skiing after baby
Day one of skiing after baby, Sugarbush Resort, Vermont 2/14/17

I huffed and puffed and my legs were like Jell-O. I still had half the run to make, but had to stop repeatedly to catch my breath and recenter. This was hard and exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding. I was so happy to be on the mountain, and smiling so much I almost starting laughing hysterically from giddiness. It was my first day on the slopes since having my first child a month earlier, my first day of the season and Valentine’s Day to boot. I did it! I overcame the obstacles, got on the mountain with a baby in tow and was enjoying the snow under my feet and the sun on my face.

And skiing after having a baby wasn’t my only feat that day. Just getting to the mountain was actually a bigger obstacle than the challenge of skiing itself. What a change from before we had a baby, when my husband and I would ski as we pleased on the weekend, sometime grabbing a midweek ski day to dodge the crowd. We’d wake up when we felt like it, throw our gear in the car and hit the road.

Rossignol Soul 7s
It felt great getting back on my favorite skis.

When we found out I was pregnant we knew that lifestyle was over – for the most part – and that we’d need to be a bit more structured if we wanted to ski. But we were also incredibly excited to introduce our new baby to our favorite pastime, even if he couldn’t jump on skis right away, and so we committed to getting our act together. I just didn’t realize quite how challenging that would be.

Now, I have to include a disclaimer. I ski a lot. It’s my job to talk about it, so it’s important for me walk the talk (ski the ski?). I work in the ski industry and can ski for free and have many more opportunities to do so than is typical .

But even with my access to skiing, all my insider information and experience with Vermont ski areas, it still wasn’t easy for me to get back in the skiing groove after my son was born in 2017. I know how hard it is – and exactly why it’s worth it – and that’s why I want to share what I’ve learned with all the Mamas (and Papas) who are trying to get back on the mountain and sliding on snow. Joining the All Mountain Mamas this season, I plan to do just that, starting with a little inspiration and guidance to getting back on the mountain after birth.

Views from Sugarbush, Vermont
Back on the mountain – views from the top of Sugarbush 2/14/17

Why Make Skiing and Snowboarding a Priority?

So, you’re expecting for first child, or second. Or you have very young child. How do you keep your ski or snowboard traditions alive? And why should you? We all know that bringing kids into the family changes our priorities, as it should. So where does skiing and riding fit?

The answer to these questions is of course a bit different for all of us. Some of us are season pass holders who ski or ride routinely, others one-trip-a-season skiers or riders. But no matter how often you make it to the mountains, keeping those traditions alive gives you a healthy outlet every winter. Perhaps even more importantly, by prioritizing mountain fun in your family life you will eventually teach your little ones that unplugging and getting outdoors, even in the winter, is important for their mental and physical health.

Packing the car for skiing
Sorry pup, you’ll have to stay home. We have enough baggage for this ski trip.

Studies show the benefits of outdoor play for young children, pointing to lower stress levels, higher confidence, broader imagination and better understanding of consequences.

Taking a ski trip with your family when your children are very young might seem like a mountain of it’s own to conquer. But establishing the tradition of family ski vacations will not only give you the confidence you need to do it year after year – it will offer you and your entire family great rewards and shared experiences that you’ll look forward to every winter.

Baby Steps to the Mountain

Step 1: Talk to your Doctor

This step is for the mamas giving birth. Adopting or reading as a partner? Skip ahead to Step 2.

How soon after birth is it safe for you to ski or ride? As I’m sure you know, birth does crazy things to your body, whether you deliver naturally, with meds or have a C-section. We all recover differently, and just like parenting, we’re all going to have slightly (or drastically) different experiences.

Before you decide whether or not so hit the slopes, it’s important to know your body’s limitations. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have and then make your

Skiing with baby
Baby, check. Skis, check. Sugarbush 3/3/17

decision based not on what you think you should be doing, but what feels best and right for you. This might mean you spend some time on easier, more groomed terrain than your used to for a while. Or it might mean more rests in between runs. Only you can know what’s truly right for you. Which leads me to the next step:

Step 2: Have realistic expectations

You won’t necessarily be able to jump right back in to your pre-baby skiing life. If you’ve always been a season pass holder who skis every weekend, maybe aim to ski once a month post baby. Your first time out, don’t expect to get a full day and epic vertical. In all likelihood, you and your partner will be swapping time on the mountain with time in the lodge to watch the baby or nurse. Just enjoy the time you do have as much as you can and go easy on yourself.

