Choosing the right equipment for your kids can be an overwhelming task.  The most common error that parents make is to purchase equipment that their child can "grow into" in order to get at least two years of use out of it.  Kids are expensive, right?! However, as a snowboard instructor, I saw a lot of youngsters in gear that they had extreme difficulty in maneuvering due to the fact that it was simply too big.  What should have been a very fun day turns into a frustrating and unpleasant experience, and it becomes more unlikely that the child will even want to try it again.

I've outlined some basic guidelines to follow to avoid this all-too-common scenario and instead set them up for a lifetime of joy on the mountain!

Q: What size of SKIS does my child need?
A: This depends on age.  For children 6 years and under, the tips of the skis should reach anywhere between mid-chest and chin height.  If you are unsure about what size to get, always err on the shorter size.  It is far better to have skis that are a little too short next year than skis that are too long now. The foremost concern is that they are having fun of the hill, and this means having skis that they can turn.

Q: What size of SNOWBOARD does my child need?
A: The tip of the snowboard needs to reach between mid-chest and chin height; just under their chin is ideal.  It is essential that the board is the proper length without being too long.  A snowboard that is too big is not easily maneuverable and extremely frustrating fort the little tikes.

Q: Do I need SHAPED SKIS for my child?
A: A great debate looms over this question.  Almost every kids ski made nowadays is 'shaped'. This is mostly due to parental demand because shaped skis changed the industry considerably.  If shaped skis improved adults technique so greatly, so  they must naturally work the same for their child.  This is where the debate begins. For the typical skier under 8-9 years, the corresponding ski length isn't even long enough to benefit from a side-cut.  Furthermore, it requires a great deal of force to bend a shorter ski enough to feel the difference that a shaped ski provides.  Lightweight youngsters traveling at slower speeds simply do not have what it takes to carve a turn.   Many instructors feel shaped skis are actually detrimental to wedge-turning, because the shape might serve to force the tips together rather than releasing back into the parallel position needed for beginner turns.

Q: At what point should I consider buying SHAPED SKIS for my child?
A: Skis that are about 130 cm in length will begin to perform differently depending on their side-cut.  It is at this length when manufacturers begin to make style-specific side-cuts on skis (i.e. GS, SL, Twin-Tip, etc.). At this point, you can decide what shape would be ideal for your child depending on their skiing style.

Q: Do i need to get them a set of POLES?
A: Generally, no.  Almost any kid under the age of 6 will find no use for poles at all- at least not on the ski hill.  The only functions they would serve would be 1) to aggravate and annoy said child who already has enough on their mind; 2) to create the potential for a lawsuit; and/or 3) to poke you in the eye.

Q: How do I size my child for ski or snowboard BOOTS?
A: The ideal way to go about this would be to actually try on some different sizes at a shop.  Always be sure to remove the liner from the boot before having your child step in so that you can check the length and width yourself rather than relying on the forthcoming affirmative response of the child.  If you'd prefer the easier option, you might be able to find a shoe store that could properly size your child.  Ski and snowboard boots are measured in what is called Mondo Point sizing, which is the length (in centimeters) of the sole of the foot.  Or, simply have your child stand on a tape measure, being sure to read the centimeter side of the ruler from heel to toe (do not include toenails unless they are unusually long and you have no intentions of trimming them).  Most kids will measure between 15 and 21 cm, which is related as 15.0 and 21.0 MP in Mondo Point terminology.

Q: Does my child need a HELMET?
A:  This depends.  Do you consider yourself a good parent?


*If you've found this guide helpful, please click 'Yes' below.  Helpfulness votes increase this guides relevance in search results, therefore enabling us to carry this information to more people.  If it was not helpful, please e-mail us with suggestions for improvement.