Whistler Kids Ski School Check-In
Tips To Streamline the First Day of Skiing
Check in the afternoon before the first lesson when there is no time pressure. Whistler Kids is a zoo in the mornings, and the right-sized equipment is sometimes gone so it is better to show up and be ready to go. There are three locations for ski lessons: Whistler, Blackcomb (“Upper Village”) and Creekside. At the relevant area, look for the prominent “Whistler Blackcomb Rentals” and retrieve reservations at the desk. Each skier’s lift ticket will indicate valid dates and lessons, and should be immediately attached to each skier’s jacket.
Adult and child reservations are processed at the same location, and a rental contract for each person will be printed by the attendant. Adults are typically fitted for equipment in the same building, but children are usually directed to a separate “Whistler Kids” location nearby. The child will be processed by a very helpful attendant, who fits boots and skis. Poles are not given until the child is competent, and although the child will complain it is best to learn without. Helmets are mandatory, and parents often opt to buy a comfortable, new helmet.
The First Ski Morning
Early arrivals to Whistler Kids move through quickly. Instructors inspect lift tickets, direct traffic, answer questions, and most of all give the assurance that there is nothing to fear. Each child is given a bright Velcro bib into which an ID tag will be fitted. The bib identifies the child as a student and the multitude of mountain staff guarantee that separated students will be quickly collected on the slopes.
The instructor will ascertain the skier’s level, and mark the ID tag. There are six levels of proficiency with “6” being highest, and two divisions in each level (“heart” and then “star.”) At the end of each day the instructor provides a checklist of ski ability to the parent and indicates the level for the next day, but first time skiers will be “1-Heart.” After processing, skiers of similar ability are grouped together and assigned an instructor. At Blackcomb and Creekside, the kids lodge is at the base so groups will congregate there. At Whistler, groups are sent up to the mid-station lodge.
On the Mountain
Instructors are exceptional and make Whistler Kids the global “gold standard.” Classes with very young children have both a head and tail instructor, while more experienced classes need just one instructor. The first few days will be spent practicing “pizza” (skis in snowplough position) and “French fries” (skis parallel.) Kids ski green runs during the first few days and after five days will likely have skied blue runs at Level 3. At Level Four, instructors will take skiers onto challenging blue runs, then black runs at Level 5 and by Level Six the skiers can do virtually any run on the mountains. Depending on the child, Level 6 can be reached in around 20+ days of skiing.
The End of the Day
Skiers return to Whistler Kids and are contained behind barriers. Parents must sign each child out with the instructor, who provides an ability checklist and written comments. Comments are always positive and Intrawest undoubtedly goes to great lengths to train instructors on how to encourage kids and therefore generate repeat business.
More information is at the Whistler website.
A separate article on internet booking is here.
