Skiing With Kids: Expert Tips for Ski Parents

The ski season may be winding down, but what you do now with your gear determines how next season starts. In this episode, Jessica — PSIA-certified ski instructor and mom of five — walks ski parents through a complete end-of-season gear care routine: from storage wax for your skis to washing and drying all your soft gear before it goes in a bin. Whether you're teaching kids to ski or just trying to protect a significant gear investment, this episode is your spring checklist.What You'll LearnWhy storage wax matters and how to apply it (or what to ask for at a shop)How to fully dry boots before storage — and why this is the most important thing you'll do all springHow to wash technical ski gear without damaging waterproofing or insulationWhen to replace a helmet — the answer might surprise youHow to do an end-of-season kid gear inventory and why spring is the best time to buy for next seasonResources & LinksFirst Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski — skiingkid.comNikwax Tech Wash (for waterproof shells and bibs)Nikwax TX.Direct (DWR re-treatment)Key Takeaway "The way you store your gear is the way it greets you at the start of next season. Put it away right, and next fall feels like Christmas morning."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

Most ski parents pack up at the end of the season and try to reconstruct where their kids left off come October, and that gap costs them days on the mountain every single year. In this episode, Jessica shares the end-of-season assessment she uses both as a PSIA-certified ski instructor and as a ski parent herself, so you can capture exactly where your kids are while it's still fresh. If you're serious about how to ski with kids in a way that builds real, lasting progress, this is the episode you didn't know you needed.What You'll LearnWhy doing a simple skills and terrain assessment at the end of ski season is one of the best family skiing tips you'll ever act on — and why waiting until fall means you'll be guessingThe three-bucket framework every ski parent can use to teach kids to ski with intention: Mastered, Working On, and Still to ComeThe core skills to assess when evaluating children learning to ski — from balance and stopping to parallel turns and chairlift confidenceHow to document the actual runs at your local mountain so you know exactly where to start next season instead of starting overHow to use your end-of-season notes in the fall to pick up right where you left off — the single biggest thing that separates families who make steady progress from those who feel like they're back at square one every yearKey Takeaway"The notes you take right now are the bridge between this season and next. Don't skip the bridge."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

Episode Summary: The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina just wrapped up, and  and ski instructor and mom of five Jessica Averett was watching with a very specific lens. In this episode, Jessica pulls four powerful lessons from the Games and translates them directly into practical, usable advice for ski parents at every level. From Chloe Kim's mentorship of Gaon Choi, to Federica Brignone's comeback from injury, to Eileen Gu's refusal to let others define her success — the stories coming out of Italy have a lot to say about what really matters when you're teaching kids to ski.What You'll Learn:Why your goal as a ski parent should be raising a skier who doesn't need you — and how to actually do itHow your reaction to your child's falls shapes their relationship with risk for yearsWhy regression is normal, how long comebacks take, and how to stay out of the wayHow to let your child define success on the mountain instead of imposing your own definition on them"The best thing you can do as a ski parent is raise a skier who eventually doesn't need you.""Every fall is a data point. Treat it like one.""A kid who makes it to the magic carpet and has a blast is building something worth more than dragging them up a chairlift before they're ready.""The comeback doesn't announce itself. It comes when the foundation is ready.""Your job is to create the conditions where your kid's version of success can happen — not impose yours on top of it."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

Episode SummarySkiing with kids is expensive — and buying the wrong season pass can cost your family hundreds of dollars before you ever click into a binding. In this episode, Jessica Averett, a PSIA-certified ski instructor and ski mom of five, breaks down the four major multi-resort passes (Ikon, Epic, Mountain Collective, and Indy) so you can stop guessing and start skiing with a real plan. She covers every tier, every price point, and the exact questions every ski parent needs to ask before buying.What You'll LearnThe critical difference between the full Ikon Pass and the Ikon Base Pass — and which one is actually the better deal for your family based on when and where you skiHow Epic's new teen and young adult pricing changes the family math, and how to decide between the full Epic Pass and the Epic Local Pass when you're trying to teach kids to ski without breaking the bankWhich passes deliver the best family skiing tips for specific regions — Utah, Colorado, Vermont, and California — so you stop paying for resorts you'll never useWhy the Mountain Collective is ideal for families who travel intentionally to world-class mountains, and why the Indy Pass is the smartest option for children learning to ski at smaller, less crowded resortsThe one thing every ski parent must do before the price goes up — and why spring is the only time to buyResources & Links🎿 First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski — Jessica's complete course for ski parents ready to stop guessing and start teaching with confidence. Learn more at skiingkid.comIkon Pass: ikonpass.comEpic Pass: epicpass.comMountain Collective: mountaincollective.comIndy Pass: indyskipass.comKey Takeaway"The right pass is the one that matches how and where your family actually skis — not the one with the most resorts on the brochure."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

