I just finished an awesome SkillShare class, "Map Design: Learn to Communicate Places Beautifully," taught by the awesome Anne Ditmeyer at Prêt à Voyager. My final map making project for class was inspired by all the days on the mountain I've spent with kids under the age of 5. Let me say that skiing with little ones will test a parent's sanity and requires patience and LOTS of chocolate! Over the years, I've found a few tricks to make the skiing more fun. My map shows the easy way up and down the mountain with little ones at Keystone.
While creating this map I pulled ideas from my years as a former racing instructor trying to teach kids how to navigate the gates—including such odd skills as operating a stopwatch with mittens at sub-zero temps, defrosting tiny goggles and hands, and keeping track of adventurous kids that take an "alternate" route down the mountain.
Before tackling this route on the map, I think a ski class or two with a professional instructor is the best way to get kids ready to tackle the mountain. Once a kid has mastered the basics, a parent can safely take a her up and down the mountain following this simple map. (Note: The map does not include the more advanced runs.)
Happy skiing!
