Skinning With Kids: The Basics
/It’s dumping in Denver, and we can’t ski (we are currently sheltering in place during the COVID19 pandemic). But that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about skiing! The most frequent question I get on social media (BY FAR) is about skinning with kids. Since we just wrapped up a glorious ski season, and winter is still fresh on my mind, I’m going to do a brain dump and answer the most asked questions.
Avalanche Awareness
First and foremost, it’s important to address avalanche danger during winter outdoor adventure. You could be snowshoeing or walking on a relatively flat trail, but if you are below a slide path you are actually traveling in avalanche terrain. Yikes! You don’t want to do that with the kids! The main skill I use from my avalanche education training is choosing avy safe terrain. I don’t want to get to a point where I need to pull out my beacon/shovel when I’m with the kids. There are so many great avy class options. While I highly recommend taking a level one AIARE course before spending time in avalanche terrain, taking an introductory “know before you go” course, or a full day intro or refresher course is a great idea. You can usually find pretty affordable “refresher” or “intro” courses. Even if it’s just been a few years since you took your level one AIARE, take a refresher! These courses go over basic principals, and drills using your avy rescue gear. Last winter I took the S.A.F.E. A.S. clinic with my ski partners, and cannot recommend it enough.
Gear
Beware, this is a gear heavy type of adventure. I’ve been slowly accumulating gear over the years. That being said, I have several friends who have found used gear for great prices. You essentially need avy rescue gear, a way to transport yourself up/down the mountain, and a way to transport your kids. Even though I don’t take my kids into high risk avy terrain (we’ll get into this in a moment), I like to bring avy gear to stay in the habit of using/bringing it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the gear I use whenever I go out and skin with the kids.
Avy Rescue Gear: Beacon, shovel, probe
Skis with Alpine Touring bindings (this is my very favorite ski)
Alpine Touring boots (two seasons on these boots and love them)
Chariot to haul kids*
*I know the Chariot is a big ticket item. But it is also the piece of gear that we use the most year round. If you like to bike, ski, and run with the kids, this is a more than worthwhile investment. We’ve been using the chariot since Huck was about a year old, and he still loves to hop in for a ride at 5yrs old.
Terrain Selection
Finding avy safe terrain in your area is probably easier than you think. We often skin up summer roads that close in the winter. This typically means that the road has a gradual increase (important when you are skinning up and skiing down hauling 75lbs). Again, you will want to pay close attention to your surroundings. We don’t take our kids in high risk avalanche terrain. Another way to find terrain is to visit Powder Project . You can select for trails in a specific area, difficulty, and see TOPO maps. Reading the reviews and observations from other users is helpful too. We’ve found a few good areas using Powder Project. And lastly, ask around in your community (and online community). One of our favorite areas to go is actually just a road that leads up to some popular skiing. Most backcountry skiers see our “turn around point” (the spot we turn around with the kids because the avalanche danger increases further up the road), as their “starting point” to access all the fun runs. It’s also good to keep in mind that whatever you skin up, you must ski down (hauling the kids). Managing the chariot is a little different than skiing without one- and you are hauling your very most precious cargo.
Layering Kids to be Passengers
It’s important to remember that while you are working up a sweat hauling 20-75lbs up the mountain, your children are sitting stationary in the back of the chariot. I typically dress my kids in 1-2 more layers than I am wearing. If I’m wearing base layers and a shell, I know they need an insulated suit, and most likely a fleece underneath. It’s important to remember that there is no shame in turning around early- I’ve done it before. Check in with your little ones often (especially infants).
Fleece Sweater (on cold days)
Down Sweater (over the fleece on REALLY cold days)
Thin wool socks (remember, you want to allow room for circulation and air insulation)
Insulated boots (or ski boots if skiing down)
Neck Gaiter
Insulated blanket to pull out for cold days
Keep it Fun for Everybody
Not going to lie- the skinning is all for me. Although content, the kids aren’t particularly excited to sit in the chariot for an hour while I’m slowly hiking uphill. I’m not a huge fan of bringing electronics for the chariot ride- I want them to be aware of their surroundings. I don’t terribly mind if they feel a little “bored” on the ride (I think learning to be a little “bored” is actually important). But we do bring lots of snacks! And the kids’ skis for the top of the hike (they fit nicely in the back of the chariot). There are usually a few dump trucks and a stuffed bunny in the chariot too. And of course, my children love seeing their friends and playing in the snow together.
