| Choosing the right skis and boots for your kids can | | | | child will get better performance from an overlap shell |
| be an overwhelming task. A common error that most | | | | ski boot than from a rear-entry model. Always size |
| parents make is to purchase equipment their child can | | | | the boots for the current season. Buying boots for a |
| "grow into" and get at least two years of use. I've | | | | child to grow into again results in bad habits and poor |
| seen adults and young people alike having difficulty in | | | | performance. |
| maneuvering due to the fact their skis and boots are | | | | Getting the right fit is paramount to a child's |
| the wrong size. What should have been a fun day | | | | happiness. Have your child wear ski socks when |
| turns into a frustrating experience and child may not | | | | trying on ski boots. Remove the liner from the boot |
| want to try it again. Avoid this common scenario and | | | | before having your child step in so that you can |
| set them up for a lifetime of enjoying the sport and | | | | check the length-a little window in the toe of the liner |
| the mountains. | | | | is a plus-and width yourself rather than relying on the |
| An obvious problem with fitting children for the | | | | response of the child. There should be some space |
| slopes is, they're always growing. Following a few | | | | beyond the toes and the end of the liner. Kids need |
| guiding principles when outfitting your children with | | | | some extra space to keep their feet warm. Ask |
| skis and boots could just make you a hero in their | | | | your child to wiggle his or her toes to get an idea of |
| eyes. | | | | tightness and space. Let your child put on and take |
| Much has changed the last few years in children's skis | | | | off the boots as an initial test. Liners compress when |
| and boots. A child's ski is no longer just a set of skis | | | | in the boot shell, if the liners are too snug outside the |
| with cartoon characters on them. Most | | | | shell, good chance they will be too tight when the |
| manufacturers are giving more attention to children's | | | | liner is back in the shell. Listen to what your child says |
| equipment and building skis for kids and not just | | | | about the fit and comfort. No complaints, you're off |
| shorter, softer versions of adult skis. Choose new | | | | to a good start. |
| shaped skis over traditional straight skis. Shaped skis | | | | Depending on how many days per season the kids |
| don't exert as much leverage on children's legs, you | | | | ski will determine whether you buy or rent. |
| can ski them shorter making them easier to turn. | | | | Remember they grow. You can spend a small |
| How long of ski does my child need? Don't be | | | | fortune on equipment buying ever year. In my |
| tempted to buy equipment too big, it can make | | | | opinion, if you only ski one week a season rent. Ski |
| skiing difficult or even hurt your child. As with adult | | | | more; it may be an advantage to rent for the |
| skis, you should take into account the child's weight, | | | | season. Seasonal rental you can change boots or skis |
| ability and aggressiveness when picking the correct | | | | mid season and most shops will be happy to switch |
| ski length. Today's shaped skis generally should be | | | | them out. Seasonal rental is a great advantage for |
| about shoulder high for lighter weight children and | | | | locals or families that ski more than a couple of |
| eye level for the heavier ones. Age is a factor along | | | | weeks per season. If you do decide to buy, some |
| with size and ability. Children 6 years and under, the | | | | ski shops offer a buy back program where you can |
| tips should be between mid-chest and the chin. When | | | | trade in last season's equipment for current boots or |
| in doubt go shorter. Older children size between their | | | | skis. |
| chin and the tip of the nose. Your primary concern is | | | | Before hitting the slopes helmets are must-no pun |
| they are having fun which means having skis they | | | | intended. Helmets, just like boots and skis must fit |
| can turn. | | | | correctly. A helmet is not an item you buy for your |
| What about snowboards? Ideally, the tip of the | | | | child to grow into. Educate your child about the |
| snowboard needs to be just under their chin but | | | | benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a |
| generally between middle of chest and chin height | | | | helmet doesn't give them permission to ski or |
| works. Just as in skis it's essential a board is the | | | | snowboard faster or recklessly. Parents must set the |
| proper length. Too big and it becomes less | | | | example and wear a helmet; how do you expect the |
| maneuverable and frustrating. | | | | kids to wear one if you don't? Helmets are |
| Whether you buy, rent daily or for the season check | | | | mandatory in many ski schools for children twelve |
| the condition of the equipment. Skis should be tuned | | | | and under. |
| properly, just like yours. Many of new kids' skis are | | | | A few other "should haves" are quality base layers |
| not good to go right out of the box-I've found most | | | | (wicking material), good ski socks, zip turtleneck, |
| to come edge high. Have a good tuning shop check | | | | neck gator, fleece layer, breathable and water |
| them out before skiing and have them waxed. You all | | | | repellent outerwear, lip balm and high quality |
| know what skiing on a poorly tuned and un-waxed | | | | sunscreen with 30 SPF or more, goggles are a must |
| pair of skis is like. | | | | to protect their eyes, hand warmers, mittens instead |
| Don't skimp on bindings. They should be high quality | | | | of gloves and last but not least some healthy snacks. |
| and have a DIN setting that goes low enough, down | | | | Shopping for kids' equipment shouldn't be traumatic. |
| to 0.5, for your child. Always have a technician in a | | | | Spending one day with a child in the wrong gear can |
| good ski shop set the bindings. | | | | be ugly. Spend the time and money at the beginning |
| Well fitting boots are vital to happy feet and like | | | | of each season and you will be in for a great time! |
| adults, kids boots need to fit properly. Adult boot | | | | Starting your kids skiing or snowboarding early, opens |
| technology has trickled down to the design of boots | | | | their world to adventure, fun, laughter and the |
| for youngsters. Improved liners, better fit and sizing | | | | healthy, beautiful surroundings. What a feeling to learn |
| flexibility with some even have a little window on the | | | | your kids' fondest memories were family ski |
| liner to see where your child's toes are. Find boots | | | | vacations. Skiing will be an everlasting ingredient in |
| that are easy for the child to flex, put on and take | | | | their lives and they'll be forever grateful to you as |
| off. Boots should be somewhat stiff laterally for | | | | adults! See you next run. |
| putting the ski on edge and still flexible fore/aft. Your | | | | |