Kids Skis

Just like the other things you buy for your children, kids skis will one day become too small for them. Junior skis will bring a lot of happy moments and play time in the snow. As they grow a bit older you don’t want to upset whatever fun they have simply because their skis are just too small for them. The following are some tips and information on how size up skis for your kids and other related information.

Picking Your Kids Skis

There is no hard and fast rule on how to pick the right pair of skis for each child. However, there are several factors that you need to take into account in your choice of skis. You have to include the time your kids spend on the slopes, their size and age, and the types of activities they engage in. After considering all these factors you will be able to create a profile of the type of skis your kids will need.

The Store Experience

As stated earlier, there is no exact science on how to pick your kids skis. This is also true regarding the sizes and measurements of the skis. And this also is true for each brand of skis or its manufacturer. You might walk into a store one day and ask for a specific pair of skis meant for your child. The clerk looks at your kid and recommends something else.

The recommended skis may be longer or shorter depending on your child’s weight and height. You can argue with the store clerk or perhaps mull over the details and manufacturer recommendations. However, it all boils down to the fact that the best store to buy your kids skis is a reputable one where the staff is surely well trained.

Skis for Kids Ages Three and Under

Like any form of recreation, skiing should be introduced as a fun way to spend your time in the snow. Children at the age of three or even younger should have fun while on their skis or as the flop around on the snow. This basically means the skis should be comfortable for them and yet furnish their first gliding experience with skis on. The actual skills will have to come later.

Kids Skis for Children Ages Four and Five

At this age, kids will start to take things a bit more seriously, including skiing. When choosing skis for your kids this age you should include their height and their weight in the selection process. The basic rule on the length of the skis is that when you stand it up it should go as high as their chin or nose.

Advanced Junior Skiers

Of course, as your children grow older they will require better skis. Kids skis for this stage should be better suited to their skill and the type of terrain they are most comfortable skiing. You should observe and take note of these details. You’ll need to get the more specialized skis and ones that are a lot stiffer in order to absorb more shock in case your child is quite an aggressive skier.

Heavier or Taller Children

Going back to the theoretical store experience above, one reason why some store clerks or staff recommend skis other than what you expect is the height an/or weight of the child. If children are too tall or a bit heavier for their age the regular or even recommended skis for that age may not suit them. Because of this, the skis may become unresponsive when the child tries to turn.

The clerk may recommend a different ski or a different brand or model other than what you initially thought of. Remember that there are a lot of variables and there may be some that could have might missed. Beginners will find shorter skis easier to control. This is also true for lighter or smaller children.

A stiff ski is generally not suitable for children except of course when a child is bigger than others. Your child should be able to apply enough pressure on the junior skis for it to bend slightly and thus achieve control when turning. These and other variables should be taken into consideration.

Shopping Tips

You can try renting skis at first and have your child feel out what junior skis they are comfortable with. Once you know what skis work best for them then buy those skis from the store. You can save money on skis when you buy junior skis from rental shops or resorts when the season is coming to a close. They usually sell them with prices marked down. A good pair of skis should last as long as two seasons.