The idea clearly has worked. More than half of the ski area's million skiers each season are parents and kids. Steamboat ski instructors shepherd as many as 1,000 kids a day through a first-rate ski school. One paid parent ticket qualifies for a Kids Ski Free ticket as well as one Teen Ticket. The children's instructors get special coaching during the season from child psychologists.
Nervous parents can watch the chalkboards at all of the lifts.
If they're needed, their names will be posted. There are snacks, games and movies. Ask about evening outings for the 8-12 crowd. Skiers know to slow down. Reservations are required for all the kids and teen programs.