Kids 101 — Swedish Fish Are Key for Backcountry Skiing

Nurturing the brood

High, dry powder was what we found as we plied the boys with Swedish Fish to lure them up the climb.

Once on top we didn’t have to worry about their downhill skills, it was more a matter of reeling them in as the next generation certainly is not afraid of speed or charging the fall line.

As long time skiers my wife and I have always been excited to share the exploration and fun of backcountry skiing with our children. We got just that chance recently with a late season blast of snow and a hut trip we’d planned with our friends Kim and Lori and their two boys.

Chapin charging. Once on the down it's more a matter of slowing the guy's speed and being more careful, as they've grown up cranking turns at Aspen's resorts and tend to ski a bit too agro and fast when they're in the backcountry.

One safety key we feel is key is that of being like minded in risk assessment. Especially while working with younger folks, it’s important that everyone is on the same page when it comes to how much risk the adult leaders accept, and how they deal with this amongst themselves — as the kids listen in on the conversation. We of course practice avy self-rescue skills, and work on finer points of going uphill on skis, such as mastering those kick turns. Hydration is emphasized, and providing the correct food treats is essential. (Sugar works to an extent, but try to trick them into eating something more than candy.)

The family that earns together, turns together.

Oh, yeah, this sounds obvious and is when you are wrangling three boys ages 10, 11, and 12 – but most of all HAVE FUN!

Tanner.

More earnin'

Tyler.