Affordable ski towns

[NWSkiGirl]

Congratulations! Sounds like you made the right choice for you and your baby. I almost moved to Oregon 5 years ago but we ended up in New Mexico instead. If we had young children we would for sure have favored Oregon.

One quick comment on your post- New Mexico is still a blue state! I would not however suggest that anyone with kids moves out here because our educational system unfortunately is not great.

Oh I didn't know that about New Mexico! Yes, until you are a parent you never realize how important the schools are. I moved where I did because of the schools!

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Congratulations on your move to such an inviting community.
I started my kids skiing at 19 months and age 2.5 but I lived in Park City only a few minutes from the bunny slopes and had a season pass without need to buy a day ticket. Then it wasn’t a big deal to play on the snow for an hour or however long their attention span was for the day and then go home. It can be exhausting for everyone just getting in and out of the car, dressing and undressing, walking from and to the parking lot, timing their hunger and going to the bathroom. It’s all such a process requiring a lot of patience.

The Reindeer Club at Deer Valley (toddler daycare/ski school) works with the toddlers inside the playroom on and off for hours throughout the day. All the kids learn how to carry and wear their skis and boots inside while playing games to give them the feeling for their equipment. The kids follow colored tape strips on the floor listening carefully to the fun instructions or music etc. Naturally the games translate beautifully to their learning experience when they get on the snow. I would do this with my kids every year when they were little to get used to their new equipment. I think it’s a genius way to learn a lot without having to go anywhere and without all the schlepping. Something to think about…

Whenever and however you decide to teach your child to ski, it sounds like she’s destined to love the sport. Wishing you all the best!

And thank you! I really think she is going to love skiing. They call the type of kid she is a "sensory seeker." Just like her mama! haha

 

[NWSkiGirl]

When they are so small another option would be the plastic skis that strap onto their snow boots. My daughter used such equipment for her 2.5 year old’s first season and it was perfect to learn how to move his feet and use the magic carpet for the 1-1.5 hour day of skiing. I honestly think most of the day is drinking hot chocolate and getting to the bathroom when they’re so small

Honestly, it's exhausting just being with a toddler, much less taking them skiing!

Do you happen to have a link to the plastic skis?

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Ah! Now I see - everyone is suggesting skis that strap on snow boots. Brilliant! I will do that.