BRING OUT THE SNOWPLOWERS : Area Slopes Make Way for Bunnies to Master the Basics of Skiing

They’ve made the snow angels, taken a few runs on the sled and stuffed large quantities of slush down each other’s shirts. Now, they’re ready to hit the slopes. But are you?

Depending on your child’s age and ability, and your own expertise (or lack thereof), teaching your junior athlete how to ski can be a nerve-shredding, strength-sapping task that could leave both of you aching, frustrated and soaked to the bone. If you’re willing to give it a shot, more power to you. If not, there are plenty of professionals out there willing to take the job. For a price.

To expedite things, we contacted the ski schools of four winter resorts in the San Bernardino Mountains within a two-hour drive of Orange County: Snow Summit, Snow Valley, Mt. Baldy and Bear Mountain. For fees ranging from $15 to $45--equipment rental is extra at some locations--all four offer part-day and full-day sessions for children as young as 3 1/2 years up to 12 years. (At most sites, ages 13 and up can be enrolled in adult classes.) All of the programs mentioned here are led by teachers certified through the Professional Ski Instructors of America program. Most sessions include games, snacks (some full-day programs include lunch) and all the snow you can eat.

According to Mike Mason, manager of Pat’s Ski and Sports in Santa Ana, kids and skiing are a natural combination, and the earlier you start your child’s training, the better.

“Kids have two things going for them: a low center of gravity and no fear,” said Mason, an ardent skier for the past 14 years. “They pick it up really, really quick. It’s not unusual to see kids whizzing around the mountain fully in control, skiing better than some adults.”

According to Mason, teaching styles may differ between resorts, but most beginners will learn such fundamentals as the snowplow technique, which helps novices control their speed by bringing their ski tips close together; basic turns and stops.

Before the learning can begin, however, the new skier must select equipment of the proper size and fit, said Mason. Equipment can be rented in advance at a local sports shop like Pat’s, where skis, boots and poles go for $7 a day, or at the resort itself. Ski length, measured in centimeters, is determined by the height, weight and experience of the skier; boots should fit comfortably but snugly for best control. Poles are optional for very young children, said Mason, because “they don’t have far to fall and (the poles) end up being used for anything but skiing.”

Choosing the right wardrobe is also important.

“I’d recommend a good layering system (of) long underwear, a turtleneck or sweater and a water-resistant jacket,” said Mason. “Then, if conditions change during the day, they can peel a layer off.” Warm, preferably water-resistant pants, wool-nylon all-synthetic socks, a hat and water-resistant gloves or mittens complete the outfit.

The following is a partial list of programs and services available to children ages 12 and under. Contact the resort for information on classes for ages 13 and up, and private class rates.

Bear Mountain

Situated at Big Bear Lake, Bear Mountain (formerly Goldmine Ski Resort) offers a Junior Ski School for ages 4 to 12. For $45, students receive four hours of instruction and supervised skiing, plus lunch; a two-hour session is available for $30. Equipment rental is an additional $9. Classes are divided by age and experience, and generally include no more than eight students per instructor. Ages 13 and up can participate in the New Skier program, which includes a two-hour lesson and lift tickets for the resort’s lower slopes. The fee is $39 on weekends, $29 on weekdays.

The nonprofit California Handicapped Skiers group offers daily instruction at Bear Mountain for physically and mentally handicapped skiers ages 3 to adult. Full- and half-day lessons, which include private instruction, lift tickets, and the use of specially adapted equipment, are available for $15 to $25 midweek, $34 to $54 on weekends. By appointment only.

Bear Mountain is at 43101 Goldmine Drive. Call (714) 585-2519.

Snow Summit

Snow Summit’s Little Bear program combines group ski instruction with a licensed child-care facility. One-hour small-group lessons for ages 3 1/2 through 4 enrolled in the resort’s child-care program are $5. Full- and half-day child care for ages 6 months to 4 years ranges from $20 to $45. According to program director Celia Ralph, the day-care program is extremely popular and parents are urged to make reservations 72 hours in advance.

For ages 5 to 7, full-day group instruction (includes lunch), a half-day session, and a combination lesson and day-care package are available for $25 to $40. The Children’s Ski School for ages 8 to 12 includes full-day and half-day sessions for $15 to $25. Equipment rental is not included in any of the packages, and ranges from $6 to $8 per day.

Snow Summit is at 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake. Call (714) 866-5766.

Snow Valley

Open to ages 5 to 11, Snow Valley’s SKIwee program includes full-day and half-day sessions from beginning to advanced levels. Classes are limited to eight children and include instruction, equipment rental, lunch (full-day program only), snacks and the occasional game of snow Frisbee or football. Prices range from $25 to $40. The resort also offers a $29 Learn to Ski package, which includes a 1 1/2-hour lesson, lift ticket and rental. In addition, ages 7 and under ski free with a paying adult.

Snow Valley is five miles east of Running Springs, off Highway 18. Call (714) 972-0611.

Mt. Baldy

Mt. Baldy’s Kiddie Ski School program offers children ages 3 to 7 full- or half-day sessions and equipment rental for $15 to $25. A beginner’s package for ages 8 to 12 is pricier: a one-hour lesson, equipment rental and lift ticket goes for $25 to $30.

Non-skier’s can enjoy the view from the top, as well. The resort, which claims to be the largest in Southern California with 400 skiable acres, sells a round-trip chair lift ride to its Top of the Notch restaurant for $6 to $8; children 6 and under ride free.

Mt. Baldy ski resort is at the end of Mt. Baldy Road, off Mountain Avenue, 15 miles outside Upland. Call (714) 982-0800.