Selecting the Best Skis and Boots for your Children - Top Tips
Selecting the Best Skis and Boots for your Children - Top Tips
BUYING OR HIRING?
Every ski season, parents face the problem of whether to buy or hire skis and ski boots for their children. If it's your child's first experience of skiing, or you ski only once or twice a year, it's best to hire. Your child will get the opportunity to try out different brands and lengths of ski and, more importantly, decide if skiing is for them.
Try and keep uppermost in your mind the main aim, which is that your child has fun, fun, fun! Getting properly fitted gear is the first step in avoiding discomfort, pain, and anxiety on the slopes!
Wait until you arrive at the ski resort to hire your children's skis, so you have less heavy luggage to transport and can get a quick and free replacement if there's a fault or your child isn't comfortable with the skis.
Unfortunately, ski and boot rental can be a tedious and long process. The queues can be interminable, and children can very quickly grow bored and disruptive. Sometimes a child may end up with skis or boots that don't fit properly, spoiling their experience and wasting time.
If you have booked a luxury catered ski chalet, staff will liaise with you in advance of your trip for sizing information, and will arrange for a range of skis, boots and other equipment appropriate for your party to be brought to your chalet on the day of arrival. This instantly eliminates hours of boredom and makes the whole process fast, stress-free, and even fun.
SKIS
The most important factor in a child's ski is the length. To get an accurate sizing, ask your child to stand up straight and stand the skis in front of them the ski tip should end between the collar bone and chin, depending on your child's weight and athletic ability heavier/more athletic = longer.If in doubt, choose a shorter ski, which will be easier to turn and easier for your child to control.
Children's skis tend to be shorter and more flexible than adult skis. It's a good idea to choose shaped skis instead of traditional straight skis, as they don't exert as much leverage on children's legs, are more stable and easier to turn.
Rental shops should always consult you, as parents, regarding your child's ability. Don't try and push your child beyond their comfort zone. Skis that are too long or heavy make skiing difficult and tantrum-inducing at best, but potentially dangerous at worst!
BINDINGS
The general rule for bindings is the lower the number, the less force needed to release them. Remember that for children just starting out, being able to step in or out of skis easily makes them feel more in control, and they are more likely to enjoy themselves.
Some children's skis have integrated bindings, which float on top of the ski. You may, however, wish to buy bindings separately.
It is essential that you get a ski shop technician to set the bindings correctly, based on your child's weight, height, boot size and skiing ability.
BOOTS
Just before your holiday, ask your child to stand on a piece of card in stockinged feet, and draw around the foot. The length of the imprint from the tip of the big toe to the back of the hell should be measured in centimetres. This will correspond exactly with ski boot sizes, so make a note of all foot measurements and take it on holiday with you.
The rental shop should offer several pairs of boots, in different styles and widths, for your child to try.
It's not always straightforward getting feedback from children so, if you can, take the liner out of the boot and ask your child to stand on it. With their heel pressed to the back of the liner, there should be toe wiggle room of between 1 cm 2 cm.
Your child should also be able to bend their knee over the toe of the boot without any discomfort.
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