Episode SummaryOne of the biggest mistakes ski parents make is pushing kids onto harder terrain before they're actually ready — and it can undo months of progress in a single run. In this episode, Jessica Averett breaks down exactly how to know when your child is ready to move up, from the bunny hill all the way to black diamonds. She walks through five key questions every ski parent should ask before bumping up the difficulty, plus the specific skills that need to be in place at each terrain level. Whether your kid is transitioning from green to blue or blue to black, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework so you can make that call with confidence — and protect your child's love of skiing in the process.What You'll LearnThe #1 mistake ski parents make when skiing with kids — and why it can send kids home in tears saying they hate skiingFive questions to ask yourself before moving your child to harder terrainThe non-negotiable skills every child needs before leaving the beginner hill (stop, turn, get up — and why rushing these costs you later)What side slipping is, why it matters, and how to teach it before your child ever sets foot on a blue runThe green-to-blue transition: what's physical, what's mental, and how to handle bothWhy the easy blue to hard blue jump is the first real terrain difficulty spike — and what parallel skills need to be in place before you get thereThe full checklist of skills kids need before skiing their first black diamondPractical strategies for encouraging kids on new terrain: how to ski it together so they actually feel successfulResources and LinksWhen are Kids Ready for Harder Terrain (full article)How to Encourage Nervous Kids to Ski (full article)Key Takeaway"Skiing with kids is a long-haul game. When you rush the terrain progression, you get tears and resistance and kids who stop wanting to ski. When you're patient and intentional, you get a kid who reaches the top of a blacSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

Episode SummaryIf you've ever stood on a bunny slope repeating "make a pizza!" while your kid stares at you blankly, this episode is going to change your next ski day. Jessica breaks down the Edgie Wedgie — a $12 ski tip connector that she's carried in her jacket pocket for 17 years — and explains exactly why it's one of the most effective tools for skiing with kids under six. Every ski parent needs to hear this before their next trip to the mountain.What You'll LearnWhat an Edgie Wedgie actually is and how it works to teach kids to ski faster and with less frustrationWhy "spread your legs" works better than "make a pizza" when children learning to ski are just starting outThe simple tension trick that tells you exactly when to take it off — one of the most practical family skiing tips in this episodeWho should (and shouldn't) use one, and why it's only recommended for kids six and underWhat to avoid when buying a ski tip connector — and the one mistake that permanently damaged a pair of skisKey Takeaway"You've taken an abstract concept they couldn't figure out and turned it into a physical action they already know how to do."About Your HostJessica Averett is a PSIA-certified ski instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching kids ski lessons to hundreds of children — and to all five of her own kids, most of whom were skiing before age three. She shares everything she knows about how to ski with kids at skiingkid.com.Resources & Links🎿 Ready to stop guessing and start skiing with a real plan? Check out First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski — Jessica's course built specifically for parents.📖 Read the full Edgie Wedgie guide on her website Skiingkid.comSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

If you've been skiing with kids in the middle of winter and wondering why it feels so hard, this episode is going to change how you plan your ski season. Jessica breaks down exactly why spring is the single best time of year for a ski parent to take their family to the mountain — and what you need to do differently to make the most of it.What You'll LearnWhy spring conditions — softer snow, warmer temps, and smaller crowds — make it dramatically easier to teach kids to ski and build real confidence on the mountainThe one timing mistake most families make on spring ski days (and the simple fix that transforms how children learning to ski experience their first runs)How to layer your kids for fluctuating spring temps so they stay comfortable all day — because a cold, wet kid is a done kidThe family skiing tips that turn a regular ski day into a core memory: tailgate lunches, costumes, resort events, and why they matter more than extra vertical feetWhy getting a spring wax and following the sun are two of the most overlooked how to ski with kids strategies that actually affect how your kids feel on their skisLearn MoreLearn more about spring skiing on this article, and get some get some recommendations for great spring skiing resorts for families all on skiingkid.comKey Takeaway"Enjoyment is what creates skiers for life. The mountain in March — with your kid in a cape, eating soup out of a thermos, smiling in the sunshine after their best run of the season? That's what all of this is for."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

