That time has come. Your precious little one is now too old for children’s group lessons but still too young to be learning with adults. They are pushing for independence, but in a mountain setting that can seem pretty daunting for parents. ES recognises that teenagers need freedom but in a safe, fun environment, so that’s why we have ES Freeski.
ES Freeski is a programme for teen skiers that allows them to learn with like-minded teenagers and challenged on the snow with an instructor/guide who they can relate to all whilst being in a environment designed to prevent injury and keep them safe.
TOP TIPS FOR SKIING WITH TEENAGERS
Lessons -ES Freeski.
Lessons are a great way to improve in a safe environment. ES Freeski is designed to build on skills gained in conventional ski school lessons and for having fun learning how to make the most out of new terrain. Teens can learn to master moguls, tackle jumps, rails, and boxes in the ski park, and hit the powder.
Why ES Freeski?
Max 6 teens per instructor
No bibs, but tracked by GPS
Fun flexible sessions
Intro to park
Safe intro to avalanche awareness
Jumps, bumps and powder
Friends
Helmets are compulsary
Safety is a key concern and each skier receives individual coaching in a small group; there is no compulsion to attempt anything, and no peer pressure. The coach teaches safely, responsibly, and in a way that builds confidence and technique in a controlled fashion.
Each week ends with an awards ceremony, and our Freeski teens are each given a medal and certificate.
Family time vs freedom.
Your teens will still want to spend time with you, that said balancing family time with a bit of freedom will keep everyone happy. Letting them ski with friends in clearly defined boundaries (Back in time for lunch, meeting places, no off-piste) can make all the difference for young skiers wanting to spread their wings.
Lessons are also a great way to allow them to spend some time apart, whilst leaving you happy in the knowledge that they are in safe hands. All of our ES instructors are experienced working with a range of ages, know their home mountains well and their sport even better. You can kick back for a few hours or ski for yourself without worry!
Food.
Any parent knows that teenagers eat a lot. Trying to satisfy an endless appetite can be expensive at the best of times and in a ski resort this can be an even more daunting.
Why not try to stay somewhere a little closer to the slopes? Easy access to the chalet could mean popping home for a big pasta lunch could save you a lot of money on mountain restaurants.
During the day pack their pockets with snacks. Cereal bars are a great source of energy that fit easily in jackets and salopettes.
If you fancy lunch together on the hill self service restaurants can also be a great option with teenagers. Good size portions without breaking the bank.
Big resort excitement vs small resort safety.
Some of the Alp’s biggest ski resorts are famous for their multiple ski areas, lively night life and extra non-ski activities, which could be an endless source of entertainment for anyone! But it can be a worry for parents, wondering if their kids will make it back in time for tea…
A smaller resort make things easier in terms of keeping track of the family, but often this comes with less “extra entertainment”.
It’s a good idea to research the resort you have chosen to visit, what there is on offer in the evenings and on the slopes too. Many resorts have great snowparks and special race courses, activated by your lift pass that will give you a time -Hours of fun for competitive skiers. Off-snow there can be plenty to do including ice rinks, glacial cave tours, sledding, cinemas and escape rooms.
Stay in touch.
Family group chats and mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch throughout the day. Just a little text to know their alright can put your mind at ease. Make sure if the teenagers are going off exploring that they have their phones with them, switched on and in range of signal -you’d be surprised how good phone reception is in the mountains! Also most lifts and lift stations have WIFI.
Safety in numbers.
Skiing in a group is a good idea no matter what age you are. Lessons are a great way to guarantee this. Knowing that your son or daughter is with an instructor can be a great weight off the mind. If they go off with friends or siblings it is much safer than going alone. They will feel more independent and so will you!
So there you have it! Sound like something your teen would be keen to get involved in this winter? Get in touch here, we are happy to answer any more questions you may have. See you on the slopes!
