Downhill skiing and snowboarding: How to choose the right equipment
Content developed in partnership with Vifamagazine.ca, December 2020.
If you and your family are thinking about trying downhill skiing or snowboarding for the first time this winter, here are some tips for selecting the right equipment.
Choosing skis for kids
Stand a ski up vertically in front of your child; the tip should reach their chin. As your child gets the hang of skiing, you can switch to skis that reach eye level. For kids under 6 or 7, ski poles are optional.
Choosing a snowboard for kids
Stand the snowboard up vertically next to your child. It should reach the area between their chin and nose
Choosing ski or snowboard boots for kids
To pick the right boot size, remove the sole and ask your child to place their heel against the heel of the sole while standing up. There should be about 1 cm of space left at the tip of the sole, which is needed as kids are still growing.
Be sure not to pick boots that are too big, because you’ll end up tying them tighter so they’ll stay on, which will impede your child’s circulation and cause them to feel cold.
Choosing a ski or snowboard helmet for kids
To find the right helmet, have your child try on different kinds until you find the most comfortable. Be sure to select a helmet before you purchase goggles, which should then be adjusted around the face and mouth. Remember that your child should also wear a hat or ski mask (without a pompom) under their helmet.
Choosing ski or snowboard goggles for kids
The right ski goggles must fit both your child’s face as well as the shape of their helmet, to ensure maximum comfort and prevent fogging. There are models available to accommodate people who wear glasses. As well, some goggles come with technology that improves visibility so skiers can better detect and react to bumpy terrain
Save money on kids’ ski equipment
Sports Experts knows just how quickly kids can outgrow their ski equipment. Our Junior Ski Exchange Program gives you a credit for up to 50% on ski equipment and boots that are too small after one season of use.
For more tips on how to choose ski or snowboard equipment for you or your kids, download our free guide: Sports d’hiver en famille – Le guide complet de Vifa Magazine (French only). It also contains a list of great ski and snowboard destinations to try.