If you've ever had a ski day fall apart before lunch and couldn't figure out why, this episode is for you. Jessica — PSIA-certified ski instructor and mom of five — breaks down altitude sickness: what it is, why it hits kids especially hard, and how every ski parent can prepare for it before setting foot on the mountain. Skiing with kids at elevation requires more planning than most families realize, and this episode gives you the framework to do it right.What You'll LearnWhy altitude sickness is one of the most overlooked reasons kids (and adults) struggle on mountain ski trips — and why fitness level has almost nothing to do with itHow to spot altitude sickness symptoms in young children who can't tell you what's wrong, and what to do immediately when symptoms appearThe simple acclimation strategy Jessica recommends for any family traveling to a high-altitude ski resort — including what to do on that first day instead of heading straight to the slopesPractical family skiing tips for staying hydrated at elevation, including why kids need regular water breaks built into the ski day (not just at lunch)How protecting your child's body at altitude connects directly to children learning to ski with confidence — and why a depleted kid can't learn, take correction, or enjoy the mountainResources & LinksWant a complete plan for teaching your kids to ski — not just surviving the day, but building real confidence on the mountain? Check out First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski at skiingkid.comMore tips on how to ski with kids, gear guides, and resort recommendations: skiingkid.comKey Takeaway"Altitude sickness doesn't care how fit you are, how excited you are, or how much you paid for your lift tickets. It's a physiological reality of skiing in the mountains. But with preparation, you can dramatically reduce the risk."00:00 Welcome to the Show00:24 Altitude Sickness Story02:37 What It Is and Symptoms03:54 Who Is Most at Risk05:28 Kids and Nervous System06:35 Prevention Steps10:38 What to Do If It Hits12:37 Common Mistakes and Planning14:06 Key Takeaways and WrapSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

You just paid for ski lessons for your kid — now what? In this episode of Skiing with Kids, Jessica breaks down the seven questions every ski parent should ask their child's instructor at pickup, and why skipping this five-minute conversation means leaving the most valuable part of the lesson behind. If you want to actually teach kids to ski — not just survive the day — this is where it starts.What You'll LearnWhy the generic skills checklist from ski school barely scratches the surface, and what to ask instead to get information you can actually use on your next family ski dayThe exact words and phrases your child's instructor used to make skills click — and why using the same language is one of the most underrated family skiing tips out thereHow to figure out the way your specific child learns best on the mountain, straight from the person who just spent four hours cracking that codeWhy children learning to ski improve faster when parents know how to be a practice partner — not a coach — on family ski daysThe bonus move that locks in everything from the lesson while it's still fresh (and costs you nothing but two more runs)More episodes, guides, and gear recommendations also at skiingkid.comKey Takeaway"You're not just picking up your kid. You're picking up four hours of professional insight about your child on the mountain. Don't leave it behind."The seven questions cover: 1. What the child did well2. Where they need work and how a parent can help3. The exact words/phrases used4. What runs they skied and which to do or avoid next5. What to practice to reach the next level and how to make it a game6. What the child responded best to7. What games were played and how they work. 00:00 Ski School Sticker Shock01:35 What You Miss at Pickup02:59 Surviving Pickup Chaos05:00 Question One Praise That Sticks06:59 Question Two How to Help08:51 Question Three Magic Words10:49 Question Four Best Runs12:23 Question Five Practice Games13:39 Question Six Learning Style15:09 Question Seven Steal Their Games17:26 Bonus Two Runs Together19:55 Why Parents Skip This21:41 Quick Recap and SendoffSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

