The wrong trail can be worse than a Dad Joke

It's time to start thinking about getting the family out on the slopes for some much needed fresh air, exercise and time away from zoom.

Coach Jay has some tips to share for parents eager to rip up the double diamonds with their kids. Skiing is the greatest when the fun factor is high and the fear factor is low. Starting slowly and building up the skills required to handle more difficult runs is the key to your child's success. 

Here's a PSIA video that shows you how to tell if you're on too tough of a trail for your little one. The images showing defensive body position are fantastic. But rather than push until you see dramatic visual clues, here are some ways to know you're making good trail decisions.

• Your child can tell you a story or discuss what they want for lunch, while making turns.
• They can play follow the leader and successfully turn where you turn.
• No white knuckle grips on ski poles
• They're smiling more than concentrating

Other things to remember:

• Splitting and meeting at the chairlift is way better than forcing a novice skier to follow an intermediate sibling down something he or she wants to hit.
• Younger siblings may need you to protect them from their desire to keep up with their brother or sister.