What if you’re someone who usually plans a trip or two with a group of friends or family? Before you head far from home, why not book a weekend at a resort within driving distance and test the dynamic. Maybe purchase your lift tickets from day to day so you don’t feel pressured to ski or ride when you don’t really feel like it. Spending time at a beautiful destinations with loved ones is half the enjoyment, so relax and enjoy.

Mama ski at Jay Peak
These mamas enjoyed a powder morning while the papas watched the babies! Jay Peak 3/25/17

And no matter if you live near the mountains or are visiting, enlisting friends and family can be a key way to get yourself back out there. Not only will they be your cheerleaders, they can also act as babysitters if you’re gunning to get out with your partner. Joining other families with children? Swap days out and have a lady date on the lift. Or make plans at a resort with daycare. You’ll of course have to pay if you make this last choice, which leads me to my next piece of advice.

Step 3: Set a budget

There are additional expenses that come with skiing with kids, making it important to plan for your ski trips. You also want to avoid being overly ambitious and paying for skiing or riding that you can’t do because you haven’t arranged for childcare.

Before winter comes around, and after you’ve set realistic expectations, outline how much you’re willing to pay for them. Have a limited budget for the season? Look for lift ticket deals that are flexible or transferable so you have options. For the best lift ticket deals, buy ahead of time. Then include the cost of a day or two of ski resort daycare in the budget. Other options include bringing along or finding a local babysitter you pay, or having a grandparent come with you or stay home with the kiddo, so you can get a full day or two on the hill.

Skiing with baby
Everything is better with friends and sun! Sugarbush 3/17/17

If you have a bigger budget, book trips in advance, and include insurance in case you need to cancel. If you can afford it, things like slopeside lodging, resort childcare and spa treatments can all make ski trips with kids relaxing and fun.

Your goal should be to find not just what you can afford, but what you can afford that will give you the support you need to actually enjoy yourself knowing that your child is well cared for. Which is where your support network is so vital, as my final step shows.

Step 4: Find Your Village

Skiing and snowboarding with baby is easiest with a support group. Don’t be afraid to ask grandparents and friends to join you at the mountain and help watch your baby. The base lodge scene is a a fun, vibrant one to be a part of and buying a beer for a friend or treating grandma to lunch is worth having folks around to hang with and possibly watch your baby as you slide on snow.

How I Became an All Mountain Mama

Skiing with baby
Mom and Oliver settle in at Castlerock Pub, Sugarbush 3/3/17

I started out talking about the joy and freedom I felt my first day on the mountain after I had my son. Now allow me to back up and tell you just what went into making that happen.

First of all, we decided to make our first foray into skiing on a weekday, so that there wouldn’t be long lines. My husband Chris took the day off and we packed the car with everything we needed: skis, boots, poles, helmets, diapers, extra milk, my pump (just in case), baby books, toys, a baby sling…and I’m sure many other items that I’m not even remembering now. It was an hour drive to the mountain, so we stopped to grab breakfast and I fed Oliver in the car. He napped the rest of the way and when we got there my husband dropped me and the baby off at the base area around 10:45 am. I found a table in the pub that was empty and out of the way, and set up camp, first checking in with a waitress to see if she was OK with me setting up there for the day. She was very accommodating and I ordered lunch and a drink, vowing to leave a nice tip for her. By the time my husband rolled in with the rest of our gear, I was raring to go and headed out for three runs, before I came back to the pub to relieve Chris. After I changed the baby, he napped again and I read a book in my pub nook until Chris returned. We sipped a local beer, fed him again, and packed up to head home.

Now, this may seem like a lot of work for a few runs. But the day was wonderful and I was so proud of us for getting out. Once we did it, it became less of a mountain of its own to conquer and we gained the confidence to do it again and again, even planning a destination trip with friends later that season.

