We’ve had a wacky winter here in Northern Utah with spring-like temperatures in the mid 50’s during January and February. While many have rejoiced—the skiers are wishing and hoping for a real winter to return!
This past weekend a snowstorm dumped some fresh powder. So, everyone was headed to the slopes for President’s Day!
Anymore, you’re not just seeing teenagers and adults at the ski resorts but kids as young as 2 years old. The reason behind it? So, the entire family can play together!
Arrienne and Brock Winzeler, parents of three young children enjoy taking their two oldest skiing. Arrienne says “Our kids have loved learning how to ski. We have made fun memories together as a family in the process of teaching them.”
As a girl, Arrienne’s own Dad taught her at a young age how to ski. These memories she will always treasure.
She says, “For me, skiing was a family hobby. We would all head out together for a day of skiing; and I remember my sisters and I would follow my Dad down the mountain with my Mom close by. We would all wait at the bottom of the run for each other and then head back up the mountain to do it all again.”
Of course, this outing was no simple task. Arrienne adds, “When we all stuck our ski boots out to have Dad buckle them and we complained we were cold or hungry—it was no easy feat.”
Brock Winzeler also grew up skiing and was taught by his Dad as well. He mainly spent a lot of time skiing with his friends during the junior high and high school years.
Depending on the child’s interest, Arrienne says that, “Teaching kids to ski can be great between the ages of two and six. This year we have many nieces and nephews of various ages who want to learn to ski. It has been so fun to see them all progress and go together as cousins.”
As a side note, kids six and under are usually able to ski for free so it’s an opportune time to get them out there to learn.
Also, Arrienne would like to point out that, “Many people hesitate to ski because they feel it is too expensive of a sport or they don’t have the right equipment.”
She says, “I just recently bought new skis to replace the ones I had been skiing on for over 10 years. Once you make the initial investment, you can use the ski equipment for many years.”
Another young family, Bryan and Halli Wessman enjoy taking their kids out on the slopes.
Halli says, “Learning to ski as an adult makes me wish I had learned 25 years ago!”
This year, Halli had the opportunity to learn to ski through the Learn and Earn Program at Snow Basin. This provided her with rental equipment for the season, 3 lessons, and a season pass.
She says, “It was so good for me to take it slow and learn the basics with no pressure.”
The Wessman’s two oldest children learned to ski from their dad, Bryan, who has been skiing since he could walk. So, it was only natural his kids are doing the same. This year, it will be their 3-year old’s turn to learn.
Eight-year-old Max likes skiing because he knows it’s special time with his dad and him. And their six-year old daughter, Nora, just loves the rush!
Halli says, “I have noticed as my kids become more confident in their skills, they radiate that confidence in other areas of their lives. It is truly an enjoyable time for our family to spend together outside.”
Both the Winzeler and Wessman families enjoy going to Snow Basin. Arrienne says, Snow Basin is our personal favorite because it has the best beginner hill to teach our kids.”
