Tips for Parents
A few basic things will make a child's day on the mountain enjoyable:
Before You Arrive
- Ensure that they are well rested, have eaten breakfast, and have recovered from jet lag.
- Bring them dressed and ready to ski or snowboard.
- Don't worry about tears! Our instructors are kind, caring and trained to calm the fears of your child.
- If you wish to check on your child, please phone, watch from afar, or ask about our Parent Pager program for infants and toddlers.
Remember, weather conditions can change rapidly. Please ensure that your child is equipped with the following and that all belongings are labeled:
- warm hat and neck gaitor
- goggles and/or sunglasses depending on the weather
- sunscreen and lip balm applied. We will reapply after lunch.
- waterproof & insulated mittens, gloves, jacket and pants (sorry, we don't have clothing rentals for children)
- long underwear and turtleneck
- warm dry socks
- label everything with your child's first and last name
- A helmet. Helmets are available for rent and are included in our rental package but supply may be limited at peak times. Helmets are also available for purchase at our sport shops. Helmets are mandatory for all children ages 3-12 participating in our ski and snowboard programs.
Pick up tickets and rentals prior to your child's first morning. You can pick up your rentals at our Whistler Kids locations in Whistler Village, Creekside or Blackcomb Base from 10:00am - 2:00pm or from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. After hours, please visit our Ski and Snowboard School Sales Centre at the Carleton Lodge open 4:30pm - 9:00pm daily from December 17, 2006. For guests booked at Blackcomb Kids, the Blackcomb Daylodge will also be open until 9pm for equipment and ticket pick-up from.
- If you are picking up tickets and rentals on your child's first morning, plan to arrive at 8:00 am.
- If your child has tickets and equipment, please arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am.
Meeting Locations
Children ages 3 and 4 with tickets meet inside the Whistler Kids buildings in the Blackcomb Base and Creekside areas. Proceed to the Mini's area of the building through the registration area. In the Village location, children meet outside the building.
Children 5 - 12 years old; Juniors 5-7 years and Supers 8-12 years, with tickets and equipment meet outside the building. Staff will be available to direct you to the appropriate location for your child's age and ability.
On Blackcomb Mountain and Creekside, children will meet their instructor at the base. At Whistler Village, children will be transported to the Children's Learning Centre by a Whistler Kids' instructor. This is a five minute ride on the Village Gondola. At the Children's Learning Centre your child will meet the instructor with whom they will spend the day.
Your Child's Day
Your child will spend the day with their instructor and group sliding, exploring, laughing, learning and playing.
If your child has special dietary requirements please discuss them with our sales hosts when making your reservation and again when you arrive to drop off your child. Please be aware that we try to operate "nut free" facilities so we ask that you do not pack any nut products should you choose to pack your own lunch or snack.
3-4 year olds have lunch and story time between 11:30 and 1:00pm.
5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds eat lunch in different seating's from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm.
Actual time on snow will vary depending on weather conditions the groups ability and stamina. Some groups will take a quick 30 minute lunch with no breaks and others, usually those who are at the early stages of learning to slide on snow and those groups with younger children, will take more frequent breaks throughout the day to rest and recuperate.
Keep in mind that children learn at different rates and that the child's overall enjoyment of their time at Whistler Kids and on the mountain is most important.
End of the Day
Pick up time is 3:30 pm from the base area. You will be required to sign a form, releasing your child from the class at the end of the day.
