Learning to ski is an important milestone in a child's life. However, finding the right ski size as they constantly grow can be a challenge for you, their parents. It's crucial to choose skis that not only match your child's level and height but can also be used for multiple seasons. The length of the skis should be appropriate, as it plays a key role in their comfort, safety, and progression. Ill-fitting skis can hinder the learning process and even reduce your child's enthusiasm for this winter sport.
Parents' Guide
The Importance of the Right Size
Most children's skis are designed to be versatile and durable, allowing them to be used for two or three seasons depending on the child's growth rate and skill development. Choosing the right ski length is essential to support young skiers as they progress, from their first pizza turns to more advanced techniques. By considering the child's weight, height, and skill level, parents can ensure an optimal skiing experience for their young skier.
Considering Your Child's Physical Development
In this guide, we cover the key points you need to know to choose the correct ski size for your child, based on their physical development and skill level. We provide specific recommendations for different age groups, ensuring your child gets the most out of their equipment.
How to Calculate Alpine Ski Length Based on a Child's Height
If Your Child Is Learning and Hasn't Mastered Parallel Turns Yet (Before Earning Their Third Star)
The Importance of Proper Sizing for Beginners
For children who are just starting out and haven't yet mastered parallel turns, ski size is crucial. It should facilitate their learning and help them build confidence on the slopes. Ideally, the ski length should be 10 to 15 cm shorter than the child's height. This recommendation ensures that the ski length is appropriate for the young skier's size and skill level.
The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Size
Choosing skis that are too long can unnecessarily hinder a child's early experiences on the slopes, making basic manoeuvres more difficult and less intuitive. On the other hand, shorter skis are generally easier to handle and more responsive, which is crucial for a successful learning phase. This allows children to feel comfortable and secure, reducing the risk of discouragement when faced with the challenge of learning to ski.
Building Fundamental Skills
By selecting the right ski size, you help your child develop a solid technical foundation, such as mastering balance and controlling simple turns. This is particularly important for younger children. An inappropriate length could hinder their ability to enjoy and progress in the sport. For parents looking to make the right choice, this guide is a valuable tool for calculating the ideal ski length based on the child's height and weight.
Choosing Ski Poles for Children
In a way, choosing the right ski poles is just as important as choosing the skis. To ensure they are the correct height, simply hold one of the poles upside down, with the handle on the ground and the hand placed under the basket, the tip pointing upward. If the arm forms a right angle at the elbow, then it's the right size. Only when properly adjusted will children's ski poles help maintain balance and help them progress. We recommend reassessing their length as your child grows.
If Your Child Has Mastered Parallel Turns and Is Starting to Ski Red Runs (Third Star Level)
Transition to Intermediate Skier Skis
When your child has mastered parallel turns and is starting to tackle red runs, it indicates that they have reached a level where they can control their speed and direction with greater precision. At this stage, it's important to choose skis that can accompany and support the development of their technical skills. We recommend skis that are 5 to 10 cm shorter than your child's height. This length allows for a transition to skis that offer more stability at higher speeds and better float in ungroomed snow—crucial elements if your child is being introduced to off-piste skiing by you or their ski instructor.
Adapting to Advanced Skiing Requirements
As your child's skill level increases, so does their confidence. Longer skis help them develop their carving abilities and handle more challenging terrain. These skis will support their need for speed while providing the necessary safety for bolder descents. It’s essential to choose skis that match the child’s weight and skiing style, whether they are focused on performance or fun.
Considerations for Off-Piste and Freeride Skiing
For children who are starting to explore off-piste or freeride skiing, consider skis with a wider waist for better float in powder. The ski size should also take into account the child’s ability to control their skis in various snow conditions, which is vital to avoid fatigue and accidents.
The Importance of Regular Reassessment
Finally, remember that at this level, it is crucial to regularly reassess the ski size as your child grows and their skills evolve. Regularly adjusting the equipment is necessary to ensure that progress isn’t hindered by gear that has become inadequate.
