Simple tips for planning ski and snowboard lessons for your child

Planning ski and snowboard lessons for your child can open up a world of fun and help establish basic skills that will make snow sports more enjoyable.

For beginners: If your child has some natural ability, he or she might find the first lessons tedious, but without proper instruction your child might never reach his or her potential. It's also much safer and more effective to learn proper techniques from the start than it is to unlearn bad habits later on. Professional lessons are by far the best way to learn how to ski or snowboard.

When it's time to learn more: Most people will plateau at a certain level unless they receive further training. For anyone who wants to improve their abilities, more lessons are the best way to take the next step. When it comes to the kind of instruction that's best, it doesn't matter if you choose the open atmosphere of a group class or the more personal attention of private lessons. It's more important that your child has lessons that suit his/her learning style and level, and that the lessons are affordable.

Sports equipment can be expensive, so it's not necessarily an investment you want to make when your child has only just started with lessons and it's unclear whether he or she will like snow sports. If your child is choosing between two sports, you might try providing one or two lessons in each, and buy equipment after he or she has decided which sport to continue with. First-time lessons are usually inexpensive and equipment can be rented, so you don't need to put down a lot of cash right away.

When planning ski and snowboard lessons for your child, explore the range of low-cost lesson programmes that most resorts offer for children who are new to snow sports. This means you typically won't need to overspend on lessons for multiple sports, and your child can explore several options to find the sport they enjoy.

There are two extremes to avoid when getting equipped for snow sports. On one hand, some people are unwilling to invest in good-quality equipment for their child. This often ends up being a false economy, as low-quality equipment is more likely to suffer wear and tear. The other extreme is to go out and spend a lot of money on professional-quality gear when your child isn't ready, or doesn't plan to pursue the sport at a competitive level. The middle ground is definitely the best option, with comfortable clothing that provides protection and keeps your child warm and dry, and skiing or boarding equipment that is well-made and performs well.