What strategy helps manage a child who is overly excited and racing down the slope?

• A. Let them continue to sprint to burn off energy.
• B. Yell loudly to slow them.
• C. Pause the run, redirect to a controlled activity (e.g., gliding in a wedge), and establish a simple safety rule and practice.
• D. Remove helmet to feel lighter.

Answer: (C)

When a child is overly excited and rushing down the slope, the priority is to quickly shift from unchecked speed to controlled, safe movement. Pausing the run and redirecting to a simple, controlled activity—like gliding in a wedge—gives the child a clear, manageable task that reduces speed and helps them rebuild balance. Coupling that with a simple safety rule and practice creates a concrete expectation the child can follow, reinforcing safe behavior every run. This approach interrupts the high arousal state, lowers risk, and builds confidence through repeatable, successful technique.

Letting them sprint to burn off energy keeps risk high and doesn’t teach control. Yelling loudly may not reliably reduce speed and can increase anxiety or resistance. Removing a helmet is unsafe and undermines protection, which is essential for a developing skier.