Parent Guide: Ski Lessons for Kids in Edmonton #yeg

The thought of flying down a hill on skis may be daunting if you’ve never done it before as an adult – and thrilling if you’re searching for adventure. Getting kids on skis early increases the chances that they’re going to be proficient on their feet, on the hill – but where do you start? What do you need to know when you’re looking for ski lessons for kids in Edmonton?

When we first started searching for ski lessons for our son, we went on recommendations from friends about what to buy (they recommended to rent equipment) and where to go. We wanted to share some of those options, in case any other local Edmonton parents were considering skiing – as it’s a great way to get the kids outside during the winter months.

Snow Valley 

Discovery. Discovery offers families the opportunity to learn together (children aged 6+). Parents can learn with the children in an all inclusive rate that includes, lessons, food voucher and equipment in a two hour lesson. Available in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, the price for the session is $69.95/person.

Mite. Designed for children aged 4-6 to introduce them to skiing through a three or five week lesson, it’s $179/5 weeks. This lesson program teaches the 5 basic skills required to ski: Stance & Balance, Pivoting, Edging, Pressure Control, Timing and Coordination.

Sunridge 

Mites/Meisters. Introduce your child to skiing in a fun and positive way! Small class sizes (max. of 6 per instructor) are designed to provide individual attention to your child. Each class is one hour long. The Mites class is for the 4 to 5 year old child just starting out while Meisters is for the more advanced 4 to 5 year old skier. ($129/4 classes + $46/rentals)

Edmonton Ski Club Camps 

Your 6 year and older kids will have fun and stay active over the Christmas holidays with one of the Edmonton Ski Clubs Christmas Holiday Day Camps.  Your child will learn how to ski or snowboard in a friendly group environment, build self confidence and make new friends.  ESC day camps offer supervised learn and play packages that fit your families budget! Use this link to get more information or register for the camp.

Edmonton Ski Club Tots Program

Designed for young skiers 3 to 6 years of age to introduce them to skiing “one on one” with their own private ski instructor. Choose either the 2 hour or 4 hour package. Lessons are 1 hour in length and date and time can be decided. Lessons may be split over 2 to 4 visits to suit your needs at a time that works for both parties.  Lift ticket and rental equipment included.

Edmonton Nordic Ski Club (Cross Country)

The Jackrabbit Program is designed to introduce children aged 3 to 12 to the sport of cross-country skiing. It is structured in much the same way as Red Cross and YM/YWCA swim lessons are: Children become proficient in the sport by moving through a series of skill levels. Lessons take place in Goldbar park, and parents can rent the equipment required for $100/season. Memberships are priced at $110/family.

Rabbit Hill

Discovery Program. For those that have never experienced the joys of skiing and snowboarding, this is the lesson program for you. The goal of the Discover program is to introduce you to skiing and snowboarding and to teach you the basics of the sport. Discover lessons are an all inclusive package that include a beginner area lift ticket, ski/snowboard rentals and 1 ½ hours of instruction.

These lessons run every Saturday & Sunday and daily over the Christmas holidays at 11am. It’s an affordable introduction, at $64 – and makes it easy for kids to learn fast.

Have you tried ski lessons for kids in Edmonton? Which programs have you had success with?