10 Things Parents Must Teach Their Kids About Skiing Responsibly

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Skiing is an incredible sport that offers endless fun, but it also comes with responsibilities. As a professional ski instructor and a mom who has spent countless hours on the slopes with my kids, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to teach children ski responsibility. Not only does it help keep them safe, but it also ensures the safety and enjoyment of everyone else on the mountain.

kids skiing with goggles

Teaching ski responsibility to kids goes beyond just showing them how to ski—it’s about helping them understand and respect the skier’s code of conduct, how to be polite on the slopes, and making sure they’re accountable for their actions. When kids learn the importance of skiing safely and considerately, they build confidence, become better skiers, and grow into responsible adventurers.

Here are the key lessons I teach my kids (and students) about ski responsibility and how to keep them accountable on the slopes.

Also Read: Ski Safety for Kids and How to Manage Skiing in Crowds

1. Know the Skier’s Responsibility Code

The first thing I teach kids is the Skier’s Responsibility Code. You’ll see it all over at ski resorts, but sadly, very few skiers can actually tell you what it says. It’s the foundation of safe and responsible skiing, and it’s something every skier, regardless of age or experience level, should know by heart. The code includes essential guidelines like staying in control, giving right of way to those downhill, and avoiding stopping in dangerous places.

family skiing at brianhead utah powder day

When I’m teaching kids, we go over the code in simple, kid-friendly terms:

  • Stay in control: Always ski at a speed where you can stop or avoid people if you need to.
  • Yield to downhill skiers: If someone is below you on the hill, they have the right of way.
  • Look uphill before starting: Before you begin skiing again, always check to make sure the slope is clear.
  • Stop in a safe place: Never stop in the middle of a run or where you’re not visible to other skiers.
  • Obey signs and warnings: Pay attention to all posted signs and markings on the mountain.
  • Help others: If you see someone who needs help, stop and check on them.

I make sure my kids understand that the Skier’s Responsibility Code isn’t just for adults—it applies to them, too. Some of the aspects of the skiers responsibility code we’ll break down even further below!

2. Stay Together – Never Ski Alone

One of my top rules when skiing with kids is to never ski alone. It’s easy for kids to get separated from the group, especially if they get excited and want to go fast or take a different route. To prevent this, I always emphasize staying together or using the buddy system.

akova ski clothing review

Each child is paired with a ski buddy, and they’re responsible for staying together throughout the day. This way, they learn to look out for one another and become more mindful of where their buddy is at all times.

I remember one day when my daughter and her friend got separated from the group at a fork in the trail. While they knew not to ski alone, they had bee busy chatting and hadn’t stopped at a junction (which is a non-negotiable rule in our family). It was a great teaching moment for both my daughter and her friend to get to sit out for a run and have a long talk about what can happen when you get separated from the group!

3. Stop and Wait at Junctions

One of the easiest ways for kids to get separated from their group is at trail junctions. Always waiting at junctions is a non-negotiable rule in our family. If our kids don’t wait – they sit the next run out (it usually happens to each kid in the early season, and then after sitting out, never again that year). Skiing can be so exciting that they don’t even realize they’ve taken a different path until they’re halfway down the mountain. To avoid this, I teach my kids to always stop and wait at junctions until everyone has caught up.

stopping on the side of the trail on skis

It’s important to build this habit from the start. Before each run, I remind the kids where we’ll be stopping and which junctions to look out for. Waiting at junctions helps everyone stay together and ensures that no one accidentally skis down a more difficult run. It’s also really important if you are skiing in a group with different abilities and speed of skiers.

4. Look Uphill Before Starting

Another critical part of ski responsibility is teaching kids to look uphill before starting. Kids are often so eager to get moving that they forget to check if the coast is clear. But looking uphill is essential for avoiding collisions with faster or more experienced skiers.

Brother and sister skiing and snowboarding

When teaching this, I use the analogy of crossing the street: “You wouldn’t cross the street without looking both ways, so don’t start skiing without looking uphill!” This comparison helps them understand the importance of awareness on the slopes.

I once had a student who loved skiing fast, but he had a habit of darting off without checking uphill. After nearly causing a collision, we spent time practicing stopping and looking uphill every time before starting again. By the end of the day, he had turned it into a game, challenging himself to check uphill faster than his friends.

5. Be Mindful of Space: No Giant S-Turns

Making huge S-turns across the entire width of a large ski run might feel natural for beginner skiers, but it can cause problems for others on the mountain. I remind my kids that they don’t need to take up the whole run. Skiing in a more confined space not only helps with control but also makes it easier for faster skiers to pass safely.

Little boys skiing together

When I see my kids making giant turns, I gently guide them to practice keeping their turns a little tighter, focusing on staying in one half of the run rather than weaving all over the place.

6. Be Kind to Other Skiers

Skiing isn’t just about YOU—it’s about sharing the mountain with others. I teach my kids the importance of kindness on the slopes. If someone falls, they should ask if they’re okay and offer help (especially to younger kids or beginners). If they accidentally cut someone off, they need to apologize. A little kindness goes a long way in creating a positive experience for everyone.

kids skiing together giving encouragement

On the lift, we often talk about ski etiquette. If they see someone struggling, I encourage them to offer a kind word or lend a hand. It’s these little acts of kindness that create a more supportive ski community.

My son once knocked over another skier when they both tried to stop at the same time. I watched as he got up, skied over to the other boy, and apologized. Not only did the other skier appreciate it, but they also ended up riding the lift together and chatting like friends!

7. Stop Where You’re Visible

Stopping in the middle of the run or in blind spots can lead to accidents. I teach my kids to always stop off to the side of the run where they’re clearly visible to skiers above. This reduces the chances of someone crashing into them from behind.

Whenever we stop, I point out safe stopping zones—areas near the edge of the trail but still visible to oncoming skiers. If we’re on a narrow run, we try to find a widening or pull off to avoid blocking the trail.

8. Watch Your Skis in Crowds

When you’re walking at the base of the mountain, it’s easy for kids (and even adults!) to get careless with their skis while carrying them. I remind my kids to keep their skis close to their body and to always be mindful of where they’re pointing. Swinging skis can easily hit other people, especially in crowded lift lines or lodges.

Kids ski gear, gloves mittens, snowsuits

Kids should old skis close to their body or vertical when walking through parking lots to avoid hitting parked cars.

9. Stay in Control and Know Your Limits

One of the most important lessons in ski responsibility is knowing your limits. I teach my kids that there’s no shame in staying on easier runs if they’re not ready for more advanced terrain. Staying in control is key to staying safe for you and everyone else on the mountain.

kids skiing squaw valley

I also encourage kids to listen to their bodies. If they’re tired, it’s okay to take a break. There might be days that that black diamond is easy and other days where it feels out of reach. Know where you can safely and comfortably ski, and don’t be afraid to back things down if you need to.

10. Smile and Have Fun!

At the end of the day, skiing should be fun! While teaching responsibility is crucial, I always remind my kids to smile and enjoy the experience. Skiing is an amazing way to spend time outdoors, and when kids feel confident and responsible, they’re more likely to love the sport and stick with it.

family skiing together with kids

By teaching these lessons early, kids not only become better skiers but also develop a deeper respect for the mountain and everyone sharing it with them. And as a parent and ski instructor, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your kids ski safely and responsibly while having the time of their lives!

Written by Jessica Averett

Hi, I'm Jessica! After meeting my husband on a chairlift, we now live in the mountains of Utah with our 5 kids. As a former ski instructor and mom, I'm here to help you make your family ski trips as easy, and FUN, as possible!