With so many options available, selecting the right skis for your child can be both exciting and fun. However, it can also feel overwhelming. Making the right choice and ensuring your child has the best possible time on the slopes can be facilitated by being aware of the various kinds of children’s skis and knowing what to look for.
This post will discuss the different kinds of kids’ skis available, ranging from entry-level models to more sophisticated choices. We’ll also go over important aspects to take into account when choosing skis, like size, ability level, and the kind of terrain they’ll be skiing on. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly what to look for when selecting the ideal pair for your child.
Knowing what to look for can help you make an informed decision, regardless of whether your child is just starting out or ready for more difficult runs. Let’s explore the world of kid-friendly skiing and learn what makes each variety special, as well as how to select the right one for your small skier.
| Type of Skis | Selection Criteria |
| Classic Skis | Best for groomed tracks, ideal for beginners |
| Skate Skis | Requires more strength and technique, good for speed |
| Backcountry Skis | Designed for off-track skiing, wider for better balance |
| Waxed Skis | More maintenance but better control in variable conditions |
| Waxless Skis | Low maintenance, great for casual skiing |
Types
- amateur equipment;
- sport skis for children.
The first kind is alpine skis, which are appropriate for active family recreation and can be used by kids ages 3 to 14. You can get your child freeriding skis if you are not skiing on the piste.
Regarding the second group, their equipment is very different, and they have developed specially designed, easier-to-control soft skis to aid in learning. When learning the fundamentals of the technique, the rockers in the nose and tail make turning movements easier to execute.
In order to maximize safety, the skis used to teach the technique shouldn’t get very fast. When selecting a size, the child’s chin should be reached as the ideal height.
It is worthwhile to select universal skis when buying equipment for a child who is unsure if he will be interested in skiing as a sport or just an active form of recreation. They permit skiing on groomed trails, giving the skier a minimal range of motion. There are versions with shoe bindings on the ski track and versions with a platform as well. Since you can use skis for kids’ boots of any size, the second kind is more adaptable.
It is possible to ride on and off the track with the classic model of skis because of its pointed end and ample length. When purchasing equipment for a child, make sure the notches don’t provide too much acceleration and don’t allow the child to slide backward.
For best sliding conditions, such skis should be used in cool weather on a clean, rolled track. If the child is already proficient in skiing, you can purchase equipment without notches that comes with an extra special ointment that will help you hold the track firmly at a fast speed.
It is worthwhile to select skis that are 20 cm higher than the child when selecting such skis based on size.
Skating skis are a different kind of ski that are purchased only after the classic skiing option has been thoroughly investigated and put to the test in real-world conditions. Like skating, this type of skating requires mastering the skating stroke. The ski equipment in this instance is much smaller and has a rounded nose shape. The child’s height plus 10 cm will be the ideal length for the ski track. In this instance, skating is limited to specially prepared tracks and no notches are required.
When choosing equipment, you should consider the child’s height and not just try to save money by purchasing everything they need for growth. Mini-skis are required for the smallest, and the trainer’s recommendations and tables are used to calculate the length of the remaining skis.
Alpine
Children who have mastered the fundamentals and are prepared for active trips on various level tracks can use alpine skis. These skis differ in that they are shorter and more pliable, enabling you to easily maneuver through swift turns and uneven terrain. Typically, older kids who weigh more than 40 kg are the ones who are given this equipment; in this scenario, the skis should be at the same level as the kid’s nose. Selecting a shorter ski track, up to the chin, will make it easier to control on the track if you don’t have the necessary experience.
For young athletes weighing approximately 20 kg, skis with a length of 70 cm are ideal; for children weighing 30 kg, a length of 90 cm is appropriate; and for those weighing 40 kg or more, meter-long skis must be used. Taking a "fitted" model is preferable for small skiers who are just starting out as it will make the descent easier.
Cross-country
Since there are three different types of cross-country skis, they are the most popular equipment.
- for classic riding;
- for skating;
- universal.
Since it can be used to teach both styles, the latter kind is better. The ski track has been widened and rounded to increase safety. It also features fitted side recesses that make turning considerably simpler.
When a child between the ages of two and six begins skiing, the equipment that they need should be as basic as possible and 5-8 cm taller than the child. The child can be taught to ride only if he can stand on his own two feet with confidence, which means the skis need to be wide and stable. It’s a good idea to get older kids skis that are 15-20 cm taller than their actual height.
To teach the child all the subtleties of riding cross-country, you should buy universal cross-country skis first, then classic cross-country skis, and finally skating cross-country skis.
Materials
Children’s skis are now made from two different materials: plastic and wood. Wooden ones have advantages in that they don’t develop quickly and aren’t overly costly, both of which are crucial for children’s learning. There are benefits to plastic as well. For example, the lighter weight of the skis makes skiing easier, which is particularly helpful for novices and kids, and the skis have notches that keep them from going too fast.
Furthermore, the degree of flexibility of such equipment can vary, and this is chosen on an individual basis based on the child’s skiing ability.
Despite all of their benefits, both materials have drawbacks. During the warm season, wooden skis must be stored under the proper conditions to prevent drying out and burst. Furthermore, you should keep the equipment away from wood because it can get wet. The drawbacks of plastic skis are their poor traction on snow and the potential for child injury in the absence of specialized notches. Lubricants are needed to ensure the required glide, even at high speeds.
It’s important to consider personal income as well as the child’s and family’s storage and use options when selecting ski equipment for a child. When it comes to learning, wooden and plastic skis can be used just as successfully.
