Don't fret: magic carpet tips and tricks
On the magic carpet, Thunder Ridge Ski Area.
When people learn that I moved from Colorado to the Swiss Alps to Vermont during my twenties, they naturally peg me as a ski bum (true!). Then, they inquire about whether my girls have skied yet, and in general teaching kids to ski. I thought I’d try to offer some helpful tips for those new to skiing, or not exactly relishing the idea of putting a toddler on the slopes (I assure you, you are NOT alone). I mean, who here has tried to put a 2 year old in ski boots? Well, with the help of family friendly resorts such as Thunder Ridge NY, and a couple of Daniel Tiger movies, you too can nail the magic carpet!
Em and I hit Thunder Ridge Ski Area twice last march. This place is a gem! I had never looked for a toddler friendly resort near Port Washington NY before (shocker) and found this fabulous little hill with easy/free parking, a compact lodge, delightful rental folks, and a perfect learning zone right out the front door. Here are a few tips:
First, make friends with everyone there, immediately. It’s a motley crew at the bunny hill, but everyone is in it together, and it’s all kind of a riot, so why not embrace. This way all parties act as a village helping everyone learn and have fun.
Second, the magic carpet lift operator is your new BFF — he’ll not only ensure your kid is safe, but he’ll make sure you don’t end up in the dirt too (key). Ask him or her their name, chat them up, and then pretend you are all there for cocktails and banter while you have your bunny slopes adventure. They will likely be pleasantly surprised.
Third, start by lining yourself up with your skis parallel and your kid in between, holding him or her under their arms to stabilize. Don’t rush it! Once you’re ready, inch yourselves forward (again, with ample assistance if needed — don’t be bashful!) and literally pretend it’s an escalator. It’s not harder than that. In fact, I would suggest that escalators with awkward heavy luggage are far more intimidating than magic carpets with skis.
Fourth, at the top, let the carpet push you off, don’t over-engineer it. From my experience, YOU will be the one with the issue on that, not your toddler! When you are feeling confident and solid, slowly move back a bit and let your kiddo stand by themselves. I am a lifelong skier, so was comfortable quickly for my own part, but suspect that this is not as scary as it might seem to you now. I reflected that if you are a non-skier, you can still do this. Literally, the entire exercise above, without skis on, just a good pair of snow boots. Nothing is so steep you can’t ride along and walk along. (Contact me for additional pointers! I would like to be your biggest cheerleader on this).
Definite highlight of the day was when we lost a ski on the chairlift (see photo collage) — a true chuckle. We met many random folks at the lodge which has been one of my favorite parts about having a two year old. We ate personal pizzas and yoghurt and fridge Frappuccinos. Being I am on a new postpartum diet rampage I laid low on the grill food.
We bought season passes for 2019, so back to the magic carpet we go as soon as there’s some fake snow on the hill!