Ski Michigan – Skiing and Snowboarding in Michigan

MSIA – Cold is Cool – 4th and 5th Graders Ski Free with our NEW App!


MSIA Cold is Cool Passport allows Fourth and Fifth Graders to Ski Free in Michigan!

Families can obtain a Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport App for their 4th and/or 5th graders that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 28 participating ski areas, plus additional discounts on the slopes and in Michigan ski shops. MSIA charges $25 for the passport (to cover app development and maintenance.)

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, Cold is Cool Passport also includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off the purchase of $100 at participating ski shops across the state. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

Note: We have turned the Passport booklet into an app to download on your phone, making it contactless at the lift ticket window. The app will be available to download before the snow flies. You can pre-order yours now, and once the app is ready, we’ll send instructions on how to download.

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Visit the Cold is Cool Page on the MSIA Website >>>>

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More News From MSIA – Michigan Snowsports Industry Association

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Michigan Snowsports Industry Association – News and Specials via Facebook


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The Hula Hoop – Ski Tips from Mitten Kidz

Teaching a child to ski using a hula hoopBy Joan O’Neill – Mitten Kidz

My skills at the hula hoop have always been nil. I would watch in envy as friends, obviously more flexible than me, orbited the hoop around their midriff for what seemed like hours. Looking back, my hooping moves likened more those of the “Elaine Dance”  (of Seinfield fame) than Annette Funicello — or Frankie Avalon for that matter.

The hula hoop has recently resurfaced in my life, however, this time as a far more useful tool: a skiing aid for my three-year-old. How so, you ask? We simply utilize it as a way to keep our son, who yet possesses the physical ability to form his “pizza wedge” fully and hence, effectively control his own speed, within our reach by placing it over his head. He holds onto it in the front while we ski behind him, holding onto the other end. Voila. He’s the ‘king of the world’ as we cruise down the hill, while mom and dad have peace of mind.

There are two other advantages to using this high-tech tool. (1) It also acts as a barrier, I feel — a force field of sort — around my son, protecting him from others speeding by, and (2) when you need to tow the little one (up a hill or along a flat), you can simply flip it over his or her head and pull your budding skier along.

Now, I must give credit where credit is due: I got this idea from the ski instructors at Crystal Mountain in Michigan who have been at this ‘teaching kids to ski thing’ far longer than me. Bravo.

Visit Mitten Kidz Website >>>>

— — More From Mitten Kidz — —

Joan O’Neill is a member of North America Snowsports Journalists Association and the author of the blog, MittenKidz.com. A 20-year veteran of the Michigan ski business, O’Neill has taught and toted kids of all ages about various Michigan ski areas and resorts and provides a weekly Michigan ski report to several radio stations across the state on the Michigan Talk Network’s Michigan Morning Show. A big proponent of getting out and having fun in Michigan, no matter what the season, O’Neill herself started skiing with her family at the age of five, and has had her oldest son on skis since 19 months. Son number two, just over a year, will soon be on his way, she says.

 
 

Starting them young… getting your child into snowsports – Mitten Kidz

Soren during his first ski lesson at Crystal Mountain, MichiganBy Joan O’Neill – Mitten Kidz

We enrolled our three year old, Soren, in his first ski lesson the other day. We’ve actually had our son on the slopes since he was 19 months old, however this was his first true lesson, taught by a teaching professional and made official by a liability release form and credit card receipt. As with every other aspect of parenting, the day was part learning experience and part sit-com. Fortunately, when all was said and done, we managed to keep our spirits light and our son wants to do it again.

Our first lesson experience started with the usual bi-polarness, well before we got to the slopes, as my son’s eagerness to go skiing teetered back and forth between “yes” and “no.” After muted attempts at reasoning, multiple counting-to-threes and finally subtle threats (each countered by an entire deployment of delay tactics) we were able to get Soren into the car. It didn’t take long for his usual enthusiasm to take over, and my husband and I to look at each other, smiling, in anticipation of a memorable day of family fun on the slopes. It was a car commercial in the making.

We arrived at the ski area (Crystal Mountain in Michigan) and reveled in landing what was one of the most perfect parking spots. Near the learning area. Near the lifts. Near the bathrooms. The day just kept getting better and better. Five minutes later, however, we were giving up the golden parking spot, and I was on my way back home to fetch said three-year-old’s ski coat from our home, half an hour away.

Luckily, Crystal Mountain was more than accommodating. They allowed us to move his lesson to the afternoon session – and if that didn’t work out, also told us we could re-book for another day and time.

