Baby Steps: A Mother’s Guide to Snowboarding After Birth

There’s something transformative about trying something again for the first time after having a baby. Whether it’s as “simple” as your first stroller walk around town after getting out of the hospital or getting back on skis or snowboard for the first time since the baby arrived, nerves are natural, even if it’s something that you’ve done hundreds of times. 

Moms (and dads!) reading this, you know how much your lives, schedules, bodies change after having a child. I’ve learned that getting back to things you love (for me, snowboarding), was pivotal in getting back to feeling like “me.” 

Snowboarding After Baby

In January 2022, I strapped my boots into my bindings about 2 months after baby arrived, over a year and a half after my last day on the mountain. Baby was with dad and I committed to myself a few runs just to get back into it. It felt comfortable, natural, routine – something I craved after 2 months of sporadic sleep and daily “oh, that’s new!” feelings. 

After a few warm up runs, my legs were tired. But I felt invigorated getting back to it, feeling empowered that my body could support me after the marathon that was pregnancy and birth. 

Fast forward two winters later and now with my toddler, Ben, on a snowboard of his own (check out our learn to ski review!). I’ve learned so many valuable tips on how to best enjoy the mountain after a baby. Like so many things after having a child, life is different, but so much sweeter. Here’s my tips on getting back out on the slopes after becoming a parent. 

Go easy on yourself

Whether you’re a month or a year out from having a baby, let’s face it – your body has changed. When you snowboard (or ski), you’ll be using muscles in a different way than you have in a long time. Go slow, and don’t get discouraged if you need to take more breaks than you did pre-baby. Maybe even treat yourself to a ski-break Bloody Mary — you deserve it. 

Remember that your mind has changed, too. For me, I felt a shift in my mental state on life post-baby, in a good way. (Don’t get me wrong, it took a bumpy adjustment period to get there). I realized I can do hard things. I can function (somewhat) on 3 hours of sleep. I can be a mom and still prioritize things that I love doing, even if it’s with not nearly as much freedom as I used to. Getting back out on the mountain even for that hour or two brought me confidence I hadn’t felt since before baby. 

 

Plan in advance 

You moms and dads out there know how much planning goes into even the simplest outings with kids. That’s no different when you’re looking to get some slope time in – either with the kids or solo. 

If it’s your first season back and you’re not planning on getting a season pass, keep an eye out for lift ticket deals from Vermont resorts. Sign up for resort emails so you don’t miss a beat. 

A hard pill I had to swallow was the realization of popping out for a day trip with my partner or group of friends are few and far between. So if you’re planning a weekend trip, check out lift + lodging deals offered by resorts. If you couldn’t tell already, this mom loves a good deal. 

For tips and tricks on planning a weekend trip, check out our planning page. 

Enroll in a lesson

Even if you’re a seasoned skier, it may be beneficial to get a refresher to really get back into it. I’m finding that skiing with my toddler instead of snowboarding may be easier on my body – more freedom of movement and less bending (you’re welcome, lower back) – but I haven’t skied consistently since before I was a teen. I’ll be taking some lessons this winter to learn something new in this new season of life – stay tuned for more on that! 

A few mountains run some awesome learn-to programs and deals – you can usually get a lift ticket deal plus a lesson. Smuggler’s Notch offers a rental in their learn-to program as well.

Take advantage of resort programs

I consider myself very lucky to be within 20 minutes to southern Vermont ski resorts, being able to pop out for a few runs once a week by myself, and a few runs with my toddler on the others. For those living a few hours from the closest resort, lean on resort kids lesson programs to book in some “me” time. 

Killington offers a half-day program that introduces kids 2-4 to the alpine environment through “play, exploration and sliding on snow.” A perfect opportunity for parents to have some solo ski time while their child has fun in the program, then meet up for family lunch and maybe a few family laps. Or even commit to a season-long of learning and enroll your child in Stratton’s seasonal programs that offer weekend-long lessons for your children to learn new skills and meet new friends. 

Find your tribe 

This season of toddlerhood has instilled in me even more that “it takes a village.” Having like-minded parents to hang out with that relate to what it’s like to have kids and the general camaraderie of having parent friends has been pivotal for myself and my husband. 

It has taken me a while to find valuable mom friendships – lots of attending library events, being active in the local mom Facebook group, and lots of play dates. It’s been great to get out on the mountain with a local couple and their toddler when we can. During lunch moms and dads can take turns taking solo laps. 

Not sure where to find your ski tribe? Some Vermont resorts offer meet-up groups throughout the winter. Check out Stratton’s Women on Snow camps and Bromley’s Mom Day Out to find some like-minded skiers! 

If you’re wondering if you can really get back to enjoying the mountain after kids I’m here to tell you with confidence that you can do it, mama. You’re a mom so I already know you’re good at planning ahead, and even if the plan doesn’t go accordingly (an often occurrence with kids of any age), try to roll with it and find the sunny side. And if you’re not sure where to start, lean on us for tips, tricks and advice on navigating this new stage of life.