How to Teach Kids to Use a Ski Rope Tow

Anyone who's learned how to ski on a bunny hill still sporting a rope tow probably remembers two things -- the burn of the rope tearing through new gloves and the humiliation of crossing tips and face planting.



While both of these outcomes are inevitable for beginners, get comfortable on the rope tow before trying to teach kids. Go up the tow at least once before taking your children and, according to Kirk Rawles -- who heads the Durango Freestyle Team in Durango, Colorado -- let your children go up directly in front of you to gain confidence.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Boots
  • Skis
  • Helmet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide up next to the rope and, while the children are watching from a close distance, make sure you show them how to correctly point ski tips straight uphill and exaggerate the point that your tips are not crossed. Exit the rope tow and ski back to the children.

    • 2

      Show children the proper technique of bending their knees, leaning back slightly and grabbing the rope with both hands, one over the top of the rope and one hand beneath for the best grip. Practice this for a few minutes while watching other skiers mount the rope tow.

    • 3

      Repeat step one with your child watching, emphasizing keeping the ski tips pointed straight up the hill. Show them, too, how to gradually squeeze the rope so it slowly pulls them instead of grasping at it and getting jerked to the ground. Exit the rope tow and return to the children.

    • 4

      Instruct the child how to dismount the rope when nearing the top by steering their skis away from the rope and slightly pushing off. Emphasize the importance of clearing out of the dismounting area immediately to avoid a collision with another skier.

    • 5

      Get behind the child as you approach the rope tow and let them mount by themselves. Ride up directly behind your child and point out the importance of keeping their skis straight and watching for fallen skiers, ruts in the snow and anything else that might cause them to fall off the rope tow.

    • 6

      Nearing the top of the rope tow, remind your child to push off the rope and steer away from the dismount area. If necessary, help guide them out of the area to the best of your ability.