We will research all heli skiing Canada operators for you during your vacation. Choosing the right skis and boots for your kids can be an overwhelming task. A common error that most parents make is to purchase equipment their child can “grow into” and get at least two years of use. I’ve seen adults and young people alike having difficulty in maneuvering due to the fact their skis and boots are the wrong size. What should have been a fun day turns into a frustrating experience and child may not want to try it again. Avoid this common scenario and set them up for a lifetime of enjoying the sport and the mountains.
An obvious problem with fitting children for the slopes is, they’re always growing. Following a few guiding principles when outfitting your children with skis and boots could just make you a hero in their eyes.
Much has changed the last few years in children’s skis and boots. A child’s ski is no longer just a set of skis with cartoon characters on them. Most manufacturers are giving more attention to children’s equipment and building skis for kids and not just shorter, softer versions of adult skis. Choose new shaped skis over traditional straight skis. Shaped skis don’t exert as much leverage on children’s legs, you can ski them shorter making them easier to turn.
How long of ski does my child need? Don’t be tempted to buy equipment too big, it can make skiing difficult or even hurt your child. As with adult skis, you should take into account the child’s weight, ability and aggressiveness when picking the correct ski length. Today’s shaped skis generally should be about shoulder high for lighter weight children and eye level for the heavier ones. Age is a factor along with size and ability. Children 6 years and under, the tips should be between mid-chest and the chin. When in doubt go shorter. Older children size between their chin and the tip of the nose. Your primary concern is they are having fun which means having skis they can turn.
What about snowboards? Ideally, the tip of the snowboard needs to be just under their chin but generally between middle of chest and chin height works. Just as in skis it’s essential a board is the proper length. Too big and it becomes less maneuverable and frustrating.
Whether you buy, rent daily or for the season check the condition of the equipment. Skis should be tuned properly, just like yours. Many of new kids’ skis are not good to go right out of the box-I’ve found most to come edge high. Have a good tuning shop check them out before skiing and have them waxed. You all know what skiing on a poorly tuned and un-waxed pair of skis is like.
Don’t skimp on bindings. They should be high quality and have a DIN setting that goes low enough, down to 0.5, for your child. Always have a technician in a good ski shop set the bindings.
Well fitting boots are vital to happy feet and like adults, kids boots need to fit properly. Adult boot technology has trickled down to the design of boots for youngsters. Improved liners, better fit and sizing flexibility with some even have a little window on the liner to see where your child’s toes are. Find boots that are easy for the child to flex, put on and take off. Boots should be somewhat stiff laterally for putting the ski on edge and still flexible fore/aft. Your child will get better performance from an overlap shell ski boot than from a rear-entry model. Always size the boots for the current season. Buying boots for a child to grow into again results in bad habits and poor performance.
Getting the right fit is paramount to a child’s happiness. Have your child wear ski socks when trying on ski boots. Remove the liner from the boot before having your child step in so that you can check the length-a little window in the toe of the liner is a plus-and width yourself rather than relying on the response of the child. There should be some space beyond the toes and the end of the liner. Kids need some extra space to keep their feet warm. Ask your child to wiggle his or her toes to get an idea of tightness and space. Let your child put on and take off the boots as an initial test. Liners compress when in the boot shell, if the liners are too snug outside the shell, good chance they will be too tight when the liner is back in the shell. Listen to what your child says about the fit and comfort. No complaints, you’re off to a good start.
Depending on how many days per season the kids ski will determine whether you buy or rent. Remember they grow. You can spend a small fortune on equipment buying ever year. In my opinion, if you only ski one week a season rent. Ski more; it may be an advantage to rent for the season. Seasonal rental you can change boots or skis mid season and most shops will be happy to switch them out. Seasonal rental is a great advantage for locals or families that ski more than a couple of weeks per season. If you do decide to buy, some ski shops offer a buy back program where you can trade in last season’s equipment for current boots or skis.
Before hitting the slopes helmets are must-no pun intended. Helmets, just like boots and skis must fit correctly. A helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow into. Educate your child about the benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn’t give them permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly. Parents must set the example and wear a helmet; how do you expect the kids to wear one if you don’t? Helmets are mandatory in many ski schools for children twelve and under.
A few other “should haves” are quality base layers (wicking material), good ski socks, zip turtleneck, neck gator, fleece layer, breathable and water repellent outerwear, lip balm and high quality sunscreen with 30 SPF or more, goggles are a must to protect their eyes, hand warmers, mittens instead of gloves and last but not least some healthy snacks.
Shopping for kids’ equipment shouldn’t be traumatic. Spending one day with a child in the wrong gear can be ugly. Spend the time and money at the beginning of each season and you will be in for a great time!
Starting your kids skiing or snowboarding early, opens their world to adventure, fun, laughter and the healthy, beautiful surroundings. What a feeling to learn your kids’ fondest memories were family ski vacations. Skiing will be an everlasting ingredient in their lives and they’ll be forever grateful to you as adults! See you next run.
Don Jewkes, is a 33-year certified PSIA-RM level 3 Pro for the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen at Snowmass, local resident and owner of Sunset Ski Repair. Drop him a line at [email protected]. Visit his website http://www.sunsetski.com.
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