We had our second time out this morning and it was so, so, AWFUL. We got to the hill, only to find that a local town's recreation program had taken over the bunny slopes--3 bus loads of kids, who were all on the three beginner runs.
We should have turned around right there, but we didn't. After getting all our gear loaded into the car, and a 15 minute ride of psyching the girl up for riding the magic carpet, I wasn't about to turn around. Big mistake.
Jordan only lasted 4 runs, because the waiting in line for the lifts was just too much... well, that paired with mommy's pained attempts at bringing her up the rope tow (read: lots of quad pain, and kids falling everywhere). I wouldn't have even tried the tow if the magic carpet ride didn't have a line close to 30 people long!
The runs we did get in were good quality. The rope tow goes a bit further up the hill, so we got in some longer runs too. I'm just glad that we didn't have our camera today b/c at the end of each run I needed to hand the girl off to daddy so I could stretch my legs, and during these few short moments, Jordan decided to show off her toddler meltdown skills. After a few runs, both daddy and I decided that we couldn't take it any more, so we bagged it in.
Note to self: Do not try to ski with Jordan on the weekends at the local hill. Any further attempts must be made on weekday mornings to avoid the insane crowds.
When we got home I briefly considered taking her back to the hill after her nap so we could get our money's worth out of our lift tickets. The hill is open until 9, so we'll see. Maybe I can convince her uncle to take her.
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3 comments:
Have you seen this teaching tool? My husband has been using it and is having great success. I'll try to post pictures on our blog soon. Hope things are going well on the slopes for you!
http://www.snowshack.com/detail/SNW+KS-02089
Hi Laura & Jodan,
This season I also started teaching my 4 year old son, Kyle, how to ski. Kudos to you for starting Jordan at 2. I am also a former ski instructor and think I can teach my kids myself.
Our first time out we went up & down the magic carpet twice. For the last run I took him up the lift, placed him between my legs and flew down the hill. We made fire engine, airplane and beeping sounds the whole way down. He loved it! We then had hot chocolate and sang "here we only have one rule, never ever let it cool" from The Polar Express. :-)
Our Second time was somewhat of a disaster. I purchased a ski leash that goes around his waist and thighs (the legs are key for steering him). 1st mistake was putting it on him before our trek to the bunny hill. The harness was too tight and was hurting him so I loosened it then it kept sliding down his lack of a butt making it very difficult to walk.
We road the magic carpet once then went up the lift. I tried using the leash but he really wanted to be between my legs. Half way down he stated we wanted his skis off! I figured I would not push him too much so we skied down making noises again then went to eat popcorn.
Before our third trip I got together an old boot bag for his gear. He thinks having his own gear bag is cool. When we got to the hill I looked for the leash and it was not in his bag nor mine. He informed me he took it out at home and that he did not want anything to do whith the thing. We went up the magic carpet once then up the lift. I wanted him to get away from his comfort zone so I made him ski beside me. At this time it occured to me my poles would have come in handy. We went up the lift 3 times and worked on making the pizza (wedge). Then we went and had more popcorn.
Our fourth outing I made sure we had the leash before leaving the house...fool me once! ;-) We again started on the magic carpet once then went to the lift. At the top of the hill I strapped on the harness...I'm learning. We then skied down with me controlling his speed with my wedge. Note: my longer skis might be better here, less leg burn??? We went up and down 4 different slopes for a total of 5 lift rides. The last we went to the car using the bottom of a blue. He really did great, I kept telling him to keep his skis wider and he was getting the hang of leaning on on leg to initiate a turn. I could help this by pulling on the corresponding leash strap. He keeps trying to make the pizza but it hasn't come yet. We made noises the whole time. He had fun and I had a blast!
I think I bought his skis too long, 93cm, so I got on craigslist and found some 74cm K2s. They should arrive next week. We are going again this Sunday. I'm going to try using an Edgie Wedgie to keep his tips closer together after he is comfortable again.
One site I found is:
http://www.applerise.com
click the "Downhill Skiing" link for teaching aid ideas.
Sorry for the long comment but I am enjoying your blog and I thought our experiences might help you and Jordan. I also have 21 month old twins that I'd like to start next year so I'm very interested in your teaching methods.
-ikoiko
thanks ikoiko and cutzi for the info and links!
we're going out again next monday or tuesday, so hopefully I'll have an update next week some time.
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