Are you new parents that love snowboarding or skiing, and worried about how to keep shreddin' the slopes with a little one in tow?
I'm here to reassure you that having a baby doesn't mean you have to kiss your favourite activity goodbye. But let's be real here - snowboarding or skiing with a baby is not exactly a smooth glide down the mountain! While it is a tremendous amount of work to continue to snowboard or ski as new parents, it is absolutely worth sharing your passion with the new addition to your outdoor family. Adjust your expectations and be prepared for any outcome. Importantly, celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem!
Strategies to Continue to Snowboard & Ski
As new parents who were adamant about being able to continue to snowboard, we've faced real challenges that require some serious sacrificing. It's a balancing act of sweating in your thermals trying to get out the door at a reasonable time, and trying to keep the entire event fun. All knowing that you may or may not get ONE run in!
The entire event, from the time you leave your house and are back again at the end of the day, is hopefully authentically fun. If it's not, you need to evaluate where the shortcomings are and adapt according to your family's needs.
1. Streamline Family Snowboard Days
To improve your efficiency and lower your stress levels on snowboarding mornings, try to have everyone's gear packed up the previous evening and close to the door. Have snacks and drinks set aside in a bag and ready to be added to. Divide and conquer - one makes breakfast, the other wrangles kids and gets them ready. It always takes longer than you think it will!
2. The Baby Tradeoff
When Sylas was three months old and the ski hills were opening up for the '21-22 season, my partner and I came up a plan so that we both could continue to snowboard. This was how our personal take on the baby tradeoff transpired!
There were a shit load of bumps along the way, but we always stayed adaptable (sometimes frustratingly so)! Our love for the sport allowed us to stay consistent and Sylas ended his first season with about 15 days on the resort (from 3 – 7 months old).
We drive to our local ski resort, Nakiska, and take turns getting solo runs in while hangs with our baby snowboarder. There were days when the baby tradeoff didn’t work out and we would choose to cut the day short. So, to be fair, we always took turns with who started the day on the hill.
Here’s how the baby tradeoff works for us:
- Parent A shreds for 1- 3 hours and Parent B stays in the vehicle (if the baby is sleeping) or roams around the resort.
- Parent A comes back to the vehicle, offers a fist bump, and chats about conditions while Parent B gets geared up to head out for some runs.
- Parent A gets the baby reset (diaper change, fed, cuddled) if not done already.
- At this point, Parent A puts the baby in a carrier and goes for a hike. Or wanders with their chunky monkey in the slide, chills in the vehicle, or gets lunch in the lodge — whatever works best for them!
- This can be really fun if you have other friends hanging out on resort too and creates potential for social riding!
3. Baby Tradeoff with Friends with Kids
To fit in some runs together, sometimes we'll swap babysitting services with friends. Admittedly, it requires some planning, so we usually ride solo and use our baby tradeoff strategy. But the occasional shred sesh as a duo makes it totally worth it.
4. Split Shifts
We are fortunate to live fairly close to numerous ski resorts where this tactic is an option. We split up the day - one of us snowboards in the morning while the other stays home with the baby, and then switches roles in the afternoon.
To make it work, we would arrange to meet time at a spot halfway through the commute. I would leave home with the baby and meet Tommy there, and switch the baby over to his vehicle for him to drive home and take his shift. Having two vehicles with two car seats (or two bases) is the key with this strategy.
5. Romance on the Slopes with Day Dates
When Sylas hit 14 months old, we found the perfect part time dayhome for our little shredder. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer for my overall physical and mental well-being.
Now, when our work schedules overlap, we make it a priority to hit the slopes together. It might only be for a few hours, but we take what we can get! Luckily, we've got a few great options close to home in Cochrane, Alberta, so we squeeze in our precious snowboarding day dates whenever we can.
6. Start Em Young
I believe that the key to continue to snowboard as new parents is to start em young (as young as you're comfortable doing).
It’s a common misconception that kids have to learn how to ski first before transitioning to a snowboard. From our personal experiences over two seasons, this myth has been busted.
Once they can stand, babies naturally adopt the current body positioning for balance -- relaxed and centered over their board. For Sylas's first time snowboarding at Nakiska, he stood tall and centered while being towed around on his Burton riglet. When he started to pick up speed, he would assume the squat position, which is the basic building block for heel side turns.
At 17 months, Sylas was comfortable with gliding and descending down the bunny hill with ease (video link).
As time goes on, we aim to get him out snowboarding at least once a week. This consistency is helping with his confidence and longevity. We take lots of breaks and sometimes treat him (and daddy) to the delicious salty fries in the Nakiska day lodge.
Baby Snowboarder Equipment Recommendations:
- Burton Riglet Snowboard & Reel
- Burton Grom Bindings
- Winter boots
- Snowsuit
- Mitts
- Beanie
- Neck Warmer or buff
- Helmet
- Backpack with a leash
7. Prioritize the Continue to Snowboard Lifestyle
Snowboarding was such an important part of my postpartum recovery. The mental boost that flooded my body with my first time strapping in, is indescribable. Finally, a glimpse of my old, carefree lifestyle - you know, the one where you don't have to be responsible for anyone other than yourself!
I won't lie, there may be a tear of joy here under my goggles. It felt liberating to experience that sense of freedom again, and I felt accomplished in the simple action of strapping on my snowboard.
8. Adapt & Overcome
Easy words to write, but not so simple. Living an outdoor family lifestyle is a commitment that you'll really have to prioritize as it's SO MUCH harder to do when you have a baby.
Make an intentional choice. Accept that you will have a lot of solo snowboarding days - and learn quickly to take your opportunities as they arise!
We made it a point very early on to not stay at home and schedule our lives around the baby naps. He became an on-the-go baby and learned to nap everywhere. This is key to making our continue to snowboard strategies, work.
Flexibility is key, and it's time to lower those lofty expectations. Last season was a gongshow, with constant baby sniffles and an unshakable cough. After begrudgingly scrapping every plan for a solid two months, I let it all out in a venting session with my bestie, Allie (mama of two rambunctious boys). It was through her sage advice that I finally grasped the importance of having the right mindset - "don't get hyped about anything until it's actually happening".
Top Tips for Snowboarding as New Parents
- Embrace the baby tradeoff. This is the art of taking turns watching the little one while the other person gets to ride. It's like a relay race, but with snowboards and diapers!
- Make friends with other parents who shred. Not only will you have people to watch your baby, but you'll also have a built-in crew to ride with. Plus, you can bond over your shared love of both snowboarding and life as new parents.
- Invest in a good baby carrier and keep a slide stashed in the vehicle.
- Prioritize your sport.
- Take breaks as needed. Let's face it, you might not get the time to ride as long or as hard as you used to. Take breaks when they get antsy - grab a hot chocolate and warm up in the lodge, play in a snowbank, take a nap in the car... It's all good and adds to the overall, positive experience for your little one.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need someone to watch the baby for a few hours, don't hesitate to ask. Grandparents, friends, babysitters - whoever you trust to take care of your little one while you both get out on the slopes. (Admittedly, this is advice that I often struggle with).
- Remember, snowboarding is fun! Don't stress too much about the logistics or the baby-watching schedule. Try to enjoy the experience and time with your little addition in your outdoor family.
