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Snowsports School

FAQs

 

What lessons and programs are available for children?

Snow Discovery Centre (6 weeks to 4 years) - Perisher’s Snow Discovery Centre combines Daycare programs for full and half day up to 4 years old with the ski and care Discovery program for 3 and 4 years. This is a fun, no pressure introduction to skiing and children must be toilet trained.

Adventure Kids (5 to 7 years) - A full day skiing program offered at Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes with the aim to have fun while learning.

Explorer Kids (8 to 14 years) - In this popular full day program kids can choose between skiing and boarding and it is offered at Perisher Valley (ski and snowboard) and Smiggin Holes (ski only).

Group lessons - The Snowsports School offers 2.5 hour child group lessons for all ability levels. First Timer lesson packages are the best introduction to skiing or boarding and are offered at Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow. All Standard lessons are a great way to explore the mountain and can be taken at Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow. Please be aware that group lessons for 5 and 6 year olds are available for skiing only.

Private Lessons - We have a range of Private Lesson products available starting for children as young as 2 years old.

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How do I book my child into a program?

Our kids programs are very popular and to avoid disappointment please contact Perisher Snow Holidays on 1300 655 811 to arrange the program of your choice.

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What are the operating hours of the Snow Discovery Centre?

The Snow Discovery Centre operates between 8:30am and 3:30pm, the ticket counter is open from 8:00am for program purchase.

What should I bring for my child?

  • Special dietary requirements
  • An approved snowsports helmet
  • Warm headwear, sunglasses and/or goggles
  • Waterproof gloves or mittens
  • Skis and ski boots (no poles required)
  • Ski suit/jacket and pants, spare socks and underwear
  • Emergency contact number to leave with staff
  • Clearly label all equipment and clothing with your child's name
  • Please be advised that due to space restrictions, no equipment storage is available overnight.

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Should my child wear a helmet?

The wearing of helmets is compulsory in all Kids Programs and 2.5 hour Group Lessons. Helmets are included free of charge with pre-booked All Day Kids programs and hire of Skis/Boots or Board/Boots pack through Perisher Snowsports Hire.

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Does my child have to be toilet trained?

Children must be toilet trained to join our skiing programs. Please note that pull-ups are acceptable for the 3 and 4 year old Discovery Kids program.

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Will my child need poles?

Kids in the Snow Discovery Centre will not require poles. 5 to 14 year old children will only require poles if at an high intermediate or advanced level (level 5 and above).

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What meals are included with the program and do you have a menu?

All full day Kids Programs include lunch. Perisher follows the "Canteen" healthy eating program the government has implemented in schools. Drinks for children are water and milk. If you would like for your child to have other drinks you will need to bring them with you. Lunch menus are displayed on a daily basis please feel free to inquire about our weekly menu when you are at the resort.

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Can you cater for my child’s food allergy?

Our Snow Discovery and Adventure Kids Centres are a nut free zone. We are able to cater for all common food allergies, however, if the child suffers from severe food intolerances it is best that parents provide the meals.

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Can I learn to ski or board with my child?

We offer Family Private lessons for families who would like to learn together. These are 3 hour private lessons offered in all Snowsports School locations. This product is perfect for families, who are of similar ability as the weakest link will set the pace of the lesson. We are unable to combine adult and kids in our group lessons.

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Can I visit my child during the day?

Certainly, but if your child is prone to separation anxiety we recommend you view from a distance. We usually find that the children settle better into the routine of the day or their lessons once parents have left.

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Do the children have a nap during the day?

All Daycare programs include nap time and facilities are available for children in the Discovery Kids program for some quiet time as required.

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What is your instructor or carer to child ratio?

The guiding principle is 8 children per instructor. In the Discovery Kids program, we aim toward a 6:1 ratio. In our Daycare Centre we adhere to the ratio handed down by DOCS (Department of Children Services). Please note that our class sizes may be larger during our busiest times.

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What settling techniques do you use?

By combining the facilities of the Daycare and Discovery Kids program, we are able to provide the best indoor and on-snow care possible. Instructors are assisted by carer staff and children will be entertained and cared for while getting used to the new environment. Please be advised that we encourage a peaceful separation and we request that parents prepare children for the activities ahead and assist if children experience separation anxiety.

What happens if my child is unsettled or becomes ill?

Emergency contact information must be on file for all the children in full and half day programs. Our staff will contact you if any issues or problems arise.

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Can my child be together in the group with his/her friends?

Sure! If the children are the same age and of similar ability level there is no reason why they cannot be together. Please advise the supervisor or instructor on the meeting before they start grouping children into lessons.

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Can I pick up my child early form a full day program?

Yes, but please confirm a time with the instructor or supervisor at check-in.

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What happens if we are late for the lesson?

For the benefit of all children late arrivals (after 10:00am) may not be able to join the morning on-snow session once lessons have commenced. Children will be cared for indoors until they are able to join the lesson at lunch.

Can you administer my child’s medication?

Our staff are not medically trained and as such, are not permitted to administer any medication. We ask the parents to return to the centre and take care of any medical issues.

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Do you recommend skiing or snowboarding for beginner children?

For children up to 7 years old we would recommend skiing. Young children tire easily, their fine motor skills are still developing and they have difficulty separating upper and lower body movements which makes progression in group snowboarding lessons difficult for younger children.

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If I am late for my pick up at the end of the day, is my child still supervised?

Yes, all children will be supervised until released to an authorised parent/guardian. Fees may apply for late pick ups.

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For Reservations

Prices and services are subject to change at the proprietor's absolute discretion. Prices include GST.
The major credit cards that can be used throughout the majority of the resort are American Express, Visa and MasterCard.