Winter in Canada is a season of adventure, and this year, we decided it was time to introduce our daughter to skiing. At just 2.5 years old, we weren’t sure how she’d react, but we knew we wanted to make it a fun and positive experience. Her first experience was at Mount Pakenham—a perfect spot for little ones taking their first turns on the snow. But, Calabogie Peaks Resort offers another great option, especially for families looking for a less crowded alternative to Pakenham.

1. Choosing the Right Location

For first-time skiers and snowboarders, picking a beginner-friendly hill is key. Mount Pakenham is fantastic for families. It has well-groomed beginner slopes, affordable rental equipment, and professional instruction. Plus, many schools organize trips here, so our daughter will likely get to visit again when she’s older. She absolutely loved the atmosphere—the bunny hill was perfect for a young child, not to mention that she loved the mascots!

Calabogie Peaks Resort, on the other hand, offers a great alternative for families looking for a bigger hill with a quieter atmosphere. While Pakenham is wonderful for beginners, Calabogie has a variety of terrain that allows kids to progress at their own pace, plus shorter lift lines on busy weekends.

2. The Best Age to Start Skiing or Snowboarding

The best age for ski or snowboard lessons depends on the child’s physical development, coordination, and attention span, but here’s a general guideline:

Skiing:

• Best Starting Age: 3-4 years old

• Many ski schools offer lessons for children as young as 3, but 4-6 is the ideal range for most kids to start. Mount Pakenham even offers Tot Lessons for under 4 years old!

• Skiing is generally easier for young children to pick up because their feet remain separate, making balance more intuitive.

Snowboarding:

• Best Starting Age: 6-7 years old

• Snowboarding requires more balance, core strength, and coordination, which younger kids may struggle with.

• Most experts recommend waiting until 6 or 7 years old, though some kids with good balance can start at 5.

Adult Beginners: It’s never too late to learn! Adults often benefit from structured lessons to avoid bad habits and build confidence faster.

Key Factors for Readiness:

• Physical Strength & Coordination – Can they stand, walk, and hop confidently?

• Attention Span – Can they focus for 30-60 minutes?

• Interest & Willingness – Are they excited and willing to learn?

For younger kids (under 6), private lessons or parent-assisted sessions are often the best way to start, while group lessons work well for kids 7+ and adults. 

3. Starting with Lessons

Even though Scott has skied for many years, we know that professional instruction is best for setting our daughter up for success, and we definitely recommend lessons for any children. The great thing about both Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks is that they offer group and private lessons for all ages, making it easy for kids to learn in a fun and safe environment. Calabogie Peaks also offers Kids Camps for children 3-15 years old, making it a great option for families looking for more structured programs.

4. Renting Before Buying

Since kids grow so fast, we decided to rent gear for her first few outings. Most hills have affordable rentals that are perfect for trying skiing without a big financial commitment. Renting also meant she had properly sized equipment, which made a huge difference in her comfort and confidence.

5. Dressing for Success

Keeping your kids warm is a key factor to a happy day on the slopes. Layering up with moisture-wicking base layers is a must. We love the Bula Kids Base Layers, they are soft, breathable and comfy. Be sure to invest in a good quality insulated jacket and snow pants, warm socks, waterproof gloves, and of course, a helmet for both safety and warmth. Kids goggles will help protect their eyes from the wind and snow glare.

6. Keeping it Fun & Low Pressure

Our biggest takeaway from bringing our daughter to the slopes is to make it fun! We kept the sessions short, took lots of breaks, and rewarded her with hot chocolate and a brownie in the chalet. If she got tired or frustrated, we wrapped up for the day before things turned negative. The goal was to make her excited to come back, and so far, it’s working!

7. Getting Them Comfortable at the Hill

One of the best ways to get kids interested in skiing is to introduce them to the ski hill in different ways. We made sure to take our daughter to some of the family-friendly events at Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks, where she got to experience the fun atmosphere without the pressure of being on skis the whole time. Seeing other kids enjoying the snow helped her feel more at home at the hill.

8. Being Patient & Encouraging

Your kids won't master skiing in one day. Every child learns at their own pace, and the most important thing you can do as a parent is to offer encouragement and let them enjoy the process. Just seeing our daughter smile and giggle while sliding down the hill was a win in our books!

9. Planning Return Visits

Consistency will also help build confidence, so we planned another visit shortly after her first experience. Mount Pakenham’s multi-week lesson programs look like a great way to help her progress, and we’re already looking into them for next season. Calabogie Peaks also offers seasonal programs, which we’ll be keeping an eye on as she improves.

10. Making Gear Upgrades Easy with OVAP’s Kids Trade-Up Program

We also know how fast kids grow—and how quickly they can outgrow their gear. That’s why we created our Halfback Kids Trade-In Program at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle (OVAP)!

Here’s how it works: Bring back any skis or snowboards you purchased for your kids from OVAP, and we’ll give you 50% of the original purchase price as credit toward their next set of skis or snowboard. It’s the perfect way to keep your little adventurers ready for the slopes, year after year.

Trade in, trade up, and hit the slopes! Visit us in-store to get started today.

Next season, we’ll also be offering seasonal rentals for skis, bindings, boots, and poles at an affordable price. More info on that in the coming months!

Final Thoughts

Introducing our daughter to skiing has been an incredible experience, and we can’t wait for many more snowy adventures together. With the right approach, a positive attitude, and the beginner-friendly slopes of Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks, we know we’re setting her up for a lifelong love of winter sports. If you’re thinking about getting your kids on skis or a snowboard, start small, keep it fun, and embrace the journey. See you on the slopes!