The first step is the hardest. You’ll likely feel nervous about how it will all pan out. Will baby fuss and cry? Will there be a place for us at the mountain? How are we going to get all the gear there? Is all this worth it? But I assure you, once you’re settled in and baby is happily napping, feeding or watching the people going by, you’ll be so happy to be on top of that mountain – a proud All Mountain Mama.

Eat, sleep, ski
Priorities.

 

 

49 Comments

  • I waited about 10 years to get back on the slopes and although I regretted it, my now 8 and 6 year old and I are making up for it. It still can seem overwhelming and expensive to spend the day (We lease for the kids and I rent right now). I will have my own set by next season and we are for sure going to invest in some seasons passes. Would love to win some tickets before the end of the season for my kids and I.

  • My husband and I had our first “date” skiing the chutes at A-Basin in Colorado. Fast forward 10 years, and we have 2 kids (2 and 4 years old). The end of the 2016-17 ski season marked the first time that our family of four went skiing together at our home mountain, Jay Peak. It has been a slow return to the downhill skiing scene for us, mostly because either my husband or myself ends up solo skiing while the other watches the kids in the lodge/hangs out on the magic carpet. Our hope is that our children develop the same love for skiing that we have, despite our (very) limited days on skis in the past 5+ years. This year our family has a ski vacation planned in central Vermont mid- March and we are so excited to get the kids out on skis on a new mountain!

  • The first couple of years back skiing after babies, I got a Powder Pass at Bolton (5? Or 6? Day passes to use whenever). I most often went after work- I’d slip out a little early, spend a few hours skiing (yay for night skiing!) and have my husband pick the kids up from day care. I also did a few Sunday morning runs if time allowed.

    I found that in both after-baby skiing and now skiing with young kids, I’ve had to tone down my expectations and be happy with a few runs instead of a full 9-4 day.

  • I am this Mama…trying to get back on the slopes this year! Just the thought of lugging all of the baby necessities to the mountain is daunting, but will be so worth it!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • The last time I went skiing was the day I found out I was pregnant with my first. This year I began taking my five year old to lessons, wearing my new baby as we watch. Honestly just being there and watching was great after being away so long! I look forward to getting back on skis myself soon.

  • We just had our first baby in July and sadly didn’t renew our season passes this winter because we were afraid it would be too hard with a 6 month old. I’ve skied every winter since I was 8 and have worked in the ski industry for over 10 years so it’s been very difficult not having the time on the mountain to look forward too. I have been xc skiing a few times this year and was even able to bring the baby with me once…..she loves the outdoors already so I’m hoping life at the ski lodge will be successful!!!
    We are planning on skiing some weekends in March after we re-new our passes for next year :) Wish us luck!!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • September 2017 our daughter Evelyn was born. That winter, on many weekends, we set up in the corners of ski lodges with our folding rock n play, and made skiing a priority. Mom and dad took turns skiing with Evelyn’s big brother. Little Eve would often sleep soundly, wrapped up
    In Dad’s jacket, with her little nose poking out on a nineteen degree bluebird day. Near the end of the season, we took advantage of the daycare at Bromley, which was a great place for Mom to stop and breastfeed. This year, we have a weekend planned away at Okemo over Easter weekend. With a very little one, it’s hard to beat early spring skiing.

  • September 2017, our daughter Evelyn was born. Many weekends she spent in the corner of ski lodges with her rock n, play, while Mom and Dad took turns skiing with Big Brother. Eve loved falling asleep, wrapped in a sling and Dad’s jacket, with her little nose comfy and cold, sticking out on a twenty degree day. At the end of the season, we dropped Eve off at the Bromley daycare for a few hours. It was the perfect place to stop and check on her, feed her, and then enjoy a few runs. This year, we are planning a weekend at Okemo for a weekend in late March. Mom and Dad will take turns making turns. Maybe we will drop Eve off at Okemo’s daycare for a few hours too.

  • After 17 years with a season pass in Vermont. We missing our 802 winters. If we knew our daughter was going to be this easy we would have made the 5 hour trek every weekend. Can’t wait to re-new our season pass and get some spring runs in.

