My children are different ages but at a similar level.
If your children are of similar skiing ability, they can indeed ski together, but there are a few important factors to consider:
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Age-Based Grouping:
- Ski schools typically organise group lessons by age, a method proven to ensure the best progression and enjoyment for children. They generally do not allow different ages in the groups and are firm with their age ranges , even if the children are at the same ski level. This is because different ages learn in different ways and at different paces.
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Private Instructors:
- Some private ski instructors might only take children of similar abilities if they are also of similar ages. This approach helps in providing age-appropriate instruction and ensuring all children get the most out of the lesson.
Why Age Matters
Children learn differently at different ages, much like in school. Consider this scenario: you have a 3-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old, all beginners. The 12-year-old can understand and apply technical instructions more easily than a 3-year-old. Combining these age groups in one lesson can reduce the effectiveness, as the instructor would need to cater to vastly different learning needs simultaneously.
Additionally, older children have better control over their body movements and can handle more speed and complex manoeuvres compared to younger children. A 3-year-old won't have the physical ability or understanding to keep up with a 12-year-old's pace, potentially leading to frustration and less progression for the older child.
Recommendations
To ensure your children get the most out of their skiing experience, we recommend following the ski school’s guidelines. This typically means keeping children within their respective age groups to maximise learning and enjoyment.
This might mean considering:
- Hiring two private instructors to accommodate different age groups.
- Splitting the private instructor’s time, for example, one child taking lessons in the morning while the other takes lessons in the afternoon.