Purchasing Skis for Children

Selecting the ideal skis for your kids helps them improve while ensuring enjoyment. It's best to pick skis suitable for on-piste since this is where your child can effortlessly learn and enhance their skills, provided they haven't already specialized in a specific discipline. When choosing skis, it's crucial to select ones that match your children's experience since beginner skis tend to be softer and offer more forgiveness than advanced options.

Renting is always a choice, but purchasing skis will let your kids become acquainted with them and ski with confidence. Moreover, you can dodge the crowded rental places at the start of your vacation!

PISTE SKIS - Top choice for on-piste skiing

Piste skis are ideal for children who want to work on the basics or improve their technique on the piste in an easy-going setting. These skis have a slim build, providing excellent grip and control on the snow.

ALL MOUNTAIN SKIS - Great versatile skis for children

All Mountain skis are forgiving and designed for those eager to explore light off-piste areas, aiding in smoother turns on dense snow.

Shop for Kids Skis

There are also unique skis for kids ready to explore Park, Racing, or Freeride skiing. If intrigued, consider our Ski Buying Guide for Experienced Skiers, which details these ski types.

Selecting the Correct Ski Length

Choosing the right skis that match your child’s size and ability is key to faster learning and greater enjoyment. Height is the main criteria, as most children are height-weight proportioned, making a ski reaching between their chest and eyebrows suitable.

Kids just starting to ski should use skis closer to chest level. Experienced children require skis nearing eyebrow height.

The image explains the ski length for beginners (height minus 35 cm)

	Kids' skis
First-time skiers	Your height minus 40 cm
Beginner	Your height minus 35 cm
Intermediate	Your height minus 30 cm
Advanced	Your height minus 15 cm
Expert	Your height minus 5 cm

Skis: To Bind or Not to Bind

While skis for kids can either come with or without bindings, skis with bindings are generally preferable due to their adjustability and performance reliability. This is suitable for skiers of all levels, but particularly for beginners to intermediates.

Skis without bindings are usually found in specialized categories like Park, Freeride, and Touring, where separate binding purchases are needed. Should your child be at an intermediate level or higher, then selecting skis and bindings separately can allow for equipment customization. More on bindings can be read in the Buying Alpine Ski Bindings Guide.

Additional Ski Equipment

Ski Boots

Boots have a significant impact on a child’s skiing experience and rented boots can often be uncomfortable. When buying, ensure you get the correct size and type of boot for optimal comfort.

Boot sizes are measured in centimeters, which is the foot length from heel to toe. Measure your child’s feet using a ruler or measuring tape. Children's boots typically have soft flexibility with up to 4 buckles.

Race boots are available for advanced children with racing interests; they are considerably pricier with a high boot flex (60 to 90).

Ski Poles

If your child is starting out, there's no immediate need to acquire ski poles. It's sensible to introduce poles once they've grasped the basics and are skiing securely.

Tip: Introducing ski poles to children. Ensure your kids use them correctly, avoiding loose grips or tailing them behind, to prevent bad habits.

For the proper ski pole size, refer to our Ski Pole Length Size Chart.

Helmet

This item is essential for your child's safety. Regardless of their skill level, the potential for accidents remains the same. Besides offering head protection, it can provide warmth and boost your child's confidence, which make for great additional benefits. In many countries, laws require children to wear helmets while skiing. For more details, check How to wear your helmet or Lifespan of helmets.

To make the most of your skiing experience, you will also need essentials like goggles, gloves, and suitable clothing. All of these items can be found on our website: The ultimate ski and snowboard goggles guide.

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