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • I just had my 3rd son on November 22nd. I have skied and snowboarded for 20+ years, but am finding it difficult to get back on the snow. I actually took a nasty tumble at 32 weeks pregnant and injured my knee, which has contributed to my apprehension. I am finally getting some strength back in my knee, and would love to win a pair of tickets as motivation to get me back on my board!

  • In late 2015 I had my son, and the winter was less than stellar, so I never even attempted to get back on the slopes. The following year, not only did I get back in the full swing of things, but I started teaching my one year old to ski. He did so well and really enjoyed it in small spurts. This year, I had my second via c section 3 weeks ago and I promised myself I wouldn’t let the year go by without hitting the slopes. I won’t get doctor clearance until the beginning of March, and between the spotty winter weather we have been having in Southern NH, a toddler who seems to have changed his tune on skiing and going outside in general (it is like pulling teeth), and just starting a new HSA health insurance account 3 weeks before going in for a $10,000 childbirth (read: all my pocket money going to medical bills) I wonder if I will actually stick to the promise I made to myself. I missed half the season last year when I broke my arm at Jay Peak, and I need to get back on the hill!

  • My husband doesn’t ski, and with two young kids at home, full day weekend trips to the mountains to spend $100 on a lift ticket and another $100 on food and drinks is no longer a sensible option. I’ve opted to join a weeknight ski league with friends at a small local mountain – its an affordable after work activity that gets me out there once a week!

  • My husband doesn’t ski, and with two young kids (2 and 6), an all day trip to the mountain running me $200 is no longer a realistic choice. This year I joined a weekday ski league at a local mountain – its affordable, I get a night out once a week on the ski and for some apre beverages with friends, and most importantly – it’s a lot of fun!

  • Skiing is in my family’s blood. My husband and I both grew up skiing in NH at very early ages. Of course, it only made sense when we first met in high school, that our first date would be at Loon Mtn. Fast forward many states, mountains, and years later, we also got engaged at Loon. We were season pass holders there and weekend warriors. We crushed it on the slopes for awhile…then the kids came along. We are blesssed with 2 high energy boys (ages 4.5 and 2.5) and 1 crazy German Short-haired Pointer, Tuckerman (named after Tuckerman’s Ravine, which we conquered skiing back in the day), but they’ve put a little wrench into things. Gone are the days, of skiing first chair to last chair whenever we want. Now, there’s a lot more planning and packing involved. There’s a lot more breaks and snacks. There’s a lot more time spent on the bunny slope and Green Circles. There’s a lot more whining and tears. But we’re getting out there with our little guys and doing it (with the help and support of friends and family-it really does take a Village to raise kids-both off and on the Mtn). We can only hope that our love for skiing shines through and will eventually hold a special place in their hearts and on the Mountain…

  • First time mom, here…my 2 month old has occupied ALL of my time, but I’m itching to hit the slopes. I am in awe of your eagerness and ambition to hit the slopes. We’ve talked about a trip to Stowe to do the same thing you did, but haven’t gotten there yet. I am going to do it before the season is over! It’s a sport that we can’t wait to introduce to our little guy when he gets old enough. Hopefully he shares the same love of the mountains as his father and I do!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • I had a baby 7 months ago. I usually downhill race twice a week. I have not edone that yet. It is hard because I want my son to ski, but is not old enough yet. He loves having fun. Great inspirational article. I am going to try ro get out this weekend.

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • With our first babe we did what you said – swapped child watching in the lodge while the other parent got in some turns. Once that babe got older it became a bit harder – the lodge was too small but being outside for a very long period of time was difficult unless it was a nice winter day. We tried sharing a house with friends one year but then baby 2 came! I haven’t been out in 2 years. I think at this point what will work best is connecting with other families and taking turns watching the kids. Bonus – I get to ski with my sweetie again! :)

