Tiny Skis, Big Adventures: How to Get Your Toddler into Skiing—A Parent’s Guide to North Lake Tahoe
Introducing your toddler to skiing can feel daunting—after all, wrangling a two-year-old into snow gear is a feat in itself. But with the right approach, skiing can become a fun, family-friendly adventure that creates lifelong memories (and maybe even a future Olympic athlete in the making).
North Lake Tahoe, particularly Palisades Tahoe, is one of the best places to start. With its stunning alpine scenery, beginner-friendly terrain, and top-tier ski school, it’s the perfect setting to introduce little ones to the slopes. Growing up, going to the mountains was cost prohibitive and not something my family could afford or wanted to do. I tried skiing a few times but took to snowboarding in high school when we would go up with my church youth group, and I would considered myself a proficient snowboarder, I like the mountains but the sea calls to me more. His dad’s side of the family on the other hand, are huge skiers. They were all on ski team growing up, and to them skiing isn’t just a once a year extravaganza, it’s something as typical as going to the gym for most of us. Once I understood that philosophy, I was able go with it and appreciate the unique situation that we are in. For them, skiing at a young age was not just an option, it was the only option.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snow parent, here’s everything you need to know about getting your toddler started on skis.
1. When to Start Skiing with a Toddler?
Most ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, offer ski lessons for kids as young as three. (They have to be potty trained). However, that doesn’t mean younger toddlers can’t get a taste of the slopes!
Here’s a general age breakdown:
1-2 years old – At this stage, it’s all about getting used to the snow, gear, and the feeling of sliding. No formal lessons—just playtime on flat areas with toddler skis.
3 years old – Most resorts, including Palisades Tahoe’s Mighty Mites program, offer group lessons. This is a great time to start structured learning.
4-5 years old – At this age, kids can start gaining more confidence and even ride the bunny hill lifts.
Parent Tip: Every child is different! Some kids love skiing right away, while others may need a few tries before they warm up to it. The goal is fun first, skills second.
2. Where to Start? Palisades Tahoe Is a Family-Friendly Ski Haven
Formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Palisades Tahoe is one of the best resorts in North America—especially for families.
Here’s why it’s great for first-time toddler skiers:
✅ The SnoVentures Activity Zone – A safe, low-stress learning area with a magic carpet lift for beginners. It’s also FREE to use.
✅ Mighty Mites Ski School – For kids ages 3-4, this is a play-based learning program with professional instructors.
✅ Snow Play & Tubing – If your toddler isn’t quite ready for skis, there’s plenty of snow fun at the tubing hill! You DO have to pay for tube rental.
✅ Easy-to-Access Lodging – Stay slope-side at Everline Resort & Spa for a seamless, ski-in-ski-out experience, its got all the amenities for families of all ages.
📍 Pro Tip: Northstar California Resort (just 20 minutes away) also offers family-friendly skiing with a dedicated toddler learning area if you want to mix things up.
3. Choosing the Right Ski Gear for Toddlers
Ski gear can make or break your toddler’s experience. I strongly advocate looking for hand me downs, rent gear or buy used. There is no need to buy brand new ski equipment for toddlers who grow out of things so quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:
✔️ Toddler-Sized Skis – Look for skis no taller than your child’s chest for easy maneuvering.
✔️ Ski Boots – They should fit snugly but not be too tight. I would rent for the season or do a rental package. We rented from Tahoe Dave’s.
✔️ Helmet & Goggles – A well-fitted helmet is a must! We got the smith helmet that is super warm and great and got hand me down goggles to protect little eyes from the sun and snow glare. Sunglasses/Goggles are essential.
✔️ Edgie Wedgie – This tiny device connects ski tips together, helping toddlers maintain the pizza stance (aka a snowplow).
✔️ Waterproof Gloves & Outerwear – Layer up! Toddlers get cold fast, so a base layer, fleece, and waterproof jacket/pants are essential.
We tested out the Jan and Jul snow jacket and the snow bib and it was perfect for the ever changing Tahoe weather. I liked how the snow bib straps are adjustable so it can grow with them. Plus how cute are the designs! I loved the detailing like the reflective piping and extra grippy inner snow gaiter seal that kept the warmth in and the snow out. My toddler was super warm and dry and it made all the difference in his ski experience. He also wore the toasty-dry light winter boots for pre/post ski fun. The easy to “Put-me-on” design was great for my toddler to feel in autonomous and do it himself. Don’t forget a beanie, neck gaiter, and gloves too!
💡 Parent Hack: Use a ski harness to help guide them down gentle slopes and save your back!
4. Making Skiing Fun (and Not a Meltdown)
The key to success? Keep it FUN and playful!
Start with Snow Play: Before hitting the slopes, let your toddler explore the snow, slide around in their boots, and get comfortable.
Turn Lessons into a Game: Sing songs, name the animals on their gear, or have them pretend to be a penguin while skiing!
Snacks & Hot Cocoa Breaks: Bring their favorite snacks for motivation (my toddler loves dried strawberries), and break often at places like Wildflour Baking Company for warm cookies. They have some of the best chocolate chip cookies hands down!
Celebrate Small Wins and all the wins: Even if they only ski 10 feet, that’s a huge accomplishment! Encouragement will go a long way. Trust me, as someone who grew up with not much verbal encouragement (immigrant family IYKYK) it’s good to build their confidence and share in their joys.
📍 Parent Tip: If your toddler is tired, cold, or frustrated, call it a day. One short, happy ski session is better than pushing too hard and making them hate it. Storytime: there was one day we got ready and suited up and all the way to the slopes and at the front of the line, when he decided he didn’t want to go, so we called it. In the sport of skiing, being a tiger mom will not bode well.
5. Where to Stay for a Stress-Free Family Ski Trip?
A ski-in, ski-out setup makes life MUCH easier with toddlers.
Best Resort Stay: Everline Resort & Spa (formerly the Resort at Squaw Creek) – Offers ski-in/ski-out access, an on-site rental shop, and heated pools and jacuzzis. There is also a gym and spa for some mama self care, if needed!
Best Airbnb Stay: Rent a cabin in Olympic Valley or Tahoe City with space for kids to play in the snow.
📍 Parent Tip: If you’re staying multiple days, plan one rest day with a trip KidsZone Museum in Truckee, or to the Village at Palisades Tahoe for a gondola ride, get a some food or coffee at CoffeeBar, do some shopping, or just cozying up by the fire pits.
6. Off-Slope Fun for Toddlers
Not every moment needs to be on skis! Give your toddler a break with these family-friendly activities:
Aerial Tram Ride to High Camp – See stunning views without hiking.
Ice Skating at Northstar Village – A fun, toddler-friendly activity!
Snow Tubing at SnoVentures – No skiing required—just pure fun! Reservations required.
S’mores by the Fire Pits – Available at Palisades Tahoe and Northstar.
KidsZone Museum in Truckee —The perfect indoor playground to get some energy out on a snow day with an art room, train area, Winnie-the-pooh themed treehouse, and more. I would call before as sometimes you need to put your name on the waitlist during holiday season.
Final Thoughts: Making Skiing a Family Tradition
Skiing with a toddler isn’t about perfect turns or racing down the mountain—it’s about laughs, snowy adventures, and creating lifelong memories.
Start small, keep it fun, and embrace the wobbles—before you know it, your little one will be zooming past you on the slopes!
