Getting Your Kids on the Slopes: A Parent’s Quick Guide to Starting Skiing & Snowboarding in Edmonton
There’s something pretty special about watching your child experience their first day on skis or a snowboard. It might involve a few tumbles, some frustration, and plenty of snacks—but it can also be the beginning of a lifelong love of winter sports.
If you’re thinking about getting your young child started, the first question is often: “How young is too young?” The good news for Edmonton families is that there are options for children as young as three and four!
Start with the Right Lesson
Simply throwing their gear in the toy box to get them exposed to the heavy boots and helmet is exposure enough to get them excited! Playing in their gear in the yard and walking around in their new to them equipment brings the thrill of sport.
For younger children, keeping the experience fun is more important than focusing on perfect technique. A short lesson with an instructor who knows how to work with young kids can make a huge difference.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort offers group lessons starting at age 4 for both skiing and snowboarding, with age-specific programs for 4–6-year-olds. They also offer private lessons starting at age 4 and, on a case-by-case basis, one-hour private lessons for 3-year-olds. (Rabbit Hill Snow Resort)
Snow Valley Ski Club also has programs specifically designed for young children. Its Tot program is for 4- and 5-year-old skiers. They offer the options for private lessons and group lessons to get those kiddos on the slopes. (Snow Valley)
For families looking for another Edmonton option, Edmonton Ski Club offers ski and snowboard programming and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Their 2026–27 winter programs and lessons are opening for registration in September. (Edmonton Ski Club)
You Don’t Have Buy Everything on Day One
Kids grow quickly, and ski and snowboard equipment can be a significant investment. For a first season, renting can be a great way to figure out whether your child actually enjoys the sport before committing to a full setup.
That’s where Sundance Ski & Snowboard Shop can help. Our Edmonton location offers rental packages, with equipment professionally serviced, tuned, and waxed between rentals. They also offer a seasonal rental option for children, allowing you to use the equipment for the season while maintaining it as necessary. Just remember that seasonal rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on available sizes. Our staff will help make sure the equipment is properly fitted before you leave the shop.
There’s also a program made for growing kids who want to own their equipment! The Sundance “Kids Trade-In Program” is for families who are ready to purchase new or used equipment. Sundance carries used ski equipment, giving parents an opportunity to find quality gear without necessarily paying the price of a brand-new setup.
When you purchase new or used kids’ ski or snowboard equipment from us, qualifying equipment returned within one year and in resellable condition is guaranteed a 50% trade-in value toward new kids’ equipment. Older equipment or gear purchased elsewhere may also qualify for a fair trade-in value.
For Edmonton families, getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Find the right lesson, rent or buy equipment that fits properly, dress your child warmly, and, most importantly—keep it fun. The goal of those first few days isn’t to create an expert skier or snowboarder. It’s to create a kid who can’t wait to go back.
What else to keep in your boot bag:
1. Helmet
2. Goggles
3. Ski/snowboard socks
4. Mitts/Gloves
5. Face covering: balaclava or neck tube/buff
6. Hand/Feet warmers (for those extra cold days!)