Kids 101 — Swedish Fish Are Key for Backcountry Skiing
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.
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.)
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!
Tanner.
More earnin'
Tyler.
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13 Responses to “Kids 101 — Swedish Fish Are Key for Backcountry Skiing”
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Nice pics! These kids can rip!
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?
There is fast and agro, and FAST and AGRO (grin).
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.
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!
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).
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.
Hi Markian,
How are you??? What are you up to? Come out for a visit in Chamonix some time.
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.
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.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Who is making alpine touring gear for kids?
Thanks.
Thomas
Like others, am trying to get a youngster into AT Gear. My grandson, age 9, 55 lbs, size 22 mondo wants to head up the mountain with me in the AM. I thought I could use a set of G3 Onyx I have, but can find a tech fitting/AT Boot, size 22. My other thought was to get a set of Marker FT 10 bindings, but it looks like the smallest size comes in at around a 23 mondo, depending on boot sole length. Has anyone found the right AT set up for the smaller sized child?
Thanks
I have only been skiing for 4 years, my kids and I took lessons together. Last year I put together an AT setup for myself, and my son was disappointed to not be able to join me. Late spring skiing at a lift served area in vermont with open tree skiing allowed my son to show off his skills, and interest in getting off the resort. I found a pair of used silvretta pure kidz step in style AT bindings, and am still looking for a lightweight ski for him. the silvretta’s can adjust down to mondo 22, and there are a few websites with instructions on how to break down the binding and adjust the aluminum stringers to accomodate a smaller boot. I think the minimum sole length out of the box is 265mm. the binding weighs in at about 1150gm