s lots of positive encouragement. You have one opportunity to make a good impression on your child to show them that skiing is a fun and exciting sport to take part in
Don’t push things. If you’re toddler isn’t having a good day, do something different, including ice skating and come back to it the next day

Final Thoughts on Teaching Toddlers to Ski

Teaching toddlers to ski isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s certainly full of rewarding smiles and experiences when it’s done right.

If you’re a family who enjoys snow sports and are thinking about taking your little one to the mountains, go for it. The worst they can say is that they don’t like it, but at least you’ll have given it a try.

We’re grateful our girls enjoy it as much as we do, making our holidays that much more magical.

For more outdoor inspiration, check out our related guides:

Happy skiing!

Have you found this teaching toddlers to ski guide useful? Have you thought about getting your kids into skiing? Have you tried skiing before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!