Pulks and Strollers

My wife and I are expecting in early spring and already thinking about
how having a baby will change are skiing next season. We've been
contemplating a Chariot stroller that converts into a pulk, but have
heard mixed reviews.

What experiences have people had with different pulks and strollers. I
am strong skier who spends equal time classic and skating. My wife and
I also cycle and run, and don't own a car, so any stroller would get
lots of use.

A babysitter is far less money and allows greater quality of training.
For the odd outing, put the kid in that kid-backpack you have, after
bundling the kid up.

We got a single babyjogger, then a double jogger, and we used it, but
really, it is a big load to shove around, and it makes the workouts a
ton more work, so that sharing the experience with your family in ways
other than your workouts is really lots better. So, have fun family
outings, and go play in the snow mostly. Keep the workouts the
workouts.

Plus, there is a rather limited time when the kids enjoy the ride.

SkiFit wrote:
My wife and I are expecting in early spring and already thinking about
how having a baby will change are skiing next season. We've been
contemplating a Chariot stroller that converts into a pulk, but have
heard mixed reviews.

What experiences have people had with different pulks and strollers. I
am strong skier who spends equal time classic and skating. My wife and
I also cycle and run, and don't own a car, so any stroller would get
lots of use.

Check out Ziffco pulks. Kind of overkill, but will do double duty as no
kidding gear pulk after kids are older.

Standard Baby Jogger works for me. I got the largest diameter wheels I
could get. Rolls Nice. I have trouble getting my kids to NOT want to
go in either of this things. Yeah, it's not a workout, but once you get
past that, it's still mileage and I'd rather have time with the kids on
my deathbed anyway...

Ditto on the standard baby jogger. When junior comes along, it's all
about just getting out and doing SOMETHING each day, and the baby
jogger can be the difference between something and nothing.

Oh, and yes, the added bonus of spending time with your kid(s). :-)

bt

One comment on skiing with a little one in the baby backpack...I always
avoided this since I was afraid if I hit a patch of ice and fell I
might land on the kid. Not only would this hurt both of us, but would
make for a very uncomfortable explanation in the ER or pediatrician's
office. I used to save the baby backpack for hikes on my snowshoes.

Jonathan Scheuch wrote:
One comment on skiing with a little one in the baby backpack...I always
avoided this since I was afraid if I hit a patch of ice and fell I
might land on the kid. Not only would this hurt both of us, but would
make for a very uncomfortable explanation in the ER or pediatrician's
office. I used to save the baby backpack for hikes on my snowshoes.

We also opted for the large diameter wheels on the baby joggers & I
would recommend that upgrade. It turns them into off road / trail
machines, no matter the surface condition.

Good point on wiping out with the kid in the pack - and it DOES change
your center of gravity! You become REALLY top heavy !

I used to pretty well only have the kids with me when I strapped on the
wood skis, and I would go blaze my own path, so that getting carried
away by a quality groomed downhill was not part of it.

Anyhoo - do it, workout, workout with your kids, play with your kids.
My outlook is to bring up kids who see Mom & Dad working out as a way
of life. I want them to think that this is just normal. One day they
will see outside the home that it's not the case, that the standard
adult is unhealthy & sedentary. I hope that they think the active life
is the one they want to pursue. So yeah, try to avoid parking the kids,
avoiding the kids. Time with kids is what this world needs a LOT more
of.

Originally Posted by SkiFit

My wife and I are expecting in early spring and already thinking about
how having a baby will change are skiing next season. We've been
contemplating a Chariot stroller that converts into a pulk, but have
heard mixed reviews.

What experiences have people had with different pulks and strollers. I
am strong skier who spends equal time classic and skating. My wife and
I also cycle and run, and don't own a car, so any stroller would get
lots of use.

My wife and I had twin daughters, bought a double Baby Jogger and a double pulk and used them both a ton - almost daily (in their respective season, of course). That was a long time ago, so any brand info I would have is out of date, but I would disagree with the "babysitter" advice.

It is great training for you, you get the kids out doors and they either love it, or it puts them to sleep (which, as you will shortly find out, is a very good thing).

However, be careful about getting them interested in outdoor pursuits - you may get what you wish for. My daughters are now 15, good runners and obsessed skiers, and when they sidle up to you and bat their eyes asking for a pair of RCS, RS11s or Xiums for Christmas, will you really have the will power to say no? Let's just say I won't be buying any good gear for myself for quite a while. Enjoy!

Whit wrote:

It is great training for you, you get the kids out doors and they
either love it, or it puts them to sleep (which, as you will shortly
find out, is a very good thing).


However, be careful about getting them interested in outdoor pursuits -
you may get what you wish for. My daughters are now 15, good runners
and obsessed skiers, and when they sidle up to you and bat their eyes
asking for a pair of RCS, RS11s or Xiums for Christmas, will you really
have the will power to say no? Let's just say I won't be buying any
good gear for myself for quite a while. Enjoy!

Hear, hear! ;-) At least having an interest in sport keeps my boy out
of the pub a bit.

I can't advise about what is available in the USA. I hired Fjellpulker
in Norway, but a long time ago now. They were great. I have pasted a
link to their (English language) FAQ which has some good advice about
safety and so forth.
http://uk.fjellpulken.no/index.php?FAQ

I also agree with the advice about not using carriers. Not only do you
have the general problem with rucksacks of a higher centre of gravity,
but it also moves! And just when you don't want it to. Furthermore, I
used them quite a lot for walking and it it hard enough, even in mild
weather, to keep the tot warm and dry.

The big advantage of a pulk, is that you can take a tired, snow-covered
(and hence damp) baby and wrap it up snug in a rug so it is quite warm,
safe and happy. Also you have somewhere to put the picnic, emergency
gear, skis when baby is having a rest, etc. etc.

A couple of tips:

If you don't give the baby any sweets, except when you are out hiking,
etc, a small chocolate drop can produce instant co-operation, as well
as a useful energy boost. (You will of course be perfect parents and
not have to resort to low tactics like this)

Try to team up with some like-minded people with kids. It does make it
easier to share them about a bit, so you can get some breaks. When the
babies are older, it is more fun for them too.

Glide wax the base of the pulk. I used an alpine rub-on glider, just
because that's what I had. Use skis with good grip, because it is
difficult to apply downwards force on the ski. Use boots that give you
good grip when walking on icy roads, etc.

Have fun - I have found exercising with a youngster to be a great
thing, although he was not satisfied until he could beat me, without me
letting him win!

Alex