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As a professional ski instructor and a mom of five, I understand how important it is for parents to stay involved in their child’s ski journey. One of the best opportunities to do this is by having a meaningful conversation with your child’s ski instructor at the end of their lesson.
When you show up to pick up your child, it’s likely that their instructor will feel a little frantic since every parent is picking up kids at the same time. Let them know that you have several questions for them, and you can wait until they have a few minutes (this will likely be after all the other kids have been picked up). After paying hundreds of dollars for ski school this is one of the most important conversations you can have, so don’t rush it.
Asking the right questions not only helps you understand your child’s progress but also equips you with tools to support their growth on the slopes. Your childs instructor will usually have a checklist of items that they worked on, but they’re pretty general and won’t tell you much about how you can support your child going forward. Throughout the process, keep the tone positive and excited(remember your child can hear what’s being said). Here are the top questions you should ask after picking up your child from their ski lesson and why they matter:
1. What Skills Did My Child Do Really Well With?
Starting on a positive note helps reinforce your child’s accomplishments and builds their confidence. Every skier, especially beginners, thrives on encouragement, and knowing what they excelled at can give you insight into their natural strengths.
For example, the instructor might say your child had excellent balance or quickly picked up the wedge stop. Celebrate these achievements with your child by acknowledging their effort. This not only motivates them to keep practicing but also sets a strong foundation for future skills. Additionally, understanding their strengths gives you a chance to praise their hard work specifically, rather than giving generic compliments.
2. Where Do They Need More Work, and How Can I Help Them as a Parent?
Skiing is a skill-based sport that requires consistent and incremental improvement. Asking where your child needs more work allows you to identify areas for growth. For instance, they might struggle with linking turns, maintaining control on steeper terrain, or keeping their body in the correct position.
Once you understand their challenges, you can help reinforce these skills during family ski outings. If they’re working on turning, you might guide them through gentle slopes while focusing on shifting their weight and steering with their feet. Keep the feedback lighthearted and fun to avoid frustration. Remember, your role as a parent is to complement the instructor’s work, not to critique or overwhelm your child, so keep the focus on having fun!
3. What Specific Terminology Were You Using to Teach These Skills?
Ski instructors often use playful or memorable phrases to teach kids complex techniques in a simple way. For example, they might tell kids to “squish the bug in their boots” to encourage forward pressure or to “make a pizza” for stopping. By asking about the specific terminology used, you can ensure consistency in your child’s learning experience.
Using the same language as the instructor helps reinforce the lesson and creates continuity between lessons and practice. If you suddenly start giving different instructions, it might confuse your child and hinder their progress. Take note of these phrases and use them while skiing together.
4. What Runs Did You Ski, and Where Do You Recommend We Take Our Child Next?
Not all green, blue, or black runs are created equal. A ski instructor’s insight into which runs your child successfully completed and what terrain suits their current skill level is invaluable. Make sure to ask for specific trail recommendations that provide the right balance of challenge and comfort.
For example, if your child did well on a wide green run, the instructor might recommend a slightly steeper slope with similar characteristics. Or, if they struggled with a particular section, the instructor might advise sticking to flatter terrain until their confidence improves. Following these recommendations ensures that your child stays in a learning zone without being overwhelmed or bored.
5. What Kind of Practice Do They Need to Get to the Next Level?
Skiing progress isn’t just about mileage—it’s about intentional practice. Ask the instructor for specific drills or exercises that can help your child improve. For example, they might recommend practicing side-slipping to improve edge control or skiing short turns to build rhythm.
Incorporate these drills into your ski outings in a fun and engaging way. Turn practice into a game, such as counting how many turns they can make in a certain section or timing how quickly they can navigate a small course. Structured practice helps your child focus on skills rather than just “getting down the hill.”
6. What Did My Child Respond Best to on the Ski Hill?
Understanding how your child learns best can make a huge difference in their skiing experience. Some kids thrive on playful games, while others respond to clear, step-by-step instructions. Ask the instructor what methods worked best for your child and try to replicate those during family ski days.
For example, if your child loved skiing through cones in a game of “slalom tag,” you can set up a similar activity. If they preferred detailed explanations, focus on breaking down each skill into manageable parts when practicing together. Tailoring your approach to their preferred learning style keeps skiing enjoyable and productive.
7. Can You Tell Me Some Ski Games That You Played Today to Reinforce the Skills You Taught?
Skiing games are a fantastic way to make learning fun for kids. Instructors often use creative activities to teach skills without kids even realizing they’re practicing. Ask about the games they played during the lesson and how they tied into specific skills so that you can replicate them with your child.
For instance, the instructor might have played “Follow the Leader” or “Race Car Driver” to work on turns or “Red Light, Green Light” to practice stopping and starting. Bringing these games into your family skiing sessions can reinforce the lessons in a playful way. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your child and share the joy of skiing.
Most Important: Ski With Your Child After Lessons
One of the most important things you can do after a day of ski school is to ski with your child. This is the best way to see what they learned and how they progressed. If you wait until the next day or even the next ski trip, they likely won’t remember exactly what they worked on in their class.
Tell your child before lessons that you’re planning to take a couple of runs with them at the end of the day, and that you’re SO EXCITED to have them show you everything they learned. When they know that you’re going to ski together at the end of the day, they’ll look forward to it and will be thinking about what they want to show you, all throughout the day.
When you ski with them, ask them to show you specific things that they worked on, that you talked to their teacher about. Have them take you on their favorite runs, and have them teach you a couple of the games that they played so you can play them together. Asking them to teach you some of the things that they learned and to explain their progress is one of the best ways to solidify everything that they learned in their class.
Why These Questions Matter
Ski lessons are a collaborative effort between instructors, parents, and kids. By engaging with your child’s instructor, you’re not only showing your child that you care about their progress but also creating a supportive environment for their development. These conversations help bridge the gap between professional instruction and family practice, ensuring that your child continues to improve while having fun.
When you ask these questions, you’re equipping yourself with the tools to be an active part of your child’s skiing journey. Remember, skiing is about more than just skills—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the mountains. With the right approach, you can help your child thrive on the slopes and create memories that will last a lifetime.