Realistic ski expectations for a nearly 7 year old?

[theoriginalandbestrookie]

DS has had lessons on the dry slopes so we headed off to the Cairngorms this weekend.

First time for me skiing in Scotland. In the morning he complained of being cold - fair enough the wind chill factor was horrific, so we stopped after 20mins had some lunch and I went down the funicular with him to buy a snood.

In the afternoon he was nice and warm and DH had found some easy runs that we could all do. Technically DS is fine, he has only learnt snow plough but can stop well and navigate himself down a green slope with ease. He seemed to enjoy himself when whizzing down the slopes.

Thing was he seemed to get bored after about 1hr 45 mins. I said we could go for a hot drink and then back out, but then he had a tantrum and manufactured a wee fall to stop him having to do anymore.

Slightly gutted as it cost £150 for the three of us to hire the gear and get the lift pass for the day. We didn't bother with it today as it just seemed like so much money when he gets fed up so quickly.

We are thinking of visiting our friends next year who live near ski slopes in France, as there is an apartment we can rent near by. My thoughts are that we stick DS in ski school for half a day each day as otherwise we won't get much of a chance to ski. Is it realistic to think he could ski for a bit in the afternoon as well?

I know the weather would be nicer abroad, and there are more places to stop and have a drink and something to eat, but I'm just not sure what would be the norm at that age - obviously he will be a year older - so assume it would be a bit easier?

We have tried geocaching, biking and he goes for swimming lessons. It's just I love skiing and now DH has had his dry slope lessons and his taste of snow so does he.
Prettybird I think that's good advice - go for the morning ski school and then do what he wants in the afternoon, if I get a good couple of hours in each day I'll be happy.

Good to know that your shy DD enjoyed ski school Gradually - hoping DS will be the same.

Can I ask what the conditions were like, are the pistes covered or is the snow melting? Were planning on going up for a couple of days this week or next. We have all the gear to keep warm.

The snow was excellent des te

My DC have gone skiing for at least one week each year, since my youngest was 3yo.

They have always gone into ski school in (usually) the morning, and then we would have more of a ski after lunch. Ski school will often have a small break with a snack for the littlest ones.

When they were smaller, I would take the little ones to the nursery slopes, while DH would take whoever wanted for a longer ski. More recently, we have all been able to ski together in the afternoons, which is lovely.

When DS was only 3, we went at half term, then again at Easter. The difference in his ability and desire to ski in that short time was amazing. He went from hardly attending the ski school, to being properly involved. You might find your DS is much more interested, next time.

deste I was at Glenshee last week and I have not seen cover as good for many, many years. All pistes full width and no rocks or heather showing through. And I was lucky enough to be there on a blue sky day with not a cloud in the sky, it was brilliant.

Lift queues were tricky though, I mean sometimes there were, ooh, two or three people in front of me. Although most of the time I was just skiing right onto the lift, no waiting.

You missed the good weather by a day - Friday was scorching!

A good easy run is the Ciste Fairway up the top of the funicular, as long as you are ok with T-bars. Top to bottom is a lovely run, but over 2 miles long I think. You can get an afternoon pass which is cheaper, and it is staying light later now :)

The snow is lovely, but apparently was a bit firm today as it froze overnight. The forecast isn't looking so great for the end of this week :(

Glad you got a good days skiing Wallace.

Sounds good, we are going next Monday Tuesday to Cairngorm.

Fab, hope you get good weather. We're up to Aviemore for the Easter week so I'm hoping that the top bowl at least will still have enough snow for a bit of afternoon skiing. Last year I skied there in May!!

Due more snow the end of this week :)