  • My partner and I both grew up skiing. He was on skis as soon as he could walk. When I found out I was pregnant last winter, we both knew we wanted our daughter to grow up skiing as well. We went out a few times while I was pregnant. This winter, we have taken her up with us to the notch and done some easy back country stuff. She smiles and laughs and sleeps her way through the runs. We are so happy to share this joy with her!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • I had my baby in October ’17 and haven’t been on my snowboard since December ’16, right before I became pregnant. I am eager to get back out there. I love how you “set up camp” at the mountain. I think that’ll be the key to a successful day with my baby boy and husband! Thanks for the chance to help me get back out there :)

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • We have 3 kids and you are correct that it’s a struggle but it’s totally worth all blood, sweat and tears. When the kids were babies, my husband and I took turns skiing. When our kids turned 3ish we would end the day on the bunny hill trying to teach them ourselves. Once and a while grandma would watch the kids so we could catch a few runs together. I got used to catching a couple runs and so much joy seeing my kids finally learn, cause it seemed like it would never happen. This past weekend we finally skied as a family of 5 for almost 2 full days and it was wonderful. I never thought I’d have so much fun on the green trails and easy blues, but watching my kids flying down the mountain makes my heart happy and free. Lift tickets would also make my heart happy!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of your 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will try to accommodate accordingly.
      Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

  • I skied as a kid but didn’t have any friends as I got older that skied. When I met my husband, I begged him for 5 years to go, since he played hockey in HS and college. After one time skiing, that day, on the way home, he stopped and bought his own skis and boots- he loved it that much! We would ski almost every weekend for the next few years, traveling to VT and CO frequently.
    After having twins two years ago, we were lucky to go twice their first year. Last year, I went once to Stowe for a few days and had a great time. When we got home I found out we were pregnant with Baby 3. He is 15 weeks old and we haven’t made it to any mountain this year. I am dying to get back, as it is our favorite past time. Cannot wait to get the twins on skis next year!

  • While my husband has taken off a few midweek days from work to sneak up to VT, this momma hasn’t been on the slopes in two years. Our little guy just turned one and it’s easy to find excuses not to go. Winning tickets would certainly help me overcome the biggest one: cost! We’re 3+ hours away these days, and gas + lift tickets + daycare = $$$$$$. Fingers crossed I’ll have a chance to breath in that fresh mountain air and take a few turns before the season is through!

  • My husband and I are expecting our first in June, and planning on being back on the slopes next winter! I have a picture of a toddler skiing the trees at Mad River Glen on our fridge for inspiration.

  • I have two children, 9 and 11. They’ve been asking since they were each 5 years old. 4 years ago I learned to snowboard and found a new partner along the way, whose passion is snowboarding as well! So nice to have two adults riding and two proficient skiing kids!! Ahhhhh, and then comes baby! I had to take a year off from riding due to pregnancy, but have been back this year, and it’s so wonderful!
    I had never been anywhere except our small hometown mountain in western NY. As we planned for Christmas, I talked my partner into biting the bullet and planning a destination ski trip for the kids for Christmas! We made our first out of town trip together to Waterbury, VT, baby, kids, dog and gear. Man, what a heavy load and huge trip but so so so satisfying. It was great to ride somewhere new!
    We switched off every 3 runs with baby Nora enjoying the lodge and then on our last day we utilized the resort daycare.
    Getting out to the mountain with kids and baby was such an amazing feat!

  • My husband and I are in the same boat having just had our first child 6 months ago. We’d love to get out there again but logistics are overwhelming and we decided not to buy season passes this year since we figured we’d hardly ever get out there. This post gives me some hope though!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

      Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will aim to accommodate accordingly.

  • Thank you so much for this article!! I am 4 months postpartum after an emergency c-section that resulted in the most beautiful daughter I ever could have dreamed of. As a skier/snowboarder season-pass holder, I thought I’d be much more bummed to take a backseat this season but have found the excitement of motherhood (usually) trumps any FOMO I might have felt. I love playing with my girl and seeing her learn new skills every day. That said, I need to get back out there. I’ve booked a weekend in march at Mt Snow and am bringing my “village” (hubby, parents, cousins) with me to help me get back on the slopes! Still got to figure out how feeding/pumping will work during the day…guess I will take breaks every 2 hours or so to check back in with baby and feed her? Or bring prepumped bottles so I can really cut loose for the whole day? A work in progress but I’m excited to commit to myself and the outdoors and glad to see there’s others like me out there, phew!

