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Kids 101 — Swedish Fish Are Key for Backcountry Skiing

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Backcountry skiing with kids.

Nurturing the brood

High, dry powder was what we found as we plied the boys with Swedish Fish to lure them up the climb.

Once on top we didn’t have to worry about their downhill skills, it was more a matter of reeling them in as the next generation certainly is not afraid of speed or charging the fall line.

As long time skiers my wife and I have always been excited to share the exploration and fun of backcountry skiing with our children. We got just that chance recently with a late season blast of snow and a hut trip we’d planned with our friends Kim and Lori and their two boys.

Backcountry Skiing

Chapin charging. Once on the down it's more a matter of slowing the guy's speed and being more careful, as they've grown up cranking turns at Aspen's resorts and tend to ski a bit too agro and fast when they're in the backcountry.

One safety key we feel is key is that of being like minded in risk assessment. Especially while working with younger folks, it’s important that everyone is on the same page when it comes to how much risk the adult leaders accept, and how they deal with this amongst themselves — as the kids listen in on the conversation. We of course practice avy self-rescue skills, and work on finer points of going uphill on skis, such as mastering those kick turns. Hydration is emphasized, and providing the correct food treats is essential. (Sugar works to an extent, but try to trick them into eating something more than candy.)

Backcountry Skiing

The family that earns together, turns together.

Oh, yeah, this sounds obvious and is when you are wrangling three boys ages 10, 11, and 12 – but most of all HAVE FUN!

Backcountry Skiing

Tanner.

Backcountry Skiing

More earnin'

Backcountry Skiing

Tyler.

Posted by Penn on May 1, 2009 | Filed Under Kids in the Mountains, Penn Newhard, Your Guest Blogs 

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Comments

11 Responses to “Kids 101 — Swedish Fish Are Key for Backcountry Skiing”

  1. Pete May 1st, 2009 10:35 am

    Nice pics! These kids can rip!

  2. dongshow May 1st, 2009 2:47 pm

    Talk of kids skiing to fast and agro in the backcountry brought a smile to my face. Looks like a great time. My problem is the complete opposite however, how do the kids convince the parents to go backcountry skiing?

  3. Lou May 1st, 2009 2:49 pm

    There is fast and agro, and FAST and AGRO (grin).

  4. Markian Feduschak May 1st, 2009 6:13 pm

    Great post! Penn, can you provide more info on the kids equipment and terrain you chose. I have daughters that are 8 and 10, althetic and good skiers. On the cusp of getting them out into the backcountry and always want to learn from other’s experience.

  5. Penn Newhard May 1st, 2009 10:38 pm

    Markian – I have 4 in my brood – Chapin 11, Lacey 9, Natalie 7 and Teagan 1. We are “a take them with you” set of parents so the kids ski and hike and camp with us. The key for skiing is keep it fun and choose good weather days. Our kids have progressed from being pulled in polks to Nordic skiing into huts to easy skins and tours. We don’t force things at all and because we enjoy it they do too. This year we scored Chapin some old Dynafits and mondo 22 used Scarpa Magic AT boots. Last year, he had some old Diamirs and toured in his alpine boots (this is now Lacey’s set up). In both cases I found decent lw foam core skis at the used shop. We started the kiddos skinning up Buttermilk to get the basics and packed plenty of cheese, salami, apples and hot cocoa. It’s really about focusing at their level initially and soon enough you’ll be amazed at how much they can do!

  6. Steve May 2nd, 2009 12:51 pm

    Great post! It’s exciting to see other parents taking their kids along with them. That’s what we’ve tried to do with ours. Giving them a life-long love of the outdoors is worth way more than any inheritance or trust fund (but that would be OK too).

  7. Markian Feduschak May 2nd, 2009 1:28 pm

    Pen,

    Thanks for the tips. Our girls have been on a few hut trips, both skiing on Nordic skis and being pulled in the sled. They are avid outdoor kids, just like yours. The biggest hindrance to touring for turns right now seems to be equipment. We too have modest “ambitions” just trying to make it fun and have the right gear. Given the tech talk on Wildsnow, I am always trying to learn more about kids gear, since we as adults know what a difference it can make. It seems a shame that kids tele gear is readily available while AT is much more limited.

  8. Michael Silitch May 4th, 2009 9:13 am

    Hi Markian,

    How are you??? What are you up to? Come out for a visit in Chamonix some time.

  9. Michael Silitch May 4th, 2009 9:16 am

    We have 3 and 5 year old boys. They already cross country and alpine ski and our oldest always wants to come on tours with Nina and me. When we tell him that we dont have equipment for him he says thats ok, he can just duck walk up the hills. Currently they love mountain biking in the bois du bouchet behind our chalet.

  10. Markian Feduschak May 6th, 2009 7:42 am

    Michael,

    We are doing well, thanks for asking. I heard news of you from Paul Duba recently and red the Outside Magazine article on your guiding adventures. Sounds like life is treating you well. Would love to come visit in Chamonix. Send me your contact info to markianf@gorerange.org

    Look forward to hearing from you.

  11. Thomas January 31st, 2010 3:10 pm

    Who is making alpine touring gear for kids?
    Thanks.

    Thomas

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