In a recent discussion on teaching children to ski, experienced instructors from the Czech Republic, Petr Hrdlička and Michael Gregora, stress that the joy of skiing should be prioritized over technical perfection. Instead of pressuring children with commands like 'Stay parallel!' or 'Look ahead!' which could overshadow their excitement for skiing, instructors advocate for a focus on fun and positivity. Gregora, who runs a project called Joy of Skiing, notes that having joy in skiing oneself is crucial for effectively sharing that enthusiasm with children.

For the youngest beginners, typically aged three to five, instructors believe that technical skill is not the most important aspect. Rather, cultivating a positive relationship between the child and the sport is essential. Gregora emphasizes that as soon as a child enjoys the winter environment and is excited about being on skis, the foundational relationship with the sport is established. This enthusiasm can lead to children embracing the experience rather than feeling constrained by technical expectations, which can often lead to anxiety or frustration.

Ultimately, the goal for instructors is to nurture a lifelong love of skiing in children. By focusing on enjoyment and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for learning, instructors believe that children will not only improve in their skiing abilities over time but will also carry forward their joy into their future skiing adventures. This approach aims to create a generation of confident and enthusiastic skiers who value the experience of skiing itself, rather than merely the pursuit of technical proficiency.