When Should Kids Start Skiing?

Every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to starting skiing. At Connect, we believe that introducing kids to the mountain should be joyful, low-pressure, and tailored to where they are—not just their age.

We look at several key indicators to help decide when a child might be ready to get started, and how best to structure their introduction to skiing.

🧠 What We Look For (Besides Age)

Here’s what we consider when a family asks us: “Is my child ready to ski?”

1. Motor Skills

Can your child walk confidently, run, jump, and move independently over uneven terrain? We’re not looking for Olympic gymnasts—but we do want to see that they have basic balance and control in movement. If they’re climbing playground equipment and zooming around in snow boots, that’s a great start.

2. Understanding and Social Readiness

How does your child respond to instructions from adults who aren’t parents? Have they had time at nursery, playgroup, or other sports? Can they focus on simple directions in a busy environment?

Skiing requires kids to listen, try, and keep going even when it’s new or hard. Being able to take gentle instruction from a teacher is a key readiness sign.

3. Weather Tolerance

Let’s be honest: ski resorts can be overwhelming! If your child is going to enjoy their first experience, they need to be OK with snow, cold, and wearing lots of layers. Some kids are natural snow explorers. Others need time to adjust.

4. Previous Experience

Children who are used to structured play or physical activity—like swimming, dance, climbing, or gymnastics—often transition well into skiing. But if it’s all new, that’s fine too. We’re here to support them.

📏 Our General Guidelines

While we always assess case by case, here are some rules of thumb:

Ages 3–5: Start with a Private Lesson

We recommend:

• No more than 2 hours
  
  

• 1-to-1 or small shared sessions
  
  

• Focus on fun, snow play, and building confidence
  
  

For many little ones, just putting on boots and standing on skis is an adventure. Ski resorts are big, loud, and filled with stimulation—so we go slowly. Our instructors take their time introducing the equipment, explaining the space, and creating a positive first impression.

If your child ends the lesson saying, “Can we do that again tomorrow?”, we’ve done our job.

Age 6 and up: Join a Group Lesson

This is a great age to:

• Learn alongside peers
  
  

• Start using lifts confidently
  
  

• Explore technique through games and movement
  
  

Our group sizes are small—usually 6, max 8—and we match children by both age and ability. Group learning is powerful at this age. It boosts motivation, social learning, and confidence. Plus, it’s really fun.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Speak to Us First

We’ve taught confident 2-year-olds and cautious 7-year-olds—and everything in between. The most important thing is that we meet your child where they’re at.

Let’s have a conversation. We'll help you decide whether your child is ready, what kind of lesson would suit them, and how to get started gently.

📱 Message us on WhatsApp
📧 Send an email
📞 Or just give us a call

👟 Top Tips for Parents

Set your little skier up for success with these essentials:

• ✅ Follow your instructor’s advice—especially around practice terrain and ski volume after a lesson.
  
  

• ✅ Dress them in layers. Spring skiing is very different to January skiing. Sign up to our newsletter for seasonal layering tips.
  
  

• ✅ Boots should fit snugly—only one pair of socks, always.
  
  

• ✅ Mark where the lift pass is (jacket sleeve, pocket, etc.)
  
  

• ✅ Helmets are compulsory for kids in France.
  
  

• ✅ Goggles or sunglasses are a must.
  
  

• ✅ Bring snacks! Think oat bars, dried fruit, or energy balls—not sweets that spike and crash.
  
  

• ✅ Tuck a contact card into their jacket—just in case.
  
  

🏔️ We Teach More Than Just Turns

At Connect, we believe skiing should build more than just technique. Our children’s lessons also include:

• Map reading and mountain awareness
  
  

• Emergency and safety procedures
  
  

• Understanding snow, weather, and terrain
  
  

• Equipment care and independence
  
  

• Personal learning tools (because every child learns differently)
  
  

We’re here to guide your child’s journey on the mountain—and make sure it’s full of joy, laughter, and genuine growth.

Curious if your child is ready to start skiing? We’d love to help.

Let’s find the right moment—and the right lesson—to give them the best possible introduction to a lifetime of mountain adventures.