With Soren soon properly clothed, ski jacket and all, we slipped him into his afternoon group lesson for what we hope is the start of a beautiful friendship – Soren and skiing. My husband and I bundled our one-year-old son up and watched from afar, thankful that it was someone else’s quads other than ours this time.

There’s a reason why ski areas see a dip in visits from once-avid skiers who now have young children in tow. And if you’ve found your way into this category, I don’t need to tell you what that is. But what I can share with you are some Dos and Don’ts for introducing your young ones to skiing. Because someday, your kids will be sitting next to you on the chairlift, conversing with you like they haven’t done in awhile, and you’ll be thinking to yourself, “I am so glad we did this.” This is family time. Winter style.


Skiing Parent’s Dos and Don’ts for Young Children:

(1)    Do keep it fun. Whether enrolling in a lesson or braving it yourself, FUN should always be the number one goal. We didn’t even attempt teaching technique the first two years on the slopes with Soren. Could he turn? No. Stop? Not even. But he was squealing with delight as he skied in between our legs.

(2)    Don’t go it alone. When it IS time to introduce technique, leave it to the pros. Just because you can ski, it doesn’t mean you can teach. Especially to kids. Besides, your quads will thank you. Your back will thank you. And you’ll get a little ski time in, sans kids, for once. Remember what blue and black slopes are?

(3)    Do allow plenty of time. Get to the slopes early, especially if you have to rent equipment. Lines during the holidays and on weekends are imminent. So are multiple trips to the potty.

(4)    Do keep expectations low. After just one two-hour lesson, your child may still not be able to turn, stop or ski in control. But they’ll be on their way. And always look for something to celebrate. For Soren today, he was able to get on the carpet lift by himself. (Getting off is another story…)

(5)    Don’t be a Hovermom. Or dad. It’s OK to watch your child’s lesson, but do so from afar, preferably a hidden vantage point.

(6)    Do cut some slack. Group lessons are just that. (If you expect a lot of one-on-one instruction for your child, enroll them in a private lesson.) Know that a group of young children on skis can be likened to a litter of kittens. Just as one is corralled back into the box, another escapes. The instructors will do their best to work with each child as much as possible. But it ain’t easy.

(7)    Do ask. At the end of the lesson, ask your child’s instructor what verbiage they use to explain techniques to your child. To teach Soren how to get his arms out front (and hence, keep his weight off the back of his skis), his instructor today told him to “Fly like Superman.” Brilliant. And now I can use that, too.

(8)    Don’t forget to tip. If your child was especially trying or occupied a lot of attention, tip the instructor. And always tip for a private lesson.

(9)    Do consider a helmet. To learn more, go to lidsonkids.org.

(10)  Do stoop to bribery. When our son shows signs of weariness – or stubbornness – on the slopes, we entice him to take another run or keep trying with Annie’s Gummy Bunnies. Both my husband and I are armed with a pouch or two. So far, we’re lucky in that it only takes one or two bunnies to keep him going. Hopefully he won’t up the ante anytime soon.

Visit Mitten Kidz Website >>>>

— — More From Mitten Kidz — —

Joan O’Neill is a member of North America Snowsports Journalists Association and the author of the blog, MittenKidz.com. A 20-year veteran of the Michigan ski business, O’Neill has taught and toted kids of all ages about various Michigan ski areas and resorts and provides a weekly Michigan ski report to several radio stations across the state on the Michigan Talk Network’s Michigan Morning Show. A big proponent of getting out and having fun in Michigan, no matter what the season, O’Neill herself started skiing with her family at the age of five, and has had her oldest son on skis since 19 months. Son number two, just over a year, will soon be on his way, she says.

 
 

Crystal Mountain Boarder Camp – February 13-14, 2010

Crystal Mountain’s Boarder Camp offers experienced snowboarders, ages 10 and up, the opportunity to improve their skills in the terrain par. Crystal’s expert coaching staff will provide the latest techniques in a safe and fun environment. Riders will be grouped by age and ability. Camp includes coaching, video analysis, tuning clinic and lunches.

Camp Rates:
Pre-registration thru Feb. 7……. $150 per person
Camp t-shirt included in pre-registration.

After Feb. 7
……………………………… $175 per person
Advance reservations required:
All participants must sign a release & indemnity form, parent signature required for 17 & under.
Download a PDF release form.


For more information:
(800) 968-7686 ext. 2000

Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>

 
 
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