Step 1
Attach the Ankle Piece
Buckles on the outside, tether pointing back toward you. Snug and comfortable. These can stay on all day.
How to use
How to Snap Two
Five minutes with this page, and day one goes a whole lot smoother.
The tether puts the speed in your hands, so your kid gets to just ski.
Let's Connect the Tethers
Step 2
Dial In & Clip In
Tug the straps firm. Clip the tether in at the top of each run and hold equal tension on both sides.
Step 3
Safety First!
Unclip before every lift, whether it's a magic carpet, rope tow, or chairlift. Safety check each run. Clipped in, hands ready, let it ride.
Getting Started
1
The Kid's Stance: French Fry
Your kid balances over parallel skis, what we call "French Fries." They build real balance and turns from day one, so there's no pizza wedge to unlearn later. We save the pizza for the lift line and apres-ski.
2
The Adult's Stance: Pizza Wedge
The Adult skis in their trusty "Pizza Wedge" shape all day long. These days are about being in a strong position to control both you and your little one with your own skis.
3
Equal Tension Equals Control
Same pressure on both sides of the tethers, always. One side goes slack and their feet slide out from under them.
4
Go Slow
If you think you're going slow enough, go slower. Little ones process more at half speed. If you come to a full stop, you've gone too slow.
5
Celebrate Every Wobble
Falls mean they're trying something new. Cheer for it. End every run on a high note, while they're still smiling.
6
Have Fun, That's the Whole Point
Skiing takes care of itself when the fun does. Want them back tomorrow? You've already won today.
Leveling Up
1
Ready to Turn? Try the Little Toe
Tip the little toe toward where you want to go. Remember, this little toe can't hold us up so make nice and light.
2
Give Them a Landmark
Point to a tree, a lift tower, a ski patrol hut. "Ski to that sign" teaches direction better than any lesson.
3
Steering the Turn
Left tether, left turn. Right tether, right turn. Use tension to assist, then ease off so they feel it themselves.
Can't turn one way? Tighten that side's tether and watch the ski come around.
4
Know When to Give Slack
Linking turns on their own? Let the tether go a little slack. Use the turns to explore controlling your speed. Praise it out loud and watch them fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Snap Two Ski Tethers?
Snap Two Ski Tethers are an ankle tethering tool to allow the little skier to focus on the skiing while the grown up on the other end of the tether can control the speed. With the tether placed on the ankles, the little skier can effectively control their own body and start building the correct movements from day one.
Should we practice at home first?
Yes, seriously. Try the gear on with your kid at home, even without snow. It builds the same confidence, no hill required.
Where can I use Snap Two?
We recommend using them anywhere the adult is comfortable skiing in a strong wedge. We love big cruising Green Runs and nice mellow Blue Runs. Yes, you can take them on the chairlift, just remember to tuck the long tether leash away safely.
Could you pizza wedge down Corbet's Couloir? Possibly... but would you?? That's probably not the best idea. (And no, this is not a challenge!)
My little one can only turn one way - what can I do?
Everyone has a stronger foot, usually. If your skier can turn great one direction but falls going the other direction, or they have one ski that is consistently wandering, your skier may not be putting enough pressure on the wandering foot. Try gently guiding the feet with the tethers, keeping the strong foot tether tighter than the wandering one and let the child feel what it's like to let both feet start to work.
My little one has one ski that is wandering off... Help!
It's very possible that your skier is only standing on one of their feet. Try getting them bouncing in their boots, shuffling their feet, marching in the snow, or pushing their knees in front of the toes to get them to put some more pressure on the wandering ski.
How do I know if my little one is ready to move on from tethers?
Can you ski with slack in the tether line? Can your skier make nice turns that slow them down in between turns? Can your skier make an emergency stop? If you answered yes to all 3 of these questions, you might be ready to start taking off the tethers in a safe area where you have some room to run out of speed if they get too nervous. We always recommend starting by unclipping the tethers even half way down the bunny hill to get a feel for it.
Your little skier may have the ability to make the correct turns, and when you take the tethers away they will need to make the safe choices all on their own!
What should we focus on for day two?
Recalibrate first, same slope, same pace as day one. When they're linking turns without your help, that's your cue to give slack.
What's your favorite snack while skiing?
A personal favorite chairlift question...
I love hot cocoa, and questions with no wrong answers, but more importantly;
What's YOUR favorite skiing snack?
Let me know... andrew@snaptwoski.com