Kids Ski Programs at New Hampshire's Loon Mountain Take Kids to New Heights

Lincoln, NH: New Hampshire's winter vacation destination, Loon Mountain, has been teaching kids to ski and snowboard for over 40 years. Many parents who are now dropping off their kids at Camp Wildwoods at Loon Mountain Children's Center have their own fond childhood memories of learning to ski at Loon.

For kids who are three years old, Loon Mountain has an exclusive ski program called PK Boo to get them started off right. It is designed to introduce three-year olds to the fun and excitement of skiing and being outdoors in the winter. A full-day PK Boo program includes:

Ski & snowboard programs for kids of all ages at Loon Mountain, in New Hampshire White Mountains

• Two hours of group lessons
• Lunch
• Age-appropriate games
• Learning activities

Kids ages four-six learn and improve technique in KinderBear. Classes are grouped by ability level and ski up to four hours during the day. "Generally, by age four, kids are ready and raring to go," commented Snowsports Director Booie Alward. "Their enthusiasm is contagious and most kids can learn and master a new technique by the end of the day."

The instructors at Camp Wildwoods go through a rigorous snowsports training, and are also required to attend specific training that includes working with children and learning techniques and methods specific for teaching skiing to children. Parents may notice their kids and instructor playing games like Duck, Duck, Goose in their ski boots in front of the Children's Center. Games such as this teach independent foot movement and balance. Soon after, parents will see their children schussing down Snubber.

Registration for both PKBoo and Kinderbear starts at 8:00 AM on weekends and holidays and 9:00 AM midweek at the Children's Center.

Discovery Camp is Loon Mountain's kids program designed for ages seven through twelve. By this age, most kids are a little bit more independent and feel ready to tackle the big mountain. Kids are grouped by age and ability, and the day is spent on the mountain with an instructor. There is also a Beginner Discovery Camp for 7-12 year olds who are just getting started on skis or a snowboard.

Discovery Camp meets daily at 9:45 AM at Snowsports Meeting area at the base of the Sarsaparilla Handle Tow outside of the Governor's Lodge. For kids who need rental equipment, parents can sign up at the Mountainside Rental Shop. Otherwise, a Discovery Camp lesson voucher and lift ticket can be purchased at any Snowsports Desk. Parents meet back up with their kids at 3:30 PM, allowing enough time for families to take one more run together up the Kancamagus Quad or Kissin' Cousins Double Chair.

For younger children and children not yet ready to hit the slopes, Loon Mountain has an on-mountain daycare facility for ages six weeks to six years. Large playrooms allow plenty of space for age-appropriate games and activities, while letting sleepy children nap in a quiet area. Lunch and snacks are provided for children 12 months and older. Camp Wildwoods Daycare is available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday, with an early 8:00 AM opening on weekend and holiday periods.

Loon Mountain offers some useful tips for parents preparing their child for a day on the slopes:

1. Register online. All the program descriptions and forms are available online at http://www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/children.asp. This will save time during the morning of registration.
    
2. For those families with children in more than one program, parents can register for Discovery Camp at the Children's Center as well as the Rental Shop.
    
3. Pack an extra pair of mittens/gloves, hand warmers, long underwear and socks. Apply sunscreen and don't hesitate to ask the instructors to reapply sunscreen at lunchtime.
    
4. Leave a cell phone number that the staff can call should there be an emergency.
    
5. Remember to make sure the staff and instructor knows about any allergies.
    
6. Go to an information desk or another Snowsports instructor if you are going to be late picking up your child. A Loon staff member will call the Children's Center.
    
7. Let your child have fun! There is a special "parent viewing area" located at the Children's Center. This allows parents to see their child learning exciting new skills, while not intruding on a lesson.

For more information and to register for kids programs, go to http://www.loonmtn.com or call 1-800-229-LOON(5666).

Related Links:
Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
Loon Mountain Kids Ski Programs
Loon Peak Seekers and Peak Achievers Programs
Loon Mountain Children's Seasonal Programs
Jr. Seasonal Programs
Loon Mountainside Equipment Rentals

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