Janelle Thomas, better known as Coach Nelly, has more than 20 years of experience coaching under her belt. In 2018, she birthed Raising Little Rippers, where she has created an educational resource for adventurous mamas, raising the next generation of big mountain skiiers. She’s a treat to learn from! 

Janelle Thomas started working as a Ski Instructor her senior year in college. She knew teaching littles to ski was right up her alley. Armed with a Degree in Psychology with a strong focus on Adventure Therapy, she had no idea that she would spend the next several years working in the ski industry. From Certified Ski Instructor, to Children’s Program Supervisor, to Ski School Clinician, her specialty has always been working with children. As she started a family of her own, her biggest joy became raising her own three (not so little anymore) rippers, and she continued working as a part-time ski instructor season after season.  

Skiing can be challenging financially and physically.  

Risks and How to Mitigate Them: 

• Start in young years teaching simple things like moving to side of hill when you stop (pull over like a car), and being aware of environment  

Raising Little Rippers: 

• Virtual coaching, but also meet ups with other mamas 

When to Start Skiing: 

• Can start kids as young as 15-months, but will take longer to progress - so set expectations. Keep it fun! Introducing them to snow, weather, flat ground work 

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/teaching-tools-from-edgie-wedgie-to-ski-harness 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdbrRuc1TRo&ab_channel=RaisingLittleRippers 

Learning as a Family: 

• Learn alongside kids. Can do family private lessons at some ski skills 

How to Ski on a Budget [stay tuned in two weeks for another episode on this]: 

• Get to know local area – thrift and secondhand stores 

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/how-to-family-skiing-on-a-budget 

Some Gear Tips: 

• Don’t skimp on helmet; you don’t want any gap between ski goggles and helmet 

Recommendations: 

• Shred Dog Convertible Children’s Ski Bibs (grow for many seasons with the kids) - https://shreddog.com [https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/the-elevated-collection-shred-dog-gear-review] 

Follow Along: 

www.raisinglittlerippers.com

 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RaisingLittleRippers 

 You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3wl7KBxyncpZOMwH-PhZg 

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com 

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore