From Snowboarding to Skiing: Winter Sports Kids Can Try

“Winter is coming,” or at least that’s how the saying goes in Game of Thrones, anyways. But this bleak statement of an impending chill doesn’t have to be so ominous. In fact, if you’re the type of person that enjoys the winter weather and all the recreational activities that it entails, then the fact that “Winter is coming,” might sound a bit more upbeat in your mind!

Winter sports are some the most physically challenging around, but they are also some of the most enjoyable, and family-friendly. Skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, and the like are all activities that kids and parents can enjoy together; provided they know a thing or two about what they are doing. If you’re looking to introduce your kids to some new winter sports and have fun outside, then this might be just the article you’ve been looking for.

There’s a world of exciting winter sports that kids can try and a number of exciting locales where they can try it. If you’re lucky enough to live in a snowy region, you and your children are likely very familiar with the bevy of winter activities out there. So, whether your kid loves the speed, the thrill of the slopes, or just being active, there are plenty of options available at all skill levels.

In this article, we will cover some of the most popular winter sports for kids. We will go over what makes each one unique and offer up some helpful tips for getting started. From snowboarding to skiing, hockey to ice skating, winter sports offer great ways to build confidence, improve fitness, and, most importantly, have fun!

Skiing

From the Olympics to the slopes of snowy Colorado, skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the entire world. There are a number of different types of skiing: downhill, cross-country, and freestyle, to name a few. That means that there are also a ton of exciting ways for folks to enjoy it.

Types of Skiing

• Alpine (Downhill) Skiing: Perhaps the most recognizable form of skiing, this classic skiing style involves riding a lift to the top of a mountain and then skiing down different slopes of varying difficulty.
• Cross-Country Skiing: Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing doesn’t typically involve very many slopes. This type of skiing is done on flat or gently rolling terrain, such as trails, parks, or fields. Cross-country skiing is also a great full-body workout that strengthens nearly ever muscle in the body.
• Freestyle Skiing: The most dynamic form of skiing involves tricks, jumps, and obstacles in terrain parks. This makes it far more similar to snowboarding in style and creativity. It also makes for an amazing viewing experience in extreme sports competitions.

Tips for Getting Started

• Take a Lesson: Learning the proper way to ski and moves whilst wearing skis is essential before getting started. Parents should make sure they start their kids off slow with beginner lessons so that they learn the absolute basics first and foremost. Children should be able to pickup turning, stopping, and safely getting down the hill fairly easily.
• Rent Equipment: You don’t necessarily need your own skis and poles to get started. Many ski resorts offer equipment rentals, which is great because ski gear is pretty darn expensive. A good rule of thumb with any of these winter sports is to have your kids try it out through rentals or excursions before investing too heavily.
• Practice on Easy Slopes: Children should stick to beginner slopes called “bunny hills” when they are first starting out. Bunny hills are perfect for learning the ropes of the slopes. Once they get comfortable, they can move on to more challenging trails.

Why Kids Love Skiing

It’s easy to understand why kids would enjoy skiing. It’s a daredevil sport that combines speed, agility, and the great outdoors. Kids who enjoy theme park rides will particularly enjoy the gravity-defying nature of the slopes. As with most sports, skiing is also a great way for kids to make make new friends and visit new places by exploring different ski resorts.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding is similar to skiing, though it requires a wildly different set of skills in order to do it well. That’s because, instead of two skis, athletes ride on a single snowboard with both feet strapped in.

Types of Snowboarding

• Freeride Snowboarding: The most common style of snowboarding is called Freeride snowboarding. It involves riding down groomed trails and exploring different terrains.
• Freestyle Snowboarding: Freestyle snowboarding is popular in terrain parks, where snowboarders do tricks, jumps, and rail slides.
• Alpine Snowboarding: Alpine snowboarding is often referred to as “carving.” This style focuses on making smooth, fast turns on groomed slopes.

Tips for Getting Started

• Learn to Balance: In order to snowboard with confidence, kids should practice good balance and control.
• Practice Falling Safely: Children fall when they’re just standing still, so they are sure to fall more than once while trying to snowboard. Fortunately, snow is notoriously soft. Remember to remind them that falls are part of the learning process, so they don’t lose confidence. Also, it’s important to teach them how to fall without hurting themselves.
• Wear Wrist Guards: Many beginners find that wrist guards help protect against injuries while learning to snowboard.

Why Kids Love Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a thrilling, challenging sport that offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Once your child has mastered the basics, they an feel free to experiment with tricks and explore the slopes in a whole new way. You never know, you could be tutoring the next Shawn White!

Ice Skating

Many a young ice skater has begun their athletic career by enjoying the winter ice with their family. Ice skating is a popular winter sport that can be done at both indoor and outdoor rinks. Skating, in general, is a great way for kids to learn balance and coordination.

