Glad that you're helping your kiddo try out skiing.

Just a thought--if you're planning to do ski school, and your kiddo is a beginner, usually the rental and lift ticket are included. They are also usually restricted to easier lifts. I wouldn't do an Epic pass etc, until you have done this a year or two, and have a sense of if the kid likes it. (We do love skiing and have decided to not do Epic bc the snow is so unpredictable here.).

Usually, if someone is taking lessons, they will learn exponentially faster if you take multiple days in a row. I don't know if private lessons are worth it, in this area. We did private lessons in Tahoe bc the mtn was bigger. But started with typical ski school for the basics.

I would rec going close in, especially for a first time outing. Unless you think you'll love a weekend out in PA or WV. Liberty, or Massanutten are easy day trips. You could come home early. And for a beginner, you don't have to be too picky about snow quality. The area (beginner ski school) is small and they usually can make snow. So having great coverage of the ski resort at higher elevations (the advantages of PA and WV) is not as big a deal, unless you're on those hills.

As a beginner, I would also rec investing in a bit of good gear, as staying dry and warm is sometimes a big factor on whether a kid enjoys it. I'd invest in good snow pants and ski gloves ($40-60). Maybe a good ski jacket, but those are a bit more of a commitment.

You asked "how do people get into this sport"....and I think a year or two of day trips (maybe a long weekend). And then if people love it, they do a weekend or a longer trip to a place with better snow. Learning froma pro (ski school or private lessons) is KEY to enjoyment. Learning from a family member or friend is a recipe for frustration. Snow-wise: Living in the DMV it's a bit trickier. I learned in the midwest (terrible snow) and in northern Cal--and being a beginner with long runs, good snow, and wide lanes was beautiful and fun.

Good luck!

Curious about something with liberty from experienced skiers — our kid was injured coming off the green slope at Liberty where it merges with a more advanced slope. I was telling someone the story and they said that Liberty is infamous for this because of the way the two slopes merge and so they recommend white tail for beginning skiers. I haven’t actually skied either and am curious whether others thought that was true.

Take a day off during the week. So much more time actually skiing for your money. I would do Timberline.

Anonymous wrote:Our kids learned to ski by participating in the Whitetrailer program at Whitetail. It it five (I think) consecutive weeks of 3 hour group lessons. The program is probably sold out already but it works. They were doing blacks out in Keystone by the end of last season. I think getting weekly lessons is the way to go if you truly want your kid to learn. Do the conditions and terrain generally suck at Whitetail? Yes, but the mountain is fine for a beginner. I wouldn't drive 3 hours to WV to have your kid be on the bunny hill the entire day. If your kid is in lessons, they skip the lift lines so that's not an issue. The other advice I have is make sure they have proper ski clothing. Make sure their jacket has a hood that will fit over their helmet. And get a good set of mittens. Have fun, skiing is great! (Also, whoever said don't think about the money is spot on - it is expensive as hell!)

FYI - the Whitetailers program is now open for registration for 24-25 ski and snowboard learning for kids ages 7-15. I'd love to get my 5 year-old in this but he's too young!

https://www.skiwhitetail.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-ride-lessons/products/whitetrailers-sessions

Anonymous wrote:We started at Liberty - closest and best. I'd just get the lesson for adult and child there. Then if you like it can decide.

Agree. Try to go mid week if possible to avoid crowds and get more individualized instruction.

Anonymous wrote:People have offered great suggestions. I am a non-skiing mom, and I found another family to carpool with. We put our kids in lessons and then just hung out in the lodge.

Once kids are in 6th grade there are ski club options that provide chaperones and buses to ski areas for the season. Kids can ski with their friends. You don't have to drive them all the way to the ski area.

Oh that sounds great, I wonder if you have any more information on these... any options from Virginia?

Bryce is a fantastic place for a beginner. You can purchase a beginner only lift ticket which saves a lot of money. I took our kid to Bryce to teach him and we did it as a day trip from DC. The ice skating experience is valuable for skiing as both have inside and outside edges and require coordination. Rent from the resort.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

1SWMom wrote:Fellow single mom here, took my 1 year old snowboarding at liberty 2 years ago, last year was a wash due to warm weather. She loved it and the snow tubing at night. Super close drive made my decision easier.

You did not put a child younger than 24 months on a snowboard.

-Former snowboarding instructor

Not PP, but we had our 1 y/o skiing last year. I say skiing loosely, but she did a combination of shuffling around flat snow in skis to get a feel for them, skiing 20 yards at a time on the bunny hill and getting used to falling, and skiing between my legs down green runs (while I held her up).

She’s 2 now, and we’ll work with her again this year before starting ski school next season at 3.5. She loves it.

Snowboarding is different. Skis are like long shoes, especially for tiny kids - they are short.

being sideways and having both feet locked to the same thing is hard at first for all ages, especially toddlers.