Turning is one of the biggest early hurdles for beginner child skiers—and a new children’s book from ski instructor and author Tony Herman aims to help families get past it faster.
Parents who ski with young kids often recognize the “straight-down-the-hill” stage: a child points their skis downhill, gains speed, and freezes when asked to turn. Well-meaning coaching can sometimes make the moment worse, especially when the child feels overwhelmed. According to Herman, the key is getting kids to relax, stay engaged, and feel confident enough that turning becomes easier.
Herman has been instructing since 2006 and has taught hundreds of lessons over the years. He has also trained new instructors and written additional resources focused on teaching skills and lesson effectiveness. His newest project is a children’s book called Swoosh the Snow-saurus, built around a playful, story-based approach he developed after seeing the same turning struggle repeatedly on the slopes.
A Children’s Book With a Practical Purpose
Swoosh the Snow-saurus is a rhyming bedtime story recommended for kids ages 5–8. It’s designed to be read before skiing, then used on the hill as a simple, kid-friendly “assignment” that encourages confident side-to-side movement. Herman intentionally does not reveal the full method publicly, saying the book works best when the story experience remains intact for the child.
“Most kids who won’t turn aren’t being stubborn,” Herman said. “They’re overwhelmed. When you can reduce pressure and make the moment feel fun and purposeful, turning often clicks much faster. This book was created to help parents get there without turning a family ski day into constant coaching.”
In addition to the story, the physical paperback edition includes a companion parent resource called the Turning Guide, along with extra tips families can use if their child needs additional support.
Product Details and Availability
- Format: Paperback
- Trim size: 7.5 in x 7.5 in
- Length: Approximately 34 pages
- Includes: Turning Guide (included with the book)
- Price: $15.99
More information is available here:
About Tony Herman
Tony Herman is a ski instructor and author who has been teaching since 2006. He has taught hundreds of lessons, trained new instructors, and created multiple resources to help improve the learning experience for skiers and instructors alike. His work focuses on building confidence early so families can enjoy calmer, more successful days on the mountain.
Website: https://www.skiwithtony.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-turn-on-skis/
