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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to Think that it Will be easy enough to go on a ski holiday with a 5, 7 and 8 year Old, without putting the kids in ski School?

637 replies

danishkids · 27/01/2022 23:49

We Will go on our first ski holiday ever on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to it. But the more I chat with friends/family, the more people are making me nervous. We are 2 adults, my husband and I. I have only ever been on skis for a few hours when I was 16. My husband has skied a few times.

Everyone I talk to tells me that I’m
Crazy and that it’s impossible to teach 3 kids at once. That it will only end up
With irritated children and parents. Am
I crazy to think that it will be fine? Or am
I just having wishful thinking?

Do you have any tips for first time
Skiers? Especially with kids? Any good techniques to help the kids learn fast?

I’m exited about this holiday, but maybe I shouldn’t be?

OP posts:
Original poster
danishkids · 07/02/2022 09:06

We were with the children when they were skiing, they were not alone Grin

OP posts:
AFS1 · 07/02/2022 09:08

Phew!
In that case, glad you all had fun and caught the ski-ing bug.
If you go next year, I really do still recommend ski school, particularly if the older two have taken to it. They’re going to want to tackle big slopes next time.

Rainbowshit · 07/02/2022 09:43

@Adastraperaspera

Sounds like a great holiday OP. Are you Danish yourself? I do think this is a cultural issue. Lots of people growing up near lots of snow/slopes are more inclined to teach their own children rather than just rely on ski schools, whereas Brits go once a year on an expensive holiday so ski school makes far more sense. Many Swiss/French/Scandinavian kids learn on the hill near there houses initially anyway.
Yeah with parents who are experienced skiers!!not beginners who've watched a few yiu tube videos!! 🤔
Rainbowshit · 07/02/2022 09:44

The update was never going to be anything otherwise was it? Well done OP classic of the Mumsnet genre.

torquewench · 07/02/2022 10:26

@Rainbowshit

The update was never going to be anything otherwise was it? Well done OP classic of the Mumsnet genre.
I came here to say this. No mention of any tantrums or whining. I'm not convinced this is an accurate representation of the entire trip

Doesn't sound like my idea of an enjoyable ski holiday either tbh but at least you saved yourself a few quid on the cost of lessons. Hope you're not establishing any bad habits though without an actual expert to tell you where you're not quite getting it right. Although I get the feeling there's no telling you anything ...

czechitout · 07/02/2022 12:21

Thanks OP for the update. Glad to hear it went well and you enjoyed it.
Someone already said here that ski school next year might be still good option, to learn the technique and be more confident.
However, the fact that you all enjoyed your holiday together it probably more important here than to be able to ski like a pro.

ShinyMe · 07/02/2022 12:42

Stopping in the middle of the slope? That's not safe practice op. Hey ho though, there's no telling some people.

Octomore · 07/02/2022 12:46

@ShinyMe

Stopping in the middle of the slope? That's not safe practice op. Hey ho though, there's no telling some people.
I assumed she meant stopping at the edge of the piste, halfway down a run. Which is perfectly ok.
ShinyMe · 07/02/2022 12:54

Ah yes, if that's what she meant then yes, fair enough.

Original poster
danishkids · 07/02/2022 20:19

Yes i meant stopping at the edge. Of the slope. Not right in everyones Way. I also wouldnt stand in the middle of a path or in front of a swing. I think that is common sense.

And yes there were a few tantrums, the first day, and also some mornings when we had to get all the gear on. But on the slopes they were happy most of the time. But to be fair on any family holiday there is alway one or two tantrums. But that’s part of family life and normally when I tell people about my holiday I don’t focus on that.

Regarding lesson next time! Yes we are planning on arriving a thursday so we can do The Weekend lessons. I do think we all
Could benefit from them for sure. My knees hurt a little the last few days (they are much better now) so I probably do need to change my technique a little. I’m happy to
Learn. :)

Also only doing green slopes was really fun! We were not scared but enjoyed it.

OP posts:
Mostlyjustrunning · 07/02/2022 20:45

Sounds great!