If you've ever squeezed in one more run and watched the whole day fall apart, this episode is for you. Jessica — ski instructor of 20 years and mom of five — breaks down why knowing when to stop is the single most underrated skill in skiing with kids, and why the ski parent who leaves early is often the one raising a lifelong skier. This isn't about doing less. It's about understanding how your child's brain actually remembers experiences — and using that knowledge to build something that lasts.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy the last run of the day has more impact on children learning to ski than almost anything else that happened before it — and how to make sure it works in your favorThe psychological principle (the Peak-End Rule) that explains why family skiing tips focused on ending well matter more than logging more runsHow to recognize the warning signs that your child's tank is running low — before the meltdown, not afterWhat the car ride home is actually telling you, and how to use it as a simple diagnostic tool for next timeWhy "one more run" can quietly undo progress — and what to do instead if you want to teach kids to ski in a way that sticksRESOURCES & LINKSReady to stop guessing and start skiing with a real plan? First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski walks you through exactly how to structure your ski days so your kids build confidence, stay regulated, and keep wanting to come back. 👉 skiingkid.comAlso mentioned: Jessica's episode on The First Hour of the Ski Day — a perfect companion listen if you're building your family skiing framework from the ground up.KEY TAKEAWAY"Leave them smiling. Leave them wanting more. That's the whole game."00:00 Welcome to Skiing With Kids00:27 Why Stopping Matters01:17 Value vs Kid Experience02:56 Nervous System Budget03:41 Spotting Limit Signals04:28 Peak End Rule06:03 End on a Win08:39 Teach Self Regulation09:15 Realistic Time and Breaks10:20 Car Ride Debrief11:55 Hard Lessons and Regret14:11 Skiing Is a Long Game15:13 Next Day Action Plan16:25 Wrap Up and ShareSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

If you've ever had a ski day fall apart before 10am, this episode is for you. Jessica breaks down why the first hour of the ski day is the single biggest factor in how the day goes — and why this is true whether your kids are brand new to skiing or already ripping down black diamonds. Every ski parent needs to hear this one.What You'll LearnWhy rushing through the morning is the #1 mistake parents make when they teach kids to ski — and exactly what to do insteadHow to use a simple 4-step framework that covers everything from parking lot energy to the first run, giving you real family skiing tips you can use this weekendWhy the warm-up looks different depending on your child's level — and why even advanced kids need an intentional start to their ski dayWhat's actually happening when children learning to ski suddenly "fall apart" mid-day (hint: it started way before the meltdown)How to build the kind of confidence on the mountain that makes kids want to come back — the foundation of how to ski with kids in a way that actually sticksResources & LinksWant a complete plan for skiing with your kids — not just tips, but a real system? Check out First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski at skiingkid.com. It's everything Jessica teaches as a professional ski instructor, built specifically for parents.Key Takeaway"You're not just raising a skier. You're raising a kid who feels confident on the mountain. And those years matter more than you think."00:00 Welcome to the Show00:25 Why the First Hour Matters02:27 How Parents Create Pressure03:49 Kids Nervous System Basics06:04 Warmup Runs That Work09:44 First Hour Three Steps11:40 Momentum and Mindset13:09 Family Story and Lessons15:28 Slow Starts Win16:05 Final Takeaways and Next StepsSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

In this episode of Skiing with Kids, your host Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five with 20 years’ experience, explains that kids’ ski fear is often accidentally created by well intended parents on the mountain.This happens through co-regulation: children under about 10 read safety from parents’ tone, micro-expressions, and body tension more than words. She outlines five common fear-installers: using a panic voice, taking kids on terrain that’s too hard too soon (violating her “boring rule” that confidence builds when tasks feel easy and automatic), pushing for “one more run” (the peak-end rule), praising bravery instead of skill (which implies danger), and showing parental anxiety (which sets a regulation ceiling). She recommends calm instructional tone, staying on easy terrain longer, stopping before fatigue, practicing falling, normalizing wobble as recovery, and detaching ego to play the long game, then mentions her parent-focused program, First Tracks.Get First Tracks HERE00:00 Welcome and Big Idea01:15 Meltdown on the Slope02:25 Kids Aren't Born Afraid03:12 Co Regulation Explained05:21 Panic Voice Problem06:59 Terrain Too Hard Too Soon08:29 One More Run Trap09:41 Stop Praising Bravery11:34 Your Anxiety Sets Ceiling12:53 Architecture of Confidence14:43 Beyond Skiing Check Signal15:45 First Tracks Invitation16:58 Final Reminder and GoodbyeSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

