Children's ski course at the Asitz in Leogang

Ski kids ahead

It's Sunday morning, 9:30 a.m. Ski instructors and eager-to-learn ski students gather at the assembly point next to the Asitz bottom station, including the Kühne family from Berlin with their children Fin (8) and Lea (4). This year will be Lea's first time on skis, while Fin has already attended a ski course in Leogang for a week each of the last 3 years. He immediately spots his ski instructor from last year, Paul, and runs to him. I wonder if he can ski with him again? The older children are only divided into the appropriate group after the pre-ride, while the little ski beginners stay in Leo's Kinderland for the first few days and are looked after by several ski instructors.

Advanced? Up to the top!

Fin is happy. He actually rejoins Paul's group, who with his regional "Pinzgauer Schmäh" makes the children not only learn, but also laugh. And there are even other children from last year: Moritz and Anna-Lena, also Germans, who visit Leogang every year with their parents for a skiing trip. "It's actually often the case that in the respective vacation weeks, children meet in the ski course who have already skied together in previous years", Paul confirms as we take the cable car up the mountain. The local from Leogang has already been working as a ski instructor for several years during winter, while otherwise working at the family-run guesthouse. Once at the top, everyone immediately gets into their skis. If there are any problems, the ski instructor helps, of course, but above all he gives tips on how to learn by yourself. And off they go. For the advanced groups, the focus is on skiing and having fun. During the ride, various exercises are done, the deep snow next to the slope is explored, speed is measured during the "speed check" and balance and skiing skills are practiced on Montelino's wave run. The atmosphere is relaxed and the children are clearly enjoying themselves. At lunch time, the group goes to the Asitzbräu before continuing skiing and practice until 3 p.m.

All pizza in the Kinderland

And what is little Lea doing? Having fun in Leo's Kinderland! Here the little ones have the perfect setting to learn skiing in a carefree and at the same time efficient way. They start with a playful "getting used to the equipment" before the first mini descents. The big goal: the "pizza", that is, to brake in the snow plow. At the back of the Kinderland is the shortest of the 6 conveyor belts, which now takes the ski dwarfs up to the top for practice.  At the top, a ski instructor takes over at the start, and at the bottom, a female ski instructor assists with saying braking. Small flags, animals and gates add variety to the skiing exercises. In total, Leo's Kinderland has 6 "magic carpets" (conveyor belts) of varying lengths, a children's carousel, a practicing cable car and a practicing chairlift. Already in the morning the first small successes appear.

Break, ski water and gummy bears

For the lunch break we go to the so-called "Villa Kunterbunt" right next to the Kinderland, where the children and the ski instructors eat together. After lunch, there is still romping and playing in the large indoor playground, where there also is childcare for the very youngest. "We often have siblings here who are too young to ski, or little kids who need a break from skiing one day and might come back the next day. And the regular ski course kids inside also enjoy the change of pace together with the other kids," says Marike, the "good soul" of Villa Kunterbunt. After eating, playing and resting, Lea and her group head outdoors again. A little tired, but still motivated, they begin to ride the conveyor belt up and then skis down again. With a few games, drinks, breaks and a gummy bear or two, even the most tired children cheer up again and continue practicing diligently. Will it be possible to try out the larger conveyor belt further to the left or even to the "Riederfeldlift" button lift in the next few days? "It's quite possible, depending on age and talent, that some children will be able to ski longer distances after just a few days, while others will need more time - we respond individually to the children's abilities and motivation", confirms one of the children's ski instructors.

After the ski course is before the ski course

It's 3 p.m. and Lea and Fin are again picked up by their parents, who have spent a wonderful day skiing. They exchange a few words with the ski instructors and are pleased that the children are enjoying the children's ski course so much. Tired but happy, the family goes to their accommodation and enjoys the rest of the afternoon and evening together. The next morning they continue on the slopes, practicing actively, and finally on Thursday the big race takes place, after which the children receive medals and certificates at an award ceremony.

Tips and information about children's ski courses

Here we have summarized some relevant info for parents who consider having their children looked after in the ski school in Leogang.

• There are 3 ski schools in Leogang that teach both children and adults how to ski and develop their skiing skills: Skiszene Altenberg ski school, SchneeSportSchule Asitz and Skischule Deisenberger. The registration for the ski course can be made online, by phone or also directly on site at the Asitz bottom station.
• The children's ski courses usually start on Sundays and Mondays, but also daily during peak times. The best way to get informed in advance is to contact the ski school directly. The regular courses last at least 3 days. The course times are 10-12 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., the children are also looked after during the lunch break and receive a meal. It is recommended to register the children for the ski course for the entire day.
• The ski ticket is not included in the price of the ski course. It must be purchased and paid for separately.
• At many ski schools a minimum age of 4 years is recommended for regular children's ski courses, in some cases it is possible to start at the age of 3 years. For younger children, there are child care services available through the ski school.
• In addition to group lessons, all ski schools also offer private lessons. These can be particularly useful for young children, but also for adults who either want to try skiing for the first time or want to become more confident.
• Ski equipment can easily be rented at the bottom stations of the Asitzbahn or the Steinbergbahn. Often the equipment can also be reserved online or booked directly through the ski school. In combination with a ski course there is often a discount on the rented equipment.

On the slopes with children but without a ski course?

We also have a few tips for parents who would like to practice their young children's first turns:

• Leo's Kinderland at the Asitz bottom station is open to the public, which means that children without a ski course can practice here as well. Important: A ski pass is required for the Kinderland. Children up to the age of 6 can ski for FREE with the miniAlpini Card in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and on the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun!
• Those who are already a bit experienced are better served on the button or drag lifts after the Kinderland. When you only use the practice lifts, e.g. Riederfeld-, Kraller-, Schantei- and practice lift Asitz, there is a special ticket with very favorable prices also for children older than 6 years or adults.

Photos: Michael Geißler