Bumps, banks, and big air--chances are your child is jumping out of her little baggy pants to give this sport a try. After all, who can resist the bold-colored boards and music-infused parks? And, geez, Mom, all the kids are doing it.... But is she ready for this sport? Read on.
SKILLS NEEDED: Balance is essential; muscle development in the ankles is needed to maneuver a snowboard, something most kids don't have until they're about seven years old. But experts also look for attitude. "The most important thing," says Tim Flight, snowboard supervisor at Sugarloaf/USA, Maine, "is that your child can't be afraid to fall in the snow."
EXPERT ADVICE: Have your child balance on one foot for a count of 20. If she can do it, she may be ready. Start kids slowly; half-day clinics are optimal when they're first learning. "Private lessons are the only option for four- to six-year-old beginners," says Mikey Franco, snowboard school supervisor at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. "The [lack of] balance skills and experience of these younger riders requires hands-on teaching." If possible, take novice snowboarders to ski areas that offer snowboard-only terrain so that they won't have to worry about dodging skiers.
FUN ALTERNATIVES: Skiing (kids can ski at a younger age because they are supported by a hard plastic boot) and snowshoeing. In addition to being fun, these sports will also help your child get used to the elements and the feeling of snow underfoot.
THE MECCAS
SUGARLOAF/USA, KINGFIELD, MAINE: Pint-sized boards and boots, funny mascots, and kid-loving teachers are waiting to take children for their first rides (Full-day kid's clinics are $65 and include instruction, indoor activities, a snack and a hot lunch. Lift ticket and equipment rental are not included; call 800-THE-LOAF or visit their Web site).JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT, TETON VILLAGE, WYOMING: Snowboard clinics at the megasize Kid's Ranch combine lessons with environmental education (Learn-to-Ride packages are $80 and include lift ticket, equipment rental, and instruction; call 800-450-0477 or 307-739-2663 or visit their Web site).
STEAMBOAT SKI & RESORT, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO: Kids learn to turn and stop in the Rough Rider's kids-only zone of tepees, mine shafts, and log cabins (half-day learn-to-ride clinics are $63 and include lift ticket and instruction; call 800-299-5017 or visit their Web site).
HEAVENLY SKI RESORT, LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA: Young riders can make their first carves in the snowboard-friendly terrain of the Enchanted Forest (five-hour kids' clinics are $119 and include lift access (while with a coach), equipment rental, instruction, lunch and snow play; call 800-HEAVENLY or 775-586-7000 or visit their Web site).
Travel writers Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are regular contributors to FAMILYFUN and are the authors of 18 guidebooks and numerous magazine articles.
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