Person cross-country skiing on freshly prepared tracks in open mountain landscape under clear blue sky

Stöten Magazine

Cross-country skiing with your child

We've already told you how best to introduce your child to slalom skiing, as well as tips on exercises to teach your children to ski. Now we thought we'd continue along the same lines and share five things to consider when cross-country skiing with children!

Things to consider when cross-country skiing with children

There are of course a number of things to consider when introducing your children to cross-country skiing. Below you will find some helpful tips that will hopefully make your time on the slopes a joy:

1. put on proper clothes

You've probably been there before - you and your kids are going to spend a few hours outdoors only to hear ”Mum/Dad, I'm cold” a few minutes later. To avoid this and make sure you stay warm on the slopes, it's important to put on enough clothes. Use the layer-on-layer principle and also check out our tips on how to dress for cross-country skiing.

Children skiing on a sunny slope with blue helmets, pink boots and snowy landscape in the background

Children in ski school skiing down a sunny slope with snow-covered trees in the background

2. Let it take time

Once you're warm and cosy, it's time to introduce the children to the equipment. How it feels to put on the ski boots and how it feels to stand on the skis and hold the poles. It's important to allow some time for this - don't rush!

3. start with the most basic

Once the equipment is on, you can finally hit the trails. The first thing to do is to get the children used to the basics - finding their balance, travelling straight ahead and braking.

Firstly, it is important to familiarise children with the basics - balance, glide and braking

When it comes to the latter, braking, we recommend that you teach them to sit on their bums. Don't try to get them to brake with the poles, for example. There is a risk that they will place the poles in front of them, which can cause them to stop suddenly and the poles to hit their stomachs. As you teach children to sit down when braking, you should also teach them to stand up on the track on their own. This is also beneficial in case they fall. Which they will of course do several times.

Children skiing on a sunny slope with blue sky and snowy landscape in the background

Children in pink winter clothes and sunglasses standing on cross-country skis on a snow-covered track

4. Make skiing a fun adventure

Children are notoriously impatient. That's why it's easy for an aimless skiing trip to become boring. So make sure you turn your cross-country skiing trip into a fun adventure. Skiing should be playful! To make skiing more fun, you can set a goal - how far will you go? You can also stop and play a game with or without skis. Another tip is to ”ski” off-trail, in the deep snow and terrain. It's guaranteed to be a fun and playful activity that children will enjoy.

5. take a packed lunch with you

Cross-country skiing takes a lot of energy. Especially if you're doing it for the first time. To be able to refuel with energy, we therefore recommend that you pack a packed lunch. Aim for a shelter or some other cosy place in the forest where you can enjoy some hot chocolate and sandwiches! We hope these tips will help you get out on the trails and make cross-country skiing with the kids a joy!

Two people in ski suits eating sausages in a wooden hut, child with pink unicorn helmet

Book a ski holiday with Stöten

If you and your family want to experience a real mountain adventure filled with skiing, activities and good food, you can book a holiday with us at Stöten in Sälen. Check out our offers or book your trip today - you are most welcome.