Your child is excited about getting out on the slopes, and you couldn’t be happier for him or her. But, skiing is a somewhat dangerous sport. Without the right gear, your child could get hurt. Thankfully, getting that gear isn’t all that difficult. But, that doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy anything and everything you see.
Getting The Right Gear
What’s the right gear for kids? For starters, make sure they have a good helmet. A child’s brain is very delicate. Those slopes can be pretty brutal, even the kiddie slopes. Helmets offer protection from falls and collisions with other skiers or snowboarders.
Look for youth helmets with an adjustable harness that can be fitted to your child’s head. It should fit rather snug, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. You can rent helmets at most ski places, but owning one is a better idea. Used helmets may have micro or stress fractures that you can’t see. All it takes is one tumble.
As for skis, the decision to buy isn’t that clear-cut. If your child is serious about skiing, it might be worth the cost, but a good pair of skis will set you back a lot of money. So, you can probably rent them to start. As for length and style, beginner skis are soft and flexible.
The length should be chin to nose high. Junior skis will run between 80 cm and 120 to 140 cm. Intermediate and advanced skiers will tend to want racing skis, called slalom or GS, powder skis or terrain-park skis.
Most skis comes with integrated bindings, so shopping for them is pretty easy. But, if you’re using used skis, have the binding tested at a ski shop and have a ski tech adjust the DIN for your child’s weight, height, and ability.
Dressing Them Warmly
Sites like SportPursuit carry all the latest in ski gear. Basically, you’re going to want to layer the clothing to stay warm and keep snow off your skin. Start with the base layer of polypropylene thermal underwear. Get tops to match and a head mask. This will provide an insulating barrier that wicks away moisture. Do not go with cotton. While cotton does absorb moisture, it also holds it in, will cool when the cold air hits it, and then will hold that wet clothing against your skin – not good.
Buying Lessons
Getting professional lessons for your child is probably a good idea. Even if you know how to ski, a professional can help your child learn the basics in a way that’s easy to replicate. Plus, a trained professional can spot bad form or mistakes before they become serious or before your child gets out there on the sloped alone.
Sure, paying for lessons is going to cost money, but it’s money well-spent. Unless your child already knows how to ski, you’re taking a huge risk of injuring the child by skipping the lessons.
Linda Darby has a passion for snow sports. She enjoys blogging about the different winter activities and equipment for safety and enjoyment.
