Snow Buddy Time for children
Snow Buddy Time often helps children ease into a technical session. It gives them time to build trust with their KM instructor, settle in and get ready for the learning ahead.
Needs & support
| Children’s and parents’ needs | How Snow Buddy Time helps |
|---|---|
| More time to practise after a technical session | Children do not need to spend all their time in formal sessions. A KM instructor can lead them through practice of what they have already learned, using demonstrations and brief reminders to help them stay aware of their movements and reinforce those skills. |
| Prefers watching and copying to listening to explanations | Following, observing and copying allow children to learn naturally, with less pressure from constant instructions and more room to enjoy skiing or snowboarding. |
| Shy around unfamiliar people, worried about the cold or not ready to ski or snowboard | Build trust first through snow play, games and conversation. Once the child feels more at ease, introduce age-appropriate activities. |
| A parent does not ski or snowboard, or is uneasy about the child going alone | A KM instructor helps the child choose suitable routes, sets an appropriate pace and leads the way, so the parent can take a break with peace of mind. |
| A parent wants time to practise or enjoy their own skiing or snowboarding | The KM instructor accompanies and guides the child throughout the booked session, so the parent can enjoy their own time on snow without also having to lead the child. |
How to lead the session
Start by finding out what the child has just learned, what they enjoy and whether they feel ready to ski or snowboard. For children with basic skills, focus on enjoyable runs led by the instructor on suitable terrain. Children who are not ready to get moving can begin with building a snowman, walking in the snow, balance games or getting to know their equipment.
While skiing or snowboarding, offer clear demonstrations, short cues and timely encouragement. Avoid constant corrections or turning the session into another technical session. If the child becomes tired or seems unhappy, take a break or change activities promptly.
Care arrangements
Agree on meal and washroom arrangements with the parent in advance. If the child can use the washroom independently, the KM instructor waits outside the public entrance. Children who cannot do so still need help from their parent.
KM instructors may take photos or videos to capture the child’s experience, provided this does not interfere with safe supervision.
Snow Buddy Time for youth
Young people may already have basic skiing or snowboarding skills but still lack experience in choosing routes, assessing risks, pacing themselves or navigating the resort. Snow Buddy Time lets them enjoy the slopes with an instructor alongside them and gives families an option when a young person would otherwise be heading out alone.
Needs & support
| Young people’s and parents’ needs | How Snow Buddy Time helps |
|---|---|
| Can ski or snowboard, but a parent is not yet comfortable with them heading out alone | The instructor helps select appropriate routes and pays attention to speed, spacing and where to meet up. |
| Wants time to enjoy the slopes rather than another technical session | The instructor leads the way, using natural conversation and demonstrations to build experience while preserving the student’s sense of independence and interest. |
| Unfamiliar with the resort and unsure which routes are suitable | Explore the runs, signs and resort facilities together, gradually developing the student’s judgement about routes and terrain. |
| Lacks a suitable companion or the confidence to ski or snowboard alone | Having a dependable companion and moving at a comfortable pace can reduce the anxiety of exploring alone. |
| May follow friends beyond their limits or overlook fatigue and changing conditions | During runs, remind the student to watch other skiers and riders, manage their speed and take breaks, helping them practise taking responsibility for their choices. |
How to lead the session
Before heading out, discuss what the student would like to experience and assess their actual skiing or snowboarding ability. Check with the parent about anything that needs attention, as well as contact and handover arrangements.
Respect the student’s preferences and build trust through an open, respectful conversation. Gradually give them more opportunities to make their own decisions within safe limits. Do not promise a higher skill level or the ability to perform a new move. Step in and adjust the plan if they exceed their ability, follow others without judging the situation or show clear signs of fatigue.
You may take photos or videos to capture the student’s experience, provided this does not interfere with safe supervision.
One-to-one service & others joining in
Youth Snow Buddy Time is a one-to-one service: one instructor accompanies and guides one student.
Snow Buddy Time for adults
Even adults who can already ski or snowboard may appreciate a companion. An unfamiliar resort, a mismatch in ability with friends, no suitable person to go with or low confidence after time away can all make a day on snow feel more daunting. Snow Buddy Time gives adults with basic skills the support of an instructor alongside them, so they can enjoy the slopes at their own pace.
Needs & support
| Adult students’ needs | How Snow Buddy Time helps |
|---|---|
| Unfamiliar with the resort and its routes | The instructor helps you get to know the resort and chooses runs that suit your ability and preferences, taking the guesswork out of finding your way around. |
| Friends or family go faster, choose harder runs or prefer a different pace | Routes, speed and breaks are tailored to you. There is no pressure to keep up, and no need to spend your time waiting for others. |
| Wants to ski or snowboard, but cannot find someone with a similar ability or schedule | Enjoy conversation and considerate support on the slopes, with someone alongside you even when you come to the resort on your own. |
| Returning after a long break or not confident skiing or snowboarding alone | Start on familiar, manageable terrain. With the instructor leading, gradually regain a feel for your rhythm and the snow. |
| Wants more time and experience on snow, without a technical session right now | Watching the instructor and sharing observations about routes and equipment broaden the experience while keeping the session flowing and enjoyable. |
How to lead the session
Start by asking what the student wants from the session, and about their current ability, fitness and any concerns. Agree on suitable routes and a comfortable pace. Spend most of the time skiing or snowboarding together, offering brief safety reminders and route suggestions when needed.
If the student enjoys conversation, share observations about the runs, equipment use and your experiences on snow. If they prefer a quiet run, respect that too; avoid a running commentary or constant corrections. You may take photos or short videos to record the experience, provided this does not interfere with safe guiding.
One-to-one service & others joining in
Adult Snow Buddy Time is a one-to-one service: one instructor accompanies and guides one student.