I am a big fan of cross-country skiing and can't wait until my kids are old enough to get their first pair of skis (right now they are 4 months and 23 months). Until then, we pull them in a carrier or ski with the little one in the chest pack. If your kids are old enough to ski, here are a few tips to get you started...

Kicking and gliding past snow-laden trees and across frozen ponds; schussing through fresh powder on a blue bird sky day; breathing hard as you tromp upslope after a fresh snowfall—it’s hard to imagine winter without nivean outings. Newer parents may be worried they’ll have to give up some of these delights, but by introducing children to winter activities the whole family can enjoy a day in the snow.

•    Make it fun and keep your expectations low. All children develop at a different rate. Like crawling and talking, your child will be ready to ski or board at a different age then your friends’ kids.
•    Try on equipment at home. Not only do you want to be sure everything fits properly, but it adds a little familiarity to a new experience on the snow. Practice getting in and out of skis or a snowboard.
•    The most important thing you can do is get your brood out into the snow for short (maybe twenty to forty minute) excursions where they can learn to be comfortable, have fun and gain experience in the snow.

Choosing Equipment (from FamilyFun)
1. Rent Before Buying
Ski equipment can be pricey, and kids often outgrow gear from season to season, so first try out the options by renting from ski shops and Nordic centers (see No. 4). When you're ready to invest, watch for bargains. Our community, for example, holds an annual garage sale-style ski swap, where we've picked up used gear. You can also find deals at the end of the winter, when outdoor stores, ski centers, and college outing clubs offer last season's products and rentals. Just be sure to check out used equipment before you buy.

2. Match Boots and Bindings
The two most common boot/binding systems are NNN (New Nordic Norm) and SNS (Salomon Nordic System). Unfortunately, these systems are not interchangeable, so make sure those skis you find on sale are compatible with the boots you own or plan to purchase.

3. Start Waxless
Cross-country skis rely on either a waxed or a textured bottom to grip the snow. Waxless skis don't perform as well as waxable ones. But when you're a new skier, or the parents of a new skier, convenience is paramount, and waxless skis are nothing if not convenient: just clip in the boots and go. Once cross-country skiing becomes a winter staple, kids can experiment with waxable skis for better performance.

I'm new here at Outdoor Baby (but hoping to be back often), so I don't know the ettiquette, but this was cross-posted at Your Wild Child.com.