Changechangychange · 09/02/2022 02:40

@Adastraperaspera

Sounds like a great holiday OP. Are you Danish yourself? I do think this is a cultural issue. Lots of people growing up near lots of snow/slopes are more inclined to teach their own children rather than just rely on ski schools, whereas Brits go once a year on an expensive holiday so ski school makes far more sense. Many Swiss/French/Scandinavian kids learn on the hill near there houses initially anyway.
Used to live in Canada, many of my friends taught their own kids to ski.
  1. Those kids were being taught by somebody who could actually ski, not another complete beginner who has watched a bit of YouTube.
  1. The hills are usually just that - flattish slopes in the park. Or your backyard. Not heading up a mountain and hoping for the best.
  1. You start the kids off doing 30mins of toddling about in plastic skis on the flat, followed by a hot chocolate break. Not committing them to a whole week on a mountain.

We’re back in the UK now, DS hasn’t been on snow in two years, he’ll be going to ski school.

Theredjellybean · 09/02/2022 13:55

Well OP must have potential Olympic skiers in her kids.
I cannot believe three children and an adult all beginners managed a chairlift unscathed... But hey maybe as I said they are skiing prodigy

feb21 · 09/02/2022 18:31

There's quite a bit of snideness on this thread. Personally I'm a big fan of ski school.

But the OP made their ski trip work for them in a way that didn't endanger others. I suspect they'd all have made more progress in ski school but they clearly had a nice week together. Let's be gracious rather than picking her apart.

Mostlyjustrunning · 09/02/2022 18:32

Yes indeed. I’m sure several posters would have been delighted if they had all ended up with broken bones.

Etinoxaurus · 09/02/2022 18:39

Good for you op! Can’t remember if I posted first time round, I guess not as it didn’t reappear on threads I’m on…
I’d have said, ridiculous, you’re mad. But I’m delighted it worked out. I’ve never skied in Sweden but hear it’s flatter and quieter, definitely wouldn’t advise such bravery in the Alps. Grin

HopingForMyRainbowBaby · 09/02/2022 18:41

@danishkids

This time round money is too tight to put them in ski school. So we thought we could take it slowly, learning together. I have watched some YouTube videos to try and learn the basics (I know it will be different in real life but it’s a start)

Sounds like I am being unreasonable Blush

Has anyone taught yourself and kids on your own?

That would be like me saying 'well I've watched a few sky diving videos on YouTube so Ill save myself some money in having lessons cos I'll probably be safe enough now to Chuck myself out of a Plane'
buddylicious · 09/02/2022 18:47

So what are your plans if your kids get the hang of it quicker than you and your partner (which is what normally happens)? So they ski off ahead and you're stuck halfway down. Who looks after them? It's so irresponsible!!!!!

Bigpaintinglittlepainting · 09/02/2022 19:35

Fabulous op ! Thank you for such a detailed update it sounds like you have a wonderful time.

Well done for being cautious and still enjoying yourselves

SpaceDetective · 09/02/2022 19:40

Sounds like a great holiday OP. Are you Danish yourself? I do think this is a cultural issue

Many Swiss/French/Scandinavian kids learn on the hill near there houses initially anyway.

This has tickled me greatly, Denmark has very little snow and no mountains, its highest point is just under 180m above sea level. There are not legions of Danish parents teaching the kids to ski on the hills behind their houses!

AlmostAlwyn · 09/02/2022 19:42

RTFT, people. They went. It was fine! Comparing it to skydiving. Come on now Hmm

OP, I thought you were crazy but your update was great! I'm so glad you had a good time! Sounds like you were very sensible and didn't try and do too much too quickly.

And for the people sniffing about beginners managing a chairlift, that's what the operators are there for. They can see kids and beginners coming and slow the chairlift down, help the kids on and off, stop the lift at the top if someone falls... It's not that hard Confused

Mostlyjustrunning · 09/02/2022 19:42

No they go to Sweden Grin

Adastraperaspera · 09/02/2022 20:34

The reason I thought they would be fine is because I taught my own older children, 6 and 8 at the time, to snowboard on a small hill, whilst being a complete beginner myself. We had a blast and amazing memories, they still talk about it now as teens. They actually loved the fact that we were all learning together.
And yes, I am European from a country with mountains. I also taught all my children to swim and to play the violin and piano. I only sent them to music teachers once they had passed their grade 3s. I also taught them all to read before they started school. It really isn’t that hard and I also work part time. Some of us actually just love teaching our own children stuff.

oncemoreunto · 09/02/2022 21:34

My poor dc.
I couldn't teach them to ski, I was too busy keeping upright myself.
Once they could hammer out "twinkle twinkle " I was of no further use on a musical instrument.
And swimming wasn't any better.
I see my failings clearly now!

lljkk · 09/02/2022 21:41

I'm super glad you had a great time, too. x

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