Alpinezone: Poor Picked-On KMart?

[skidude]

Keep on talking boy....Keep it up...

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[Papasteeze]

I was starting to wonder.... Finally! A reeeeeealllly good post from our resident know it all... (not meant to be a smart comment) Once you get past the leash try skiing switch and playing the "Catch me if you can" game!!!

 

 

Ha, well, yeah!

 

The Kid Ski Apple Rise system is the starting point for all parents. The tip-lock, leash, kiddie lift, and stick are a must. Don't waste money on the plastic skis...plus non-metal edge skis aren't slope legal anyway.

http://www.kid-ski.com/

 

Grab her a pair of Atomic Race 5's in 70cm's, or a comparable ski. Rear entry boots are fine for the first season, but she'll do much better with front entries by next season.

 

Buy a gross of heat packs. Buy a gross of Skittles or other candy she likes. They are for the top of the lift, before you start down.

 

With tip locks (don't bother with the wedge bar, it's ungainly and too wide for most little girls), she will be able to ski down any slope you are able to go with her. Make sure to unclip them and let her cruise around your carpeted living room.

 

The idea behind a ski leash is for you to turn the kids hips, so they are making the turns. It's not to be used simply as a break. But the first few times out, IT IS A BREAK AND MEANT FOR CONTROLLING SPEED.

 

The kiddie lift allows you to pick her up and place her on the chairlift. It's an awesome piece of gear. My 5-year-old could ski diamond as a 4-year-old, but is still two years from being able to jump up on a lift. I even used to stop with 100 yards or so of skiable terrain left, pack away her leash, then pick her up by her kiddie lift (again, this is the harness used to carry and lift a child) and ski to the lift line.

 

No poles for kids, of course. They get in the way and the kids use them as weapons or bug appendages.

 

So pick a sunny warm day. Put the ski stick in one hand and pick her up with the other. Skate to the beginner lift. You hold the handle of the kiddie lift all the way up and she doesn't touch the snow when getting off until you've cleared the lift area.

 

Put the stick between her legs and hold it like you were going to paddle a canoe. Push off and she'll ski down next to you. Oh, and while she's doing this, check to see if she's awake. Kids are totally under your control while on a stick and don't have to be awake. My daughter skied WAY before she walked.

 

How strong are your hip flexers? Trust me, they'll be really strong by January. You'll be snow plowing next to her.

 

Repeat 30 times.

 

Love it.

 

Then it gets more fun.

 

Put the stick in your car and grab the leash. You'll still be snow plowing, but now she'll have some freedom and responsibilty. She will turn in the direction she chooses. Have her lean forward a bit and put her hands on her thighs. Have her press her right hand on her right thigh and she'll find she turns left.

 

This is when she'll get it. This is a MAGIC time.

 

Gently help her turn by steering the leash, just like a horse.

 

The leash tucks into a front pouch on her belly. It's easy to take out and then pop back in. I always stopped with enough room to put it away and then get enough speed to ski directly to the lift line while holding her off the snow.

 

Repeat 100 times.

 

Then unclip the tip clips.

 

Let her turn. Let some slack in the leash.

 

Repeat 100 times.

 

Then let her take the leash off.

BTW, if your ski area has NASTAR, take her down it with the leash. Let the people know in the start shack that you'll be tripping the wand with her. Shout "right, right, right", or "left, left, left."

 

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I'm sure I'll have more to add. Tons of stuff. But does this help?

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