In this episode of Skiing with Kids, host Jessica, the parent ski expert, explains why the first three days on skis can shape a child’s entire relationship with skiing. These early days aren’t really about technique. They’re about building comfort, confidence, and a sense that the mountain is a place where they belong.In this episode, Jessica shares how pressure, complicated gear, and pushing kids too fast can trigger “threat mode,” leading to frustration and meltdowns. Instead, she walks through a simple approach for those first three days: keeping day one short, playful, and repetition-based; adding gentle control and independence on day two; and building basic turning and speed control on day three—all without rushing kids onto bigger terrain before they’re ready.You’ll also hear practical strategies for introducing ski gear before your trip, using games to build confidence, and ending ski days while kids still want more. Jessica also introduces her step-by-step framework from First Tracks: A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, designed to help parents create smoother ski days, build confident young skiers, and avoid the meltdowns that often come with learning on the mountain.00:00 Welcome to Skiing With Kids00:26 Why the First Three Days Matter02:32 Kids Identity on the Mountain03:34 Gear Comfort Before Day One05:00 Day One Should Feel Easy05:50 Build Confidence Not Perfection07:11 Day by Day Plan and First Tracks07:54 Momentum and Three Day Progression10:23 Do You Need Ski School12:29 Wrap Up and Final EncouragementSkiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

There's a two-second window on the mountain when your child quietly decides whether skiing is going to be their thing — and most ski parents have no idea it's happening. In this episode, Jessica breaks down the exact psychology behind that moment, why it has nothing to do with ski technique, and what you can do to make sure it lands the right way. Whether you're brand new to skiing with kids or trying to turn around a bad experience, this one will change how you show up on the mountain.What You'll LearnWhy the "deciding moment" happens much earlier than parents expect — and what children are actually looking for when they look up at you after a fallThe single most important mindset shift for any ski parent who wants to teach kids to ski without accidentally creating fear or resistanceThe three make-or-break windows during early ski experiences that determine whether children learning to ski feel confident or overwhelmedCommon family skiing tips that backfire — including well-meaning moves like comparison, running commentary, and pushing to harder terrain too soonHow to structure the day so your child leaves the mountain wanting to come back — the foundation of everything Jessica teaches in her kids ski lessons and in First TracksKey Takeaway"Kids don't quit activities because they're hard. They quit activities because they feel out of control."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

When your child refuses to ski, it's easy to feel frustrated, defeated, or just plain confused — especially when you've been looking forward to the day. In this episode, I share my 4-step rescue plan for turning a resistant skier around, drawing from both her 20 years as a professional ski instructor and her own real moments of struggle with her five kids.She walks through why kids push back in the first place (fear, frustration, or simply feeling powerless), and then breaks down exactly what to do about it: have a real conversation and actually listen, give your child meaningful choices within boundaries, bring the fun back through games and connection, and know when to call it a day to protect the long game.This episode is honest, practical, and reassuring — a reminder that a kid who doesn't want to ski today isn't a kid who will never love skiing. They just need to feel heard, respected, and like skiing is something happening with them, not to them.If you're ready for more help and a full framework to help you teach your kids to ski, check out First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski.Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....

If you've ever had a ski day fall completely apart and had no idea why, this episode is for you. Jessica Averett, a certified ski instructor with 20 years of experience and mom of five, breaks down the 7 most common mistakes ski parents make when skiing with kids, and exactly what to do differently. Whether you're brand new to family skiing or you've been at it for years, understanding these patterns is the first step to raising kids who genuinely love the mountain.What You'll LearnWhy handing your kids off to ski school isn't enough — and the 3-minute conversation after every lesson that will completely change how fast your kids learn when children learning to skiThe single biggest reason kids freeze up and refuse to ski (hint: it usually starts with moving to harder terrain too fast) and how to teach kids to ski in the right sequenceWhy the best family skiing tips have nothing to do with athleticism — and everything to do with building skills in the right orderHow to read the warning signs your kid is sending before a meltdown hits, so you can adjust before the day falls apartWhy "winging it" works for a while — and what to do instead so you're always leading your kids with confidence as a ski parentResources & LinksReady to stop guessing and start skiing with a real plan? Jessica's course First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski gives you a complete roadmap for what to teach, when to teach it, and how to build real, lasting confidence in your kids on the mountain.👉 Get it at skiingkid.comKey Takeaway"The kids who grow up loving skiing don't have magical parents. They have parents who followed a pattern. And that pattern is something you can learn."Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.Enjoying the Podcast?Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.More Skiing with Kids ResourcesFor more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam.Free Guide for Ski ParentsWant to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski? Download the free guide:The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them) https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squubThis quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain....