A-B SKIS
Our very own child of winter, Arnie Wilson, reviews the delightful A-B-Skis children's book, written by American Olympic skier and mother of two, Libby Ludlow.
Today’s small children – “tiny tots” if you will – are, we hope, tomorrow’s skiing teenagers and adults. But they will need encouragement to get there.
People often ask me what the ideal age is for children to start skiing. It’s a difficult question. Sometimes, when parents or parents-to-be are on the slopes and see local kids tearing down the mountain at a very early age, it can give them the wrong idea. They can easily forget that local children often have access to the slopes all winter long and can choose to ski when the snow is at an optimum and the sun is welcoming.
But British children starting out will probably only get one week to see if they like the idea, regardless of the weather and snow conditions. And the danger in starting too young, in the wrong conditions, is that they might be put off skiing for life.
I first took my two eldest daughters, Melissa and Samantha, when they were seven and five – just about the right ages, in my opinion. Even then, Melissa spent most of the time tobogganing, while Sam preferred a piggy-back from me while I did the skiing. Luckily, they enjoyed the experience enough to want to come back for more. And they both became good skiers.
Recently it’s been suggested that the next generation are not as keen to follow in their skiing parents ski-tracks. So how can we encourage them?
A new children’s book, 'A-B-Skis', has some of the answers. Written by the 2006 Olympic skier Libby Ludlow (herself the mother of two soon-to-be “little skiers”), the “alphabet book about the magical world of skiing” is charmingly illustrated by Nathan Y. Jarvis, a children’s specialist ski instructor who, like Ludlow, is based in Park City, Utah.
I've highlighted some of the alphabetical entries below, which take us through what Nathan hopes will be a transition “from fear of falling to joy in sliding!” and encompass important life lessons, ski culture, love for the outdoors and basic kit tips.
A is for Attitude
The way you think in your head. YOU choose how the day will go when you get out of bed.
D is for ‘Do Your Best’
Trying hard counts most of all. You can do it – one, two, wheeeeee! Celebrate wins, both big and small.
E is for Edges
Use them to control your speed. Make a pizza shape to go slower, make French fries to take the lead!
G is for Goggles
The mask that protects your eyes. Keep out sun, wind and snow in a super-hero disguise.
I is for Independence
Trying new things on your own. Proving you’re a big kid now, carrying your gear all alone.
J is for Jumps
They make us soar with glee. Flying through the air, we feel so happy and free!
K is for Kindness
We show kindness to others on the hill. Watch out for other skiers. And help out if they take a spill.
M is for Mountains
We love to explore on our skis. A magical snowy playground, there’s no place we’d rather be.
N is for Never Give Up
Even after a crash or a face-plant. Get back up, brush off the snow, and never say ‘I can’t’.
S is for Skis of course!
They make us feel like we can fly, with rocket ships on our feet, there’s nothing we won’t try.
At the end of the book there are some helpful tips for parents about to take their children skiing too as well as a "My Mountain Memories" section where children can write down and draw some of their favourite ski memories. Some of my favourite "pro tips" include:
Build excitement and anticipation: watch videos of skiing, share fun stories of your skiing adventures…
Get familiar with the gear. Have your child practise walking around in ski boots. Click into skis on carpet. Try on all other gear and make sure it fits, helmet and goggles included! Poorly fitting gear will put a damper on the day.
Start out the day well-rested, well-fed, having gone to the bathroom, sun-screened, and unhurried! Include the child in the preparation to help them feel invested in the fun that’s awaiting them.
FUN is the priority.
Manage expectations, be patient, and consider it a successful outing if the child wants to come back another day.
The overall theme of this charming book is: “Children of winter never grow old.” I certainly hope that applies to me!
A-B-Skis by Libby Ludlow, from $24.99 (plus postage)