Are you thinking of getting your kids involved in winter sports? Now is the perfect time to check out the indoor ski and snowboard lessons offered at Shredder Livonia. Yep, skiing and snowboarding–indoors!
Year-round lessons at Shredder are an incredible way to introduce your kids to the world of winter sports. It allows them the opportunity to practice their skills in a controlled environment where fun and safety are the number one priorities. Oh, and did we mention that the lessons are convenient, too? You won’t have to lug around all that gear or have your kids learning out in the snow!
Shredder Livonia is a truly unique opportunity for your kids to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. With a variety of lessons for ages 1-10 (and private lessons, too!), your kids will find that this is the place to be all year long so they can keep their skills sharp before heading out each winter. Keep reading for your ultimate guide to all things Shredder Livonia, and then get your kids registered before the fall session begins on September 9!
What lessons are offered at Shredder, and for what ages?
Shredder Livonia offers multiple classes and lessons, based on age. And, all gear is provided for children up to age 10. The classes are as follows:
- Yeti School: for kids ages 1-3. This parent-child class introduces kids to skiing and snowboarding. It is a great opportunity for kids to discover there’s more to winter than just playing in the snow!
- Little Shredders (Ski or Snowboard): for kids ages 3-5. This class offers tailored lessons in skiing or snowboarding to build foundational skills while improving balance and coordination.
- Ski School or Snowboard School: for kids ages 5-10. This class provides more advanced instruction to develop and refine skiing or snowboarding techniques while working on athletic development and coordination.
- Private lessons: available for any age. Private lessons at Shredder offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to individual needs and skill progression.
What is a typical ski or snowboard lesson like at Shredder?
A ski or snowboard lesson at Shredder is not just constant runs up and down the slopes. We provide a structured curriculum for the classes, with a different theme and focus each week that progresses on itself. However, we also educate students about mountain safety, teach independence to get their own gear on and carry their own equipment, and work through flat ground movements to improve balance and coordination.
A typical lesson has around 20-30% of the first portion of class focusing on those basic fundamentals that help build a solid foundation before heading up the ramps to work on specific drills and exercises that build on that foundation to improve the child’s knowledge and confidence. All while making it fun, safe, and engaging for the kiddos!
What makes Shredder unique in its approach to teaching kids how to ski or snowboard?
When kids attend ski or snowboard lessons, they’re receiving the best possible education while having fun! There are some special aspects to learning at Shredder Livonia, including:
- being in a controlled environment: teaching indoors eliminates unpredictable and harsh winter elements, such as extreme cold, wind, and snow. This creates a more comfortable learning experience for young children.
- having year-round accessibility: the indoor setting allows for skiing and snowboarding lessons year-round. This provides consistent opportunities for skill development without being limited by seasonal weather conditions.
- ensuring safety and focus: without the distractions of outdoor weather, children can concentrate fully on learning the techniques of skiing and snowboarding in a safe and controlled environment.
- being ideal for beginners: indoor lessons are particularly beneficial for beginners who may be intimidated by the outdoor elements. The indoor environment makes it easier for them to get started and build confidence before transitioning to the outdoor slopes.
- being beneficial for all levels: indoor lessons are also a great place for kiddos with some experience to come and practice their skills and progress their riding without the elements, so they are ready to conquer the slopes more confidently!
- convenience for parents: parents can rest assured that their children are learning in a warm, dry, and comfortable space, making it more convenient and enjoyable for families to participate in lessons. Parents also have a warm, dry lobby they can watch their child’s lesson from!
What safety features are in place to ensure kids are safe during lessons?
The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us here at Shredder Livonia. Here are some of the ways we ensure your kids are safe during their ski or snowboard lessons:
- padded surfaces: the indoor facility is equipped with padded walls and floors to minimize the risk of injury from falls or collisions.
- parental involvement: For the Yeti School (ages 1-3), parental involvement is required. This not only helps the child feel more secure but also adds an extra layer of supervision. The Little Shredder (ages 3-5) and Ski/Snowboard School (ages 5-10) do not require parental involvement and are drop-off style classes; however, parents are encouraged to watch the lesson from our comfortable lobby to observe their child’s development.
- progressive learning: lessons are designed to progress at a pace suitable for each child’s ability level. Doing so reduces the likelihood of pushing them into situations beyond their skill set. This approach helps prevent accidents that could occur from taking on too much, too soon.
- properly sized equipment: all ski and snowboard gear is appropriately sized for each child. This ensures better control and reduces the risk of accidents. And, the gear provided is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety.
- safety gear: all children are required to wear helmets during their lessons, providing head protection in case of falls or bumps.
- small class sizes: class sizes are kept small to allow for more individualized attention. This ensures that each child is closely monitored and guided throughout the lesson.
Do my kids need to have their own equipment in order to participate?
We provide all gear (skis/boots, snowboards/boots, and helmets) for up to approximately age 10. Depending on the child’s shoe size, we can accommodate older than 10 years old.
Aside from lessons, what else does Shredder offer?
We’re more than just ski or snowboard lessons! We also offer birthday parties (standard parties and ski/snowboard parties), summer camps, Parents Night Out, holiday camps, and open gyms!
How do indoor lessons correlate with outdoor skiing or snowboarding experiences?
Indoor lessons can offer a smooth transition to outdoor skiing or snowboarding. Once kids have a solid foundation indoors, transitioning to outdoor skiing or snowboarding becomes easier and more enjoyable. The familiarity with techniques and equipment gained indoors helps them adapt more quickly to the different surfaces and conditions they’ll encounter outdoors. Here are a few things kids work on indoors, to improve their experience outdoors:
- confidence building: the indoor lessons help build confidence as children practice and refine their skills. By the time they move outdoors, they are more likely to feel prepared and capable, reducing anxiety and enhancing their overall enjoyment of the sport.
- controlled environment: Shredder Livonia provides a safe, controlled setting that is free from weather-related challenges. This ensures that kids can focus on mastering their skills without the distractions or difficulties of varying outdoor conditions.
- familiarization with equipment: the indoor environment allows kids to become comfortable with ski and snowboard equipment, making the transition to outdoor settings smoother. Since all gear is provided up to age 10, they become accustomed to wearing and using the equipment before they face the added variables of outdoor conditions.
- skill development: indoor lessons focus on the same techniques and fundamentals used in outdoor skiing and snowboarding. Kids learn to balance, control their speed, turn, and stop, all of which are essential for outdoor terrains.
Overall, Shredder Livonia’s indoor ski and snowboard lessons are an effective stepping stone to outdoor ski experiences, ensuring that kids are well-prepared and confident when they hit the slopes. Shredder’s mission is to develop confident and knowledgeable skiers and riders in a fun and safe environment, and our goal is for families to have more enjoyable, quality time together on the slopes!