Consider the age of the child
Selecting skis for kids starting at age three is best done with short, wide skis that measure 40 centimeters in length, or the child’s height. This type of ski has an 8 cm width, so you can learn to slide on the snow and stand steadily on your feet. You can get both wooden and plastic equipment for preschoolers, but the plastic option will be more adaptable because it doesn’t need special storage conditions and works with both dry and wet snow.
A child’s foot can grow in a year, so these skis are typically sold without specialized boots because purchasing new equipment is expensive. Children can ride in regular winter shoes that are strapped onto the skis.
You can get more sophisticated models that are regarded as sports for kids who are already in school and have mastered sliding. Their width measures 5 cm, and the length is chosen by adding 15 cm to the child’s height. Purchasing a full set, which includes poles, is worthwhile at age seven, as the difficulty of skiing rises significantly. In this instance, boots have not yet been purchased, and the fastening style is comparable to that of the children’s model.
Teenage skis vary not only in length and width but also directly correlate with the style that the boy or girl prefers to ski. Superior models will be identical in length and weight, and their surface should be flawlessly smooth and free of any blemishes or scratches.
Purchasing skis that fit your height is crucial at this age because it will make skiing much harder and more challenging for teenagers. Don’t wait too long to make this purchase.
How to choose?
It’s crucial to know how to purchase skis for your child that will make learning and riding more comfortable. There are some general guidelines that you ought to follow.
- Selecting a training location and track, the selection of equipment depends on this. These can be cross-country or alpine skis.
- Study the design features of the products. The lighter the skis, the easier it is for the child to handle them, and he will be less tired after the lesson.
- The choice of equipment depends on the height, age and level of skiing.
- Before using the equipment after storage, it is important to check all the fastenings and the condition of each equipment.
- For the right choice, you can consult with experienced trainers or sellers of sports equipment.
A table that is easy to navigate is recommended when selecting the appropriate skis based on weight and height.
Indicators of height
Indicators of weight
Ski length
Between 100 and 110 cm
Between 110 and 125 cm
30 kg or less
Between 125 and 140 cm
Between 30 and 35 kg
Between 140 and 150 cm
45 kg or less, but not more
Between 150 and 160 cm
55–65 kg in weight
Between 160 and 170 cm
55–65 kg in weight
Since a sports equipment set can get pricey, it’s critical to measure everything accurately and select the appropriate gear. The length of the ski should match the table’s indicators, and using the information at hand, intermediate results (like 120 cm) should be computed. It’s crucial to consider the skis’ flexibility when selecting equipment because a youngster, especially a beginner, won’t be able to handle a stiff pair of skis well.
You should assess whether you need to buy extra equipment, such as shoes and poles, based on your skiing ability and height.
Bindings
The type of binding on the child’s skis will vary depending on what kind of skis are purchased. The following are the most popular choices.
- Soft variety is a set of straps or rubber bands that make it easy to put skis on winter shoes. This option is suitable for preschool-age children.
- Semi-rigid variety – this is a metal plate to which plastic straps are attached. In this case, you can also use simple winter shoes, but they will be attached more securely and firmly.
- Rigid option – for this case, you cannot do without purchasing specialized ski boots. There are bindings with spikes that were used before, and new ones, SNS and NNN standards.
The primary factors in selecting a ski binding are age and skiing ability.
It’s crucial to comprehend the various kinds of skis that are available and the standards for picking the appropriate pair when buying skis for kids. Children’s skis are available in a variety of styles, each appropriate for a particular skiing environment and skill level. The child’s age, height, skill level, and the kind of terrain they will be skiing on are important considerations. Parents can make an informed choice that guarantees their child has a safe and enjoyable skiing experience by being aware of these factors.
Boots
It is up to the child’s age and desire to purchase boots. If the baby isn’t enjoying skiing yet, there’s no need to spend money on pointless gear. You can select specialized shoes for those same young athletes, who are approximately 6 years old and actively working to master every skiing technique. Shoes are chosen based on the fact that skis can be made of both plastic and wood, and that both old and new models of bindings are available. Boots size 28 and up are available for purchase for older fastenings; these boots are exclusive to the vintage style of riding.
A small skier can only use modern fastenings and shoes for a few seasons, as they are highly costly. It is important to keep in mind that purchasing boots based on your boot size is necessary; going oversize will make it harder to use the skis.
It is worthwhile to try on specific ski socks and make sure there is little to no margin for error during fitting, but also that the shoes do not squeeze the foot in any way.
Ski poles
Purchasing all the necessary equipment is crucial when teaching kids to ski. For young children just starting to play in the snow, skis will be sufficient; however, if your child is older—between the ages of three and seven—and can slide, you should get them some ski poles. They ought to be long enough to cover the child’s armpits. These products ought to have straps and rubberized handles to keep them from falling while in motion. The attachment can have a round or star-shaped form, but the tip needs to be pointed.
Ski poles for older kids are chosen based on the kid’s preferred style. Poles should be chosen so that they are equal to the height of the shoulder for skating and no higher than the armpits for classic skiing.
You can consult a specialist or refer to specific tables with selection guidelines based on the child’s height to determine the appropriate length of poles for them.
Selecting the appropriate skis for your child doesn’t have to be hard. It’s critical to take into account their age, degree of expertise, and preferred style of skiing. Every choice, from traditional skis to freestyle models, has something special to offer to help your child develop in the sport.
You can make sure your young skier has a safe and comfortable experience by paying attention to details like ski length, weight, and flexibility. Not only can well-fitting skis increase skiing enjoyment, but they also reduce the risk of injury.
Finding skis that fit your child’s skill level and objectives is ultimately crucial. Making the appropriate decision can turn skiing into an enjoyable and fulfilling family pastime.
