Skiing according to children's age
The development rate of children is particular in each case and, therefore, most ski instructors answer the question of when a child is ready to learn to ski, that everything depends on the child in question. The ideal medium to learn to ski is 5 years old.
As is also the case with swimming, psychomotor coordination plays a fundamental role in the learning of these sports. However, it is possible that a child of 6 years has less developed psychomotor capacity than a 5 year old and this is not a problem, on the contrary, it is considered normal, since each child has its development rhythm. .
At what age can children start skiing?
The psychomotor capacity needed to stay on skis develops between five and six years, so that would be the minimum age at which a child should begin his initiation into the world of winter sports. However, instructors should assess the degree of psychomotor coodination of the child to avoid frequent falls, which can lead to broken bones or other injuries. Therefore, the first contact of the child with the learning of skiing should be through the ski school of the station, since in it they know the best techniques for children to learn while playing.
Skiing based on the child's age
Children of 2 years. Still in development, its motor coordination is very limited to learn to ski. Advisable to play with snow and slide on itself or with sledges.
Children of 3 years. At this age they reach psychomotor maturity and have more agility. It is the ideal age to start learning skiing as just another game.
Children of 4 years.Exaggerated motor activity, a lot of energy and balance. Ideal to base the future technique, which will develop later.
Children of 5 years.They have balance and control, sense of direction and ability to hold a position for long periods of time. Children who have followed an appropriate pattern can start a new stage in ski learning.
Skis or board?
The two most popular activities for children in the snow inside the ski resorts are skiing where the legs are independent and they go on two boards and the snowboard where the legs go together on a single table, on which, in addition, they can be perform acrobatics.
Which is the most appropriate for the snow training of young children? Regardless of taste, it is true that for children, skiing is easier to learn. The main reason is that for children, who are still developing and shaping their psychomotor coordination, it is easier to move forward or in front as they would with skiing, than laterally or sideways, as they would do with the board. In addition, on skis they have a leg on each board, something that facilitates their movement. While on snow they must go with both legs on the same board, something they are not used to and to learn is more complicated.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice: AEPEDI (Association of Schools, Teachers, and Winter Sports Coaches)
