Kid's Ski Equipment Tips

Kids Alpine Ski Equipment: Should you Rent or Buy?

Every ski season, parents throughout ski country face the same dilemma. Should they buy or rent skis for their kids? This is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

On the one hand, you might be anxious to have your kids get involved with the sport. In the long run, owning a pair of skis will turn out to be less expensive than renting. However, not all kids take to the sport immediately. If you invest in a pair of skis that sit in the closet, you've wasted your money.

Unfortunately, it gets even more complicated. One of the reasons that many kids end up hating skiing is because the ski and boot rental process is a total disaster. The lines are often eternal, and kids get restless. In many cases, the kids end up in equipment that does not fit correctly. As a result, they spend the entire day in the lounge.

Here are some compromises that might offer a viable solution. Your first step is to research the various ski schools that offer specialized lift, lesson and equipment packages for kids. Ask advice from other parents. Sometimes, you can get valuable feeback from message forums such as Epicski.com. If possible, visit the suggested ski areas and check out the rental areas. Is the staff truly interested in giving the kids the best fit? Then, watch the kids classes on the hill. Do the kids seem comfortable? Is there more than one kid crying that his or her feet hurt? Take these observations into account and choose the best ski school accordingly.

Once your kids have attended about three sessions, you will be able to determine whether they will stay committed to the sport. If the answer is yes, then you should consider buying equipment. In rare cases, your kids might have found the rental equipment quite comfortable. If that's the case, check the rental shop at the end of the season. They will often sell their rental equipment at a significant discount.

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Kids Ski Wear

There are three words that can ruin any ski trip: "Mommy I'm cold!" Since kids are obviously smaller and lighter than most adults, they require careful attention to their ski wear. In general, the guidelines for dressing adults for the slopes will also apply to kids. As such, the layering approach will always work best.

Begin with a wicking layer that is composed of a synthetic fabric. Remember that cotton will retain, rather than wick moisture, so it should be avoided at all costs. Make sure that your child's long underwear is sized correctly. If the pants are too long, they will cause the ski boots to fit incorrectly.

Always remember that long underwear should never be tucked inside the boot. Although this may sound counter-intuitive, lighter ski socks provide more warmth than heavier ones. This is because heavier socks, as well as socks with sock liners will make your child's feet sweat. When the feet sweat, they get wet, and when they are wet, they get cold.

Your child's insulating layer comes next. In general, these are either made from fleece or wool. However, since many kids are allergic to wool, you might want to stick with fleece. For the outer layer, many parents like ski bibs. For obvious reasons, these are preferable for boys, as opposed to girls.

If you choose a ski bib, make sure that it is composed of a water resistant material. Since the area around the knees may be subject to wear and tear, make sure that this area is reinforced. The bib should have pockets for money and sunscreen, and should be roomy enough to fit long underwear and a turtleneck underneath.

Your child's ski jacket should be waterproof and wind resistant. If possible, find a jacket with a hood. Although a helmet is the best protection from the cold, for exceptionally cold weather, you might want to buy a helmet liner as well as a neck gator. Mittens should be water resistant, and should have a drawstring around the cuffs. Some mittens come with an inner glove liner. These provide the best of both worlds: Warmth and hand flexibility.

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Top Manufacturers of Kids Skis

While most ski manufacturers feature some sort of ski for kids, some are significantly more popular than others. Once you are certain that your child enjoys (and will stay committed to) skiing, your best bet is to demo a few models prior to buying. If you still have doubts about your child's commitment, some ski shops offer a leasing option, with an option to buy at the end of the season.

As far as ski sizing is concerned, most experts agree that children's skis should reach your child's chin. In general. you will find that the skis that are designed for three to five year olds will have less shape and sidecut than the skis designed for older children. This is because it takes a minimum of 45 pounds to effectively flex a shaped ski.

You should resist the temptation to buy children's skis that are too long. They will cause your kids to develop bad habits. The following manufacturers of kids skis receive consistently good reviews.

Dynastar: Dynastar skis are famous for their versatility. For two or three year olds, consider My First Dynastar. These are sized at 67 to 80 cm. They come in both girls and boys models. For older kids, there's the Dynastar Starlett for girls and Dynastar Team Cruise for boys. Sizes range from 90 to 150cm.

K2: Little girls adore the K2 Luv Bug. This ski has less side cut and a wider footprint than traditional adult skis, as such, it provides a stable ride, which in turn builds confidence. When your girl gets older, and wants to play in the park, she will love the twin tipped K2 Missy. Don't worry. K2 has not forgotten about the boys. The K2 Juvy twintips are designed for boys that want to show off their park tricks.

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How to Fit a Kids Helmet

By now, most skiers and snowboarders are well aware of the safety benefits of wearing a ski helmet. Not only do they keep the head safe, on cold days they provide more warmth than even the warmest hat. However, an ill-fitting helmet is the equivalent of not wearing any helmet at all. Here are some important guidelines to follow when fitting a kid's ski helmet.

1. Measure it: Start by wrapping a measuring tape around your child's head. The helmet should overlap the tape.
2. Try it On: First, align the rim of the helmet with your child's eyebrows. While holding the straps on both sides, roll the helmet to the back of your kid's head.
3. Watch the Gaps: You will want to make sure that the pads of the helmet are flush against your child's cheeks and forehead. Make certain that the back of the helmet is not touching his or her neck.
4. Give it a Roll: Have your child roll his or head as if they were trying to dislodge the helmet. The helmet should stay on if the fit is correct.
5. Goggle test: Make sure that your child's goggles fit with the helmet. There should be no gap between the top of the goggles and the rim of the helmet.
6. Let it Breathe: Many helmets now come with a ventilation system. This prevents overheating.

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Cross Country Skis for Kids Over Age 8

If your kids are over age 8 and highly athletic, you can usually apply the same standards as adult cross country skis. In general. experts suggest that you choose a ski that is 20 to 35cm longer than your child's height. Here are some length suggestions for various heights.

3'11" 140cm
4'3" 150cm
4'7" 160cm
4'9" 170cm
4'11" 180cm
5'1" 185cm

Your child's weight should also be taken into consideration. A soft flex ski will benefit a lightweight child, because it will provide proper wax adhesion on longer hills. In contrast, a heavier child might do better with a stiffer ski, since it will do a better job at gliding through deep snow.

If you want to save money by buying kids skis at a ski swap, be sure to examine them closely. Make sure that there are no splits or other types of defects in the tips or tails. The base of the ski should be flat and free of any type of blistering or prominent gouges. Look for kids skis whose edges have remained somewhat square. These skis will have better cornering performance.

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