Is your child two, three or four, and about to stand on skis for the first time this winter? Then you may be looking for a gift that does both: fun at home and a good start on the snow. Here are six ideas, sorted by age, with honest notes on what suits what.
What suits which age?
- From age 2: Anything that mixes balance with play. The drySki, the dryBoard and the dryDrop are made for this.
- From age 3: Most kids now stand firmly and want more speed. The drySlope brings sliding fun into the playroom.
- From age 4: Many ski schools start at this age. With the dryDrop, the drySurf gets one step harder.
1. drySki kids’ skis: the gift for the first winter
The drySki (dry ski) are short skis made of oak and beech, 65 cm long, with a felt base for parquet, tiles and rugs. Your child steps into the felt binding in socks or barefoot (EU shoe sizes 22 to 36) and practises standing, balance and shifting weight. When they stand in the snow for the first time, they already know how skis feel on their feet. Recommended by DSV ski instructors (DSV is the German Ski Association). Price: €169.
And the best part: skip the pricey ski lessons!
2. drySki Exclusive with name engraving
The same skis, made from hand selected oak yacht veneer. You enter your child’s name as a note when you order, and we engrave it personally. Allow a little extra time for the engraving. The drySki Exclusive costs €219.
3. dryBoard: the snowboard for indoors
The dryBoard is a balance board shaped like a snowboard, 65 cm long, made of wood. It suits kids from about age 2 and trains balance and motor skills. Price: €169. If you want something special, the dryBoard Exclusive is a limited edition at €219.
4. drySurf: a balance board for little surfers
The drySurf is a Montessori balance board shaped like a surfboard, 70 cm long, supporting up to 75 kg. It suits kids from about age 2, and because it carries up to 75 kg it grows with them for a long time. Price: €169.
5. dryDrop: balance drops for the very youngest
The dryDrop are drops made of Bavarian wool felt, filled with grape seeds from the Rheingau. Kids from age 2 balance, stack and build with them. Together with the dryBoard it is a first balance workout. With the drySurf it gets harder from about age 4. Price: €139.
6. drySlope: the ski slope for the playroom
The drySlope is a ski slope with a slide, 187 cm long, made of birch and maple, supporting up to about 70 kg. At €449 it is the biggest gift, ideal if family or friends chip in together. You can see the current delivery status on the product page.
What else goes well
If the ski holiday is already booked, a good helmet and goggles are practical gifts. A gift voucher for ski school gets used later, when winter starts for real. These add to toys for indoors, they do not replace them.
Still planning your ski trip? At many resorts, little kids ski free. Find out which ones in our list Where kids ski free, with 111 verified free ski passes. For tips, family ski resorts and a packing list, see our guide Family ski trip with kids.
Order in good time
According to our shipping page, delivery takes 1 to 3 working days within Germany, 2 to 5 working days in EU countries and 3 to 7 working days to Switzerland and other countries. These are the usual delivery times of our carriers, and we cannot guarantee them. So do not leave your order to the last week before Christmas. Returns are possible within 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
From what age does the drySki suit?
From age 2. It fits best for kids aged 2 to 8, and it carries up to 50 kg.
On which floors can my child practise?
On parquet, tiles and rugs. The underside is made of felt.
Does my child need ski boots for it?
No. Kids step into the felt binding in socks or barefoot, and it fits EU shoe sizes 22 to 36.
Can my child skip ski lessons with this?
Many parents say yes. Your child builds balance and a feel for skis at home, then hits the slopes with you right from day one.
You can find all products in the shop.
Written by Immanuel Meier, founder of dry moves in Munich.