  • We had our third child last March so I was out for the entire season ????, but I managed to take two runs with my older boys when I was 3 weeks post-partum and it felt exhilarating! My husband watched the baby and then we switched so I could nurse. The most challenging but rewarding two runs down beginner trails for this former ski racer. This winter my older boys are on a dev team and we have a sitter for our almost one year old on Sundays so I can get some days in while my husband patrols. And over school break we’re headed to Vermont for two days with the baby in daycare at the mountain. Added cost, yes. Skiing is such a part of me and my mental health that we splurge a little. Loved this article and knowing there are other mountain mamas like me!

  • My husband and I bring our son with us to our local mountain and up the mountains of Vermont and we switch off riding. One of us will play with our son, now 15 months, while the other rides and then switch up! We also take advantage of our family members who offer to babysit so we can get some runs in together :) We’ve found that our son loves to explore the lodge, inside and out, and especially loves the groomers! We have made it a promise to
    Each other that we will never give up our passion for the mountains and will
    Pass our love for the mountains onto our children. Heading up to Sugarbush with our extended family next week and can’t wait!

    • Congratulations! You’re name was one of ten drawn to win 2 lift tickets to a Vermont resort for the 17/18 season. Thank you for sharing your story and have a great time on the mountain!

      Email sarah@skivermont.com within 24 hours with a list of 3 preferred resorts in Vermont and an address to send tickets, and we will aim to accommodate accordingly.

  • My husband and I met in college and it all started because of skiing! Skiing was his way of life and I fell of the tracks a little. After about 2 years of friendship we started dating and engaged a year and a half later, choosing to have our wedding on the mountain in summer. We spent our Honeymoon skiing later that year (doesn’t everyone do that?) and when we got back found out we were expecting! Our first baby boy was born in January (great ski racing birthday) and I skied all the way up until I was 7 months pregnant with him. Because we love skiing he was on the hill by the time he was 2 weeks helping with races. By The time he was a little over 1 we had him on skis with us! A year later we welcomed another baby boy and our love for skiing continued. That Christmas he was strapped in front of me and we went out as a family on Christmas skiing. By the time he was 1 1/2 we he him in tow on skis to ski with his big brother on the hill with us. 7 week ago we welcomed baby boy #3. I skied up until 37 weeks with him (baby trails with my kiddos) and our babies are now 5, 2 1/2 and 7 weeks and my husband and I have found a way to bring both boys skiing and ski ourselves and our 7 weeks old is in tow loving the ski life! It’s busy and crazy but we love it! Our 7 weeks old have even been down the bunny trail with me wearing him up front. There really isn’t anything better than a ski life and I’m glad I get to do this with my boys!!!

  • Great article. My first son was born in October and I am eager but nervous to get back out there! I love the idea of setting up camp at the mountain for the day so there is a home base to relax at in between runs. I haven’t been on my board since Dec ’16, right before I found out I was pregnant. I look forward to getting back out there soon!

  • We have a 6 mo old and are big skiers but have definitely had to change our expectations this winter! We’ve done the camp out at the lodge while taking turns skiing a handful of times. Also gotten a babysitter for a couple backcountry days. Mainly found I just need to enjoy the family time and be happy with much less actual skiing than usual. I’ve been enjoying the lodge hangouts at the bar!

  • We have a two year old, the year I was pregnant I skied three times, first year of life I worked at a ski area so that was easy to ski. Last year not a single day. Now that he is two he goes with us and we are teaching him, I’ve made it out twice. Such a change from 100 plus days the year before I married my hubby. One day I will be back there I hope :)

  • Thank you for this encouragement. We have a 2 yo and a new 2 month old baby. After #1 arrived, we found ways to get back on the slopes, either in shifts or with a babysitter watching him. It can be hard, but you nailed it in your article… just get out and do it. You and your partner will learn and it will become easier every time. The first time is the hardest, but the snow seems a little more perfect after the work it takes.

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