Types of Ice Skating

• Figure Skating: Figure skating is one of the most widely popularized forms the sport. Olympic figure skaters are often idolized by young children because of the dynamic type spins, jumps, and dance-like moves it incorporates. This type of skating is the most artistic of the bunch, but it also requires a good amount of athleticism and skill.
• Speed Skating: In speed skating, skaters race around an ice track to see who is the fastest. This is a good option for kids who already enjoy track and field in the warmer months.
• Recreational Skating: The best thing about this form of ice skating is that it’s great for those who just want to hit the ice and have fun. Recreational skating is about gliding across the rink with no pressure.

Tips for Getting Started

• Get Fitted for Skates: Always make sure you have the right size skates for your child. Proper skates fit snugly, while not being too tight or constricting. They should also provide good ankle support.
• Start with a Skate Helper: Skating is hard to get at first. Like snowboarding, your kid is gonna fall more than once. Fortunately, many rinks offer skate aids that look like walkers to help beginners balance.
• Bend Your Knees: Advise your child to keep a slight bend in their knees while they skate. This helps with balance and makes it easier for them to glide smoothly.

Why Kids Love Ice Skating

Ice skating is a fun way to spend time with friends or family. It’s hard to get the balance right at first, but once kids learn the basic moves and gain confidence, they can learn to practice more advanced techniques such as spins, glides, and even a few jumps.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey also involves ice skating, so it’s an easy sport to incorporate if your kids has already taken to the ice like a Gretzky to a Stanley Cup. This exciting and fast-paced sport requires teamwork, skill, balance, and endurance. It’s perfect for children who enjoy team sports and love the thrill of competition.

Key Skills in Ice Hockey

• Skating Speed and Control: Hockey players need to learn how to skate a little differently than they did when they were just skating about the rink. Ice hockey require them to gain speed on the ice, stop quickly, and change directions smoothly.
• Stickhandling: You need a hockey stick to play hockey and stickhandling is an essential part of playing the sport. This involves controlling the puck with the hockey stick, both while moving and when shooting.
• Team Play: Teamwoek is a big part of ice hockey, so communication is key. Players work together to score goals.

Tips for Getting Started

• Join a Beginner’s League: Many communities and schools offer beginner programs that teach basic hockey skills.
• Practice Stickhandling: Kids should start by getting comfortable handling a puck with their stick while skating on the ice.
• Wear Protective Gear: Hockey can be a pretty rough sport, so wearing helmets, pads, and other protective equipment is necessary. Just make sure the skates fit your child’s feet well.

Why Kids Love Ice Hockey

Hockey is fast, dynamic and intense, with lots of action throughout the game. It’s also a great way for children to build friendships. It gives kids the opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and practice teamwork, even at times when most field sports have been closed down for the season.

Sledding

Sledding is one of the simplest, oldest, and most fun winter activities. It requires the least amount of equipment of any sport on this list. All you need is a sled and a hill; that’s it.

Types of Sledding

• Traditional Sledding: The most common and available sleds are made of plastic or wood. This type of sledding involves using the aforementioned sled to slide down a snowy hill.
• Tobogganing: Toboggans are long, flat sleds that can carry several people at once, but they work the same way; climb a hill, slide down it, only this time together.
• Snow Tubing: Snow tubes are large, inflatable tubes that provide a cushy ride down the hill, but they work the same way as the others.

Tips for Getting Started

• Find a Safe Hill: Kids are always going to find daring and dangerous hills at some point in their sledding experience, but if you as a parent have a say, try to encourage them to choose hills that are free from obstacles like trees or rocks.
• Wear a Helmet: While sledding might seem harmless, wearing a helmet could be an acceptable caution to take. Accidents occur and so do injuries, but at least their skulls will be protected.
• Dress Warmly: Sledding can be cold and wet, so be sure to outfit your kids with waterproof gloves, boots, coats, snow pants, and multiple layers.

Why Kids Love Sledding

Sledding is pure winter fun distilled into a two-second downhill ride! It’s easy to do, doesn’t require special skills or equipment, and can be enjoyed with friends and family all winter long.

Snow Volleyball

Though not as widely known as some of the other sports, snow volleyball is a fun and active way to enjoy winter sports. Like the summertime version, snow volleyball can help kids stay active and social during the winter months.

How Snow Volleyball Works

• Play on Snow: This sport works just like traditional volleyball, only with snow. Teams of two or four players volley a ball over a net.
• Outdoor Fun: Snow bolleyball can be played in your backyard or at special winter festivals.

Tips for Getting Started

• Gather Friends: Snow volleyball is a team sport so you’ll need a few friends or family members to play.
• Make a Snow Court: You can make s snow court by using shovels to clear up heavy snow piles and form a “net” out of snow.
• Have Fun: The rules can be flexible, but the main focus should be on having a great time together!

Why Kids Love Snow Volleyball

Snow volleyball is a fantastic way to combine familiar summer sports and winter fun. It encourages teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition.

Cultured Athlete Says…

Winter sports offer a fantastic way for you and your kids to stay active, build friendships, and explore the great outdoors. Whether you choose skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or any of the other amazing in this article, the key is to embrace the season and focus on the fun. And after it’s all said and done, you can all head inside for a nice cup of hot chocolate!