King of the Bunny Hill

One thing I’ve learned in my eight years as reigning mami, is that teaching your kids new things, and exposing them to new experiences is hard work. It takes planning, preparation, and a lot of cooperation. So with that in mind, I offer you the back story to how my son conquered the bunny hill on a fine, winter day. I could just share the happy ending, but where’s the fun in that?

I planned: Once I had the green light from my son on the whole skiing thing, I began the research phase of the operation. I went online to learn more about ski lessons at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area-a small ski area a few minutes from our cabin in Truckee, California. I decided on the type of lessons that would work best for his age and personality. Most ski resorts offer a whole host of options for ski lessons. I knew I was willing to pay a bit more for a private instructor the first time, with the hopes that he would feel more comfortable his first day on skis and would get much more attention.

I prepared: Weeks before we were to hit the slopes, I went shopping for new ski pants and goggles (which were the only things missing from our snow gear inventory). The week before our ski trip, I took the kiddo to a ski rental place near our home to try out his boots and skis and place the reservation for his equipment. Before a busy holiday weekend, this turned out to be a very wise move. Of course, that particular store was out of helmets in his size. We had to rent him a helmet at a different ski rental store in Truckee, the day before his ski lesson. That week, I also called Tahoe Donner to reserve a ski lesson for him. Again, this was also a smart move.

I got a lot of cooperation: Nothing would have been possible, without my son’s cooperation. He was finally, after many years of prodding, ready to ski. He was excited to try on his gear-even though we went through a bit of ski boot frustration. Although he showed moments of nervousness and trepidation, he was willing to get over it because he really, really wanted to learn how to zoom down those snowy hills. That was key. Without the enthusiasm, he wouldn’t have been willing to put up with all of the hassle involved in learning how to ski. This is not to say, that kids much younger than him can show this type of enthusiasm. Or that it isn’t possible to take out a less enthusiastic child out on the slopes. But for us, it was worth waiting until he was ready.

The happy ending: My son is finally a skier. He got on skis for the first time today, and he loved it so much we had to drag him away from the ski lift. I’m breathing a big sigh of relief that he had a great first experience on the slopes, because it could have just as easily been a negative one. It’s a fine line between bliss and tantrum. So I’m grateful, feeling lucky, and patting myself on the back for being such a savvy mom. I’m now ready to take on many more days on the bunny hill, ski rental shops, and ski lesson charges. And as for my son, he’s ready to take on the half-pipe.