In this eopisde, your host Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five explains how parents can get more value from expensive kids’ ski school by asking the instructor targeted questions at pickup, despite the usual chaos.

She recommends politely waiting for a calmer moment and using the instructor’s insight about what clicked for the child, what shut them down, and what language and games worked.

The seven questions cover:

1. What the child did well
2. Where they need work and how a parent can help
3. The exact words/phrases used
4. What runs they skied and which to do or avoid next
5. What to practice to reach the next level and how to make it a game
6. What the child responded best to
7. What games were played and how they work.

She also urges parents to ski a couple runs with their child immediately after the lesson to reinforce learning and make the child the “expert.”

00:00 Ski School Sticker Shock

01:35 What You Miss at Pickup

02:59 Surviving Pickup Chaos

05:00 Question One Praise That Sticks

06:59 Question Two How to Help

08:51 Question Three Magic Words

10:49 Question Four Best Runs

12:23 Question Five Practice Games

13:39 Question Six Learning Style

15:09 Question Seven Steal Their Games

17:26 Bonus Two Runs Together

19:55 Why Parents Skip This

21:41 Quick Recap and Sendoff

Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain. She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.

Enjoying the Podcast?

Follow Skiing with Kids so you never miss an episode.

More Skiing with Kids Resources

For more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids
You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam
.

Free Guide for Ski Parents

Want to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski?
Download the free guide:

The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them)
https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squub
This quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain.

...