How to Overcome Fear on a Trip to Canada… on a Ski Slope with Six Kids and a Frozen Smile!

Family adventures, life lessons, and an unforgettable trip to Canada with Dare & Explore

If someone had told me a few years ago that one day I’d be skiing in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by six kids, enjoying the cold, cheering them on, and gliding down slopes like a mom-version of an Olympic athlete, honestly... I would’ve laughed so hard.But life takes turns... and sometimes downhill ones!

Today I want to share what I learned watching my daughters overcome their fear of skiing for the first time — an experience that changed me as a mom, as a woman, and as the co-founder of Dare & Explore, our family adventure project that began in Mexico and now explores the spectacular landscapes of Canada.

First times (the ones that hurt a little)

The first times I went skiing weren’t really about me. I was in full-on mom mode: intense level. I had little kids, one in my belly (because yes, when we moved to Canada, I had four and was pregnant with the fifth), and I was carrying more thermoses than a mountain gear shop.

While everyone was happily skiing down the mountain, I was at the base with the littlest ones — fastening helmets, wiping frozen noses, handing out snacks, and hearing things like “I can’t feel my fingers” or “Can we go home now?”

BUT between hot chocolate and missing gloves, something started nudging me: that curiosity of, “What if I give it a try too?”

So when I finally got the chance to go up a real mountain with my older daughters, everything shifted. They were about 14 and 15 at the time and were teaching me how to do it. I gave up many times… I went through all my kids as instructors… and my final ski lessons were with the youngest two, who were just 5 and 6 years old. Tiny, but they looked like mini Olympic athletes — brave, carefree, laughing as they skied down without fear. And me… holding trembling poles, my skis crossed, my heart racing, and a mountain of fear on my shoulders.

Learned fears (the ones we carry without realizing)

While they skied like they were in an adventure movie, my mind was racing with thoughts like:

• What if I fall?

• What if I get hurt?

• What if I can’t stop?

• What if I get stuck in a tree like a cartoon?

Sure, I laughed on the outside. But inside, I had a full-blown drama going on.

Then I realized: my daughters didn’t have those fears. Why? Because they hadn’t learned them yet.They hadn’t experienced as many falls. They weren’t imagining disasters. They didn’t care about what others might think.They trusted. They jumped in. They enjoyed.And the most beautiful part? Instead of laughing at my clumsiness, they protected me.

One skied in front, the other behind, coaching me like little personal trainers:

• “Mom, follow my tracks!”

• “Bend like you’re going to sit down!”

• “Yes! Great job, Mom!”

And I, with my heart pounding and my skis all over the place, followed them.I learned more from them than in any formal class.They taught me with patience, gentleness, and trust.

The white silence and other snowy wonders

It was in that process —so beautiful and messy— that I started noticing what I hadn’t seen before.

Because seeing snowy mountains on Instagram is one thing... but being there —breathing that crisp air that clears your mind, hearing the sound of the white silence— is something else.

I call it “white silence” because it’s that magical moment when you pause on the mountain, surrounded by snow-covered pines, gentle snowflakes falling, and the only sounds are your skis crunching and your breath.

In that silence, I realized something: fear isn’t the problem. The problem is not moving because of fear.

What to do when fear shows up on a trip to Canada

Fear will always be there.But I learned (through many falls, of course) that we can train our minds to turn fear into growth.Here are some tips for when you’re on the mountain… or facing any life adventure that challenges you as a mom, dad, or human being:

1. Change your perspective

When you feel fear, ask yourself:What am I learning from this?Every time you try —even just a little— you’re building a new skill.You’re teaching your brain to trust you.

2. Surround yourself with brave kids (and follow their lead!)

Kids have this natural ability to live in the moment. Sure, they don’t always listen (obviously), but the way they face the world with simplicity teaches us daily.

3. Be kind to yourself

Don’t be your worst critic.Stop saying things like, “I’m terrible at this,” “I’m too old,” or “This is not for me.”Say instead:

• “I’m learning”

• “I’m trying”

• “I’m proud of myself for doing it even when I’m scared”

4. Focus on the beautiful

Be intentional.Take in the scenery.Listen to the snow.Laugh at yourself.Embrace going slow. It doesn’t have to be fast or perfect.It just has to be yours.

5. Ask for help — no shame!

Don’t know how to stop? Ask.Going slow? Ski with style!At Dare & Explore we always say:“The mountain belongs to everyone. It doesn’t matter how fast you go — what matters is that you go.”

Family adventures that heal: our trip to Canada with Dare & Explore

Those days skiing, watching my daughters, and facing my own fears made me realize that family adventures aren’t just about pretty memories — they’re tools for transformation.

That’s why Dare & Explore was born (or rather, reborn in Canada). It already existed in Mexico, but it was here —among the snow and mountains— that we found a new direction.

Because families need spaces to grow, explore, laugh, make mistakes, and reconnect through nature.

A trip to Canada can be the start of all that.Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis, Yoho, Lake Louise… you don’t need to be an expert or have the fanciest gear.You just need the will to try, a few friends, some decent thermal layers, and a curious, open mind.

Come with us on a life-changing trip to Canada

At Dare & Explore, we organize family adventures and trips to Canada — hikes with kids, mountain camps, beginner lessons (just like the ones I needed), and experiences that change you inside and out.

We want you and your kids to live what we’ve lived:

• grow together

• learn together

• laugh together

• and yes, sometimes fall in the snow together

Because it’s not just about traveling.It’s about exploring. Daring. Living every experience to the fullest.And above all… realizing that you can do it too.

Ready to join us?

So if you're scared, if you think this isn't for you, if you say, “I'm not the adventurous type”… I just want to tell you:

Yes, you can!And if you fall, we’ll be there to help you get up — with hot chocolate, laughter, and lots of cheering.

We’ll see you on the mountain.

Contactanos

Nuestros Tours