Starting Them Young: Pro Tips from Tori Collins the Toddler Ski Expert

In this episode of the Ski Moms Podcast, Nicole welcomes Tori Collins, a professional ski instructor from France who specializes in teaching toddlers to ski. Tori shares her fascinating journey from learning on dry slopes in England to becoming a specialized instructor in the French Alps, where she now teaches as an independent instructor and raises her four ski-loving children.

Tori offers invaluable insights about introducing young children to skiing, emphasizing that the journey can begin even before hitting the slopes. Tori recommends using books, videos, and play at home to familiarize toddlers with skiing concepts and equipment. A key message from Tori is the importance of letting children set their own pace, focusing on making skiing fun rather than pushing technical skills too early.

We cover practical advice for parents, including how to prepare children for their first lesson, what to expect at different ages, and how to use teaching tools like the edgy wedgie effectively. Tori also provides interesting comparisons between skiing in Europe and the United States, touching on differences in instruction methods and mountain culture.

This episode provides great tips for any parent considering introducing their young children to skiing, with practical advice grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience.

Keep up with the Latest from Tori:

Website: https://tori.ski

Instagram: @tori.ski/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnHiD0cAoWkweNT6ub9fVxw

Don't miss the Annual Tent Sale, happening August 7th through 9th at the Woburn store only. The sale kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. and continues all weekend, just in time for Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend.

Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations.

Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.

Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot.

Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. 

Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more.