If you’ve ever messaged us asking “How did you get your kids skiing so young?” or “What do I actually need to get my kid on the mountain?” — you’re not alone. We get these questions all the time, and honestly, we love them.
At BinkyBro, skiing and snowboarding aren’t just hobbies — they’re a lifestyle. Our founders, Matt and Rachel Fisler, started all four of their kids on skis at just two years old. Their motto?
“If you can walk, you can ski.”
And they meant it.
By age three, their kids were confidently skiing blue runs. By four, Bodee and Jude were already charging black diamonds. By five, they were on downhill ski teams, later progressing into park skiing, freestyle development programs at Woodward, and eventually moving on to Revolution Ski Team in Park City.
Now, before you panic — every kid is different, and progress looks different for everyone. The biggest takeaway isn’t how fast they advanced… it’s that they started early, kept it fun, and stayed consistent.
Start Early, Keep It Fun, and Set Real Expectations
The most important thing when getting kids into skiing is simply getting them out there and acquainted with mountain life.
As parents, we also have to go into it knowing this truth:
👉 Ski days with little kids are short.
You might get:
• One run
• Maybe two on a great day
• Then it’s snack time, warm-up time, or nap time
And that’s okay.
Some days will be magic. Other days they’ll be cold, hungry, or just not into it. Those days don’t mean failure — they’re part of the process. When parents stay relaxed and patient, kids pick up on that energy, and everyone ends the day happier.
How to Set Your Kids Up for a Successful Day on the Mountain
A happy kid = a successful ski day. Period.
Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
1. Snacks (and then more snacks)
You’ll win Parent of the Year if your pockets — and theirs — are fully stocked. Snacks double as:
• Energy boosts
• Mood stabilizers
• Rewards after a run
Pro tip: snacks you don’t normally allow suddenly become very motivating on the mountain.
2. Warmth & Proper Gear
Cold kids don’t ski — they melt down.
Preparation starts long before you buy a lift ticket. Making sure your child is warm, comfortable, and properly layered is key.
That’s where BinkyBro comes in.
From:
• Snow socks
• Snow suits
• Beanies
• Goggles
We’ve got almost everything your little one needs to be slope-ready. You can check out our full snow gear lineup at www.binkybro.com.
What we don’t carry (but still recommend):
• Gloves or mittens (dealer’s choice — let the grom decide)
• Skis/Snowboard, boots, and helmets (non-negotiable)
As for base layers? You don’t need anything fancy. In our experience, light sweats and a long-sleeve tee under one of our snow suits works perfectly for most kids.
Protective gear matters — especially these days. Comfort and safety go hand in hand.
Coaching Little Kids (Ages 2–4) on Skis: What Actually Works
When kids are first starting out, traditional instruction doesn’t always click. At this age, it’s less about technique and more about feel, balance, and confidence.
Here are some tried-and-true methods the Fisler family (and many ski coaches) swear by:
Start Flat Before You Go Downhill
Before even thinking about a bunny hill:
• Let kids walk around in their skis
• Practice sliding on flat terrain
• Have them feel how skis move and glide
This builds comfort without fear.
Use a Rope for Early Control
A simple rope can be a game-changer in the beginning.
• It helps manage speed
• Keeps kids upright
• Builds confidence without them feeling “out of control”
Once there’s slack in the rope and they’re stable, you’ll know they’re ready for the next step.
Bunny Hill Progression
On the bunny hill, focus on:
• Straight runs with stopping
• Learning to slow down naturally
• Gentle direction changes
Instead of formal “pizza” talk, some kids respond better to fun cues like:
• “Make rainbows”
• “Follow my tracks”
• “Turn to mom/dad”
Turning Comes Before Speed
Before moving onto S-turns, kids should be able to:
• Stop on command
• Change direction slightly
• Stay balanced without panicking
Once those skills are solid, introduce small S-turns. If they can control speed and direction consistently, you can ditch the rope and ride the lift together.
The Big Picture
Not every kid will be skiing black diamonds at four — and that’s totally okay.
What matters most is:
• Consistency
• Comfort
• Keeping it fun
The mountain should feel like a playground, not a classroom. When kids associate skiing with warmth, snacks, laughter, and encouragement, progress happens naturally.
And remember — you’re doing great, even on the days when it feels chaotic.
We’ll handle the gear.
You handle the memories. ❄️