How to Choose Skis for Teenagers?
Adapting to Teenagers' Needs
Choosing skis for a teenager requires careful consideration of their growth, which can be quite quick at this age. For these young skiers who are no longer beginners, it is essential to adjust their skis according to their height and continuously evolving skill level.
Approach Based on Recommended Adult Sizes
For teenagers, the ski length can be closer to that recommended for adults, with some adjustments to account for their still-developing strength and technique. We recommend consulting our tutorial on choosing the right size for adult skis, following the same guidelines.
Specific Choices According to Skiing Discipline
Freestyle Skiing
For freestyle skiing, we recommend opting for shorter skis. These should reach around chin or shoulder height to enhance the manoeuvrability needed for performing tricks.
Freeride Skiing
For freeride skiing, we suggest slightly longer skis for better float in powder and increased stability, given the variety of terrains encountered.
The Importance of Stiffness Appropriate to the Teenager's Weight
It's important to consider the teenager's weight when choosing skis, as it affects the necessary stiffness. Skis that are too stiff or too soft can compromise both performance and safety. Regularly reassessing ski length each season is crucial, although rapid growth of some teenagers might quickly render equipment unsuitable.
Which Size to Choose for Junior Competition Skis?
Adapting to Racing Requirements
Selecting racing skis is a decision that must take into account various factors inherent to the discipline and the young skier's level. It's essential to follow the precise guidelines established by the federations and consider the advice of coaches who are familiar with the technical demands and specificities of each racing category. For example, slalom skis are generally shorter to allow for quick and tight turns, while longer skis are preferred for downhill events to enhance stability at high speeds. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the model that matches not only the child's height but also their skiing style and the specific demands of the event they are preparing for.
Specific Technical Considerations
For kids who are still developing physically and technically, it is recommended to follow the coach's guidance to ensure that the skis are appropriate for the child's level. This means selecting skis of the correct length, with the right flex, camber, and weight suited to the child's build and physique.
Impact on the Young Skier's Development
Both parents and coaches should ensure that the chosen skis promote the development of the young competitor's technical skills, while also prioritizing their safety and fun in training and racing. Future champions need equipment that not only helps them excel in their discipline but also supports their progression as athletes.
How to Know if Skis are the Right Size?
Observing Ski Handling
Determining if the ski size is appropriate for a child or teenager can seem a bit tricky. However, with the various guidelines provided throughout this guide, you, as parents, should be able to ensure that the equipment is well-suited. We encourage you to observe how your child handles their skis. If the skis are too long, they will likely struggle to control them, which may result in frequent falls or difficulty to turn. On the other hand, skis that are too short can limit speed and stability, making the experience less enjoyable and potentially less safe.
Consulting Ski Instructors
Another method is to ask the instructors who teach your children. While they may not all be equipment specialists, they can still offer their opinion and advice regarding the child's ski size, weight, and skill level. It’s also wise to regularly check that their junior ski boots continue to meet your child's needs.
Listening to Your Child
It's also very helpful to listen to your child's feedback and hear them express their feelings or any discomfort they may have with their equipment. If your child complains that their skis are hard to manoeuvre or they don’t seem to enjoy skiing, this could be a sign that their gear is no longer adequate.
Ultimately, choosing the right ski size for a child involves a combination of observing the child's behaviour, consulting their instructors or coaches, and carefully listening to the child's own experiences. By following these steps, you can maximize not only performance but, most importantly, the enjoyment and safety of your young skier.
Key Takeaways
Kids’ skis should be chosen between 5 and 15 cm shorter than the child's height. The shorter range is suitable for beginners, while the longer range is ideal for more experienced skiers. In any case, avoid over-equipping your child. Instead, prioritize ease of learning the basic technical skills while ensuring your little champion has maximum fun. Keep in mind that as your child enters their teenage years, whether they prefer piste skiing, freestyle, or freeride, ensure that their boots are compatible with the bindings installed on their skis. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—our experts are here to help you make the right choices and can be contacted for free via phone, email, or chat.