Skis

  • Skis length should measure between the shoulder and head height when held up next to the child.
  • Ski sidecut should be that of an all mountain ski and skis should not be twin tipped.
  • Skis should be well taken care of including sharpened edges, wax on the bases and bindings adjusted correctly.

Boots

  • Boots should be a front buckling boot with no more than three buckles.
  • Properly fitting boots are required to execute fundamental skiing skills successfully. 
  • Boots need to be capable of being flexed at the ankle by the child and should fit securely around the lower leg, but not too tight.
  • Properly fitting boots will allow a child to feel shin pressure when they are flexing their ankles resulting in more success while learning how to ski.

Goggles

  • Goggles should have double lenses to help avoid goggle fog which inhibits a child's ability to see. 
  • Goggles should fit comfortably on the child's face when wearing a helmet.

​Helmet

Children participating in skiing are required to wear a properly fitting helmet.

Helmet fitting tips: 

  • Make sure the pads are flush against the child's cheeks and forehead. 
  • The back of the helmet should not touch the nape of the child's neck. 
  • The helmet should fit snugly with a fastened chin strap.  
  • The helmet sits level, with the front edge just above the child's eyebrows. 
  • The helmet should not shift when the child shakes their head from side to side or front to back. 
  • The helmet should work with the child's goggles and fit comfortably when both are worn. Have the child try the helmet on with their goggles when purchasing a new helmet.  
Helmets DO NOT last forever or until a child grows out of their helmet. Worn and damaged helmets should be replaced to ensure they can adequately absorb possible future impacts.

Mittens/Gloves

  • Children should have waterproof mittens or gloves with insulation. 
  • If a child's hands get cold, quickly plan to have enough room in a child's gloves or mitten for a hand warmer. 

Warm Layers

Children need to dress in warm layers similar to adults. 

Warm layers include:

  • A base layer made of wicking material (i.e., wool, synthetic), this includes socks. 
  • A mid layer that contains more insulation (i.e., sweatshirt, hoodie, softshell).
  • An outer layer which contains insulation is waterproof and versatile (i.e., three in one jacket, insulated ski pants).
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER LINK:

Alpine Canada Partners and Equipment Pool Suppliers