For this edition of Shop Talk, we’re back with the owners of the Spokane Alpine Haus, Drew and Rachel Harding, to discuss skiing with kids. We cover how we were introduced to the sport as kids, what it looked like to bring our own kids into the sport, and how it’s going. We also talk about how shops can help facilitate children and families getting into the sport, what it looks like to grow the next generation of skiers and snowboarders, what to look for in kids’ gear, the gear that’s helped us get our families out on the hill, and more.
TOPICS & TIMES:
- Drew and Rachels’ Background in Skiing as Kids (2:07)
- Kristin’s Background (5:02)
- Affordability (5:56)
- Child Care and Traveling with Kids for Skiing (8:05)
- Drew and Rachel’s Kids Intro to Skiing and Parent Mentorship (10:42)
- Seasonal Leases (19:31)
- Parental Advice for Soft Goods and Apparel (23:14)
- iGrow stitches and Boot Cuff Considerations? (27:48)
- Boot Considerations and Growth (34:27)
- Hard Goods and Ski Poles (36:47)
- Leashes and Harness (41:38)
- Sense of Freedom for Kids (46:33)
- How Can Ski Shops Play a Roll In Kids Skiing (49:59)
- Helmets and Goggles (52:21)
- Kids Join the Conversation (56:01)
RELATED LINKS:
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:
- CRAFTED
- Blister Podcast
- Bikes & Big Ideas
- Off the Couch
- Happy Hour (for Blister Members)
Just 2 comments having a skier who started at age 3 and is now 10:
1. MITTENS. The one year we tried gloves was a disaster. They don’t need dexterity, someone will zip their jacket. But if their fingers get cold it is over.
2. Kids don’t sweat as much as adults and while every outerwear company says their fabrics are waterproof and breathable, we have found that every item is either more waterproof or more breathable. Pick waterproof, we never found ‘breathable” to matter much.