The benefits of learning to ski at a young age are as plentiful as snowflakes in a Barrie snow storm -- too numerous to count.
At the top of the list, though, is the fact kids are short. When they fall they don't have a huge distance to drop so it doesn't hurt as much. Plus, in their daily lives kids are used to falling -- much more than adults -- so they're not bothered by wipeouts on snow.
As we all know from school, children's brains are like sponges that soak up knowledge. It's the same for skiing. Youngsters catch on much quicker than adults, and hang onto that knowledge for a lifetime. Like riding a bike, one rarely forgets how to ski.
I'm not going to fib, skiing can be expensive. Lift passes, ski rentals, even food is costly at ski areas. But this winter there are Canada-wide children's ski programs in place that can ease the strain on a parent's wallet.
Let's start with the Snowpass, sponsored by the Canadian Ski Council. Children in Grades 4 and 5 across the country qualify for a free pass that gives them three free ski or snowboarding days at each participating ski resort.
In Eastern Canada alone there are 95 participating ski areas in the Snowpass program -- that's 285 free ski days for every Grade 4 and Grade 5 student! Some ski areas have extended their free skiing coupons to kids in Grade 6. Parents can also save with Snowpass coupons on discounted adult lift passes and equipment rentals.
Participating Ontario ski areas include Blue Mountain, Horseshoe, Hockley Valley, Glen Eden, Earl Bales and Mount Chinguacousy Brampton. Available online (snowpass.ca) and through elementary schools, Snowpasses are distributed to children born in 1999 and 2000.
Also from the Canadian Ski Council this season: Discounts during National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week, which runs across Canada Jan. 16 to 24.
For parents interested in getting their kids into skiing, this may be the week to do it. Many participating areas are offering 50% discounts or two-for-one's on combination packages that include ski or snowboard lessons, lift passes and equipment rentals.
At Ontario's Oshawa Ski Club, for example, a two-person lift, lesson and rental deal is selling for $48 during National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week.
Toronto's Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is offering two-for-one lift passes, and Barrie's Horseshoe Resort will sell two-for-one learn-to-ski packages.
For a list of the week's discounts, go to skicanada.org.
Known commonly as Discover Skiing packages, discounted lift, lesson and equipment rental combinations are also available at most Canadian ski areas throughout the ski season. Check skicanada.org for updates.
Other ways parents can save on skiing: Blue Mountain, for example, is advertising heavily discounted (up to 50% off) daily lift passes during its special ski weeks, including the Coors Light Ski Spree (Jan. 4-8). Quebec's Tremblant is offering a 15% discount on lifts and lodging on two-night or more stays all season.
Take advantage of these deals to give your kids the lifetime gift of skiing.
LORIKNOWLES.COM
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