If you've ever had a ski day fall apart before lunch and couldn't figure out why, this episode is for you. Jessica — PSIA-certified ski instructor and mom of five — breaks down altitude sickness: what it is, why it hits kids especially hard, and how every ski parent can prepare for it before setting foot on the mountain. Skiing with kids at elevation requires more planning than most families realize, and this episode gives you the framework to do it right.

What You'll Learn

• Why altitude sickness is one of the most overlooked reasons kids (and adults) struggle on mountain ski trips — and why fitness level has almost nothing to do with it
• How to spot altitude sickness symptoms in young children who can't tell you what's wrong, and what to do immediately when symptoms appear
• The simple acclimation strategy Jessica recommends for any family traveling to a high-altitude ski resort — including what to do on that first day instead of heading straight to the slopes
• Practical family skiing tips for staying hydrated at elevation, including why kids need regular water breaks built into the ski day (not just at lunch)
• How protecting your child's body at altitude connects directly to children learning to ski with confidence — and why a depleted kid can't learn, take correction, or enjoy the mountain

Resources & Links

• Want a complete plan for teaching your kids to ski — not just surviving the day, but building real confidence on the mountain? Check out First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski at skiingkid.com
• More tips on how to ski with kids, gear guides, and resort recommendations: skiingkid.com

Key Takeaway

"Altitude sickness doesn't care how fit you are, how excited you are, or how much you paid for your lift tickets. It's a physiological reality of skiing in the mountains. But with preparation, you can dramatically reduce the risk."

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:24 Altitude Sickness Story

02:37 What It Is and Symptoms

03:54 Who Is Most at Risk

05:28 Kids and Nervous System

06:35 Prevention Steps

10:38 What to Do If It Hits

12:37 Common Mistakes and Planning

14:06 Key Takeaways and Wrap

Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain.  She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.

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More Skiing with Kids Resources

For more tips, gear reviews, and ski parenting advice visit Skiing Kids
You can find me on Instagram @theadventuretravelfam
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Free Guide for Ski Parents

Want to avoid the biggest mistakes most parents make when teaching their kids to ski?
 Download the free guide:

The Most Common Mistakes Ski Parents Make (and How to Fix Them)
https://skiiingkids.myflodesk.com/ffy45squub
This quick guide will help you avoid the common ski day meltdowns and create a much smoother experience for your kids on the mountain.

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