Equipment

Below is a list of basic recommendations for equipment based on the GPSC programs.

Just because your athlete is a racer does not mean they need top race gear – finding gear that is appropriate to your athlete’s size, weight, strength, and skill level will lead to the most progress. The most important piece of equipment is good-fitting boots. Review this short boot-fitting video. 

Don't forget that USSS members are eligible for discounts from most ski shops!

In addition, the club has a classified site for used equipment.  Club members can post used gear here, and it's a great, affordable resource for race gear.

Guidelines for All Ages 

  • Plan ahead and purchase early for best availability.
  •  Good fit incorporates athlete size, weight, strength and skill level. Poor fitting/quality equipment will negatively impact your child’s development.
  • The most important piece of equipment is good-fitting boots.
  • Your athlete will not focus or learn if they are wet, cold or uncomfortable! Buy gear that will keep your child warm and dry in all conditions. Most kid clothing is not as warm as adult versions. Plan for quality layers, wool socks, hand warmers, boot heaters etc.
  • Rain gear (coat/pants/waterproof gloves) has become a must.
  • Poles must fit properly throughout the season. Many kids need a different pair of poles mid-season due to growth. Fancy name-brand poles are not necessary.
  • Low-light or clear lenses for night skiing and darker days are a must. Some families purchase cheap motocross goggles for visibility.
  • Insulated water bottles are a must for all ages. Most skiers fail to adequately hydrate while skiing.
  • LABEL LABEL LABEL – once you’ve gotten your gear LABEL everything clearly from pants to skis.

Gatebuster/Black Diamond 

  • Helmet
  • Front-buckle ski boots with 2-3 buckles (smaller children) or 3-4 buckles (larger children) that go no higher than mid-calf, and that the athlete can easily flex.
  • 1-pair of skis no longer than chin height
  • Ski poles

U10s 

  • Helmet with hard ears (soft ear flaps are not permitted for GS and Kombi races)
  • Front-buckle ski boots with 2-3 buckles (smaller children) or 3-4 buckles (larger children) that go no higher than mid-calf, and that the athlete can easily flex.
  • 1-pair of multi-event skis sized between nose and eyebrow height. Please purchase sandwich construction, where sidewall is visible as opposed to cap where top layer extends over sides to edge.
  • Ski poles – pole guards are not necessary and not permitted at most races
  • Insulated water bottle

U12s 

  • Helmet with hard ears (Note, your athlete will need a FIS approved helmet with a removable SL chin bar as a U14. If you are purchasing a new helmet now, consider whether it will be useable when they move to the U14s)
  • Front-buckle ski boots that the athlete can easily flex with 3-4 buckles (preferably 4 depending on athlete foot size.)
  • 1-pair of multievent skis or a pair of multievent or SL skis and a pair of GS skis. All skis should be sandwich construction and not cap skis at this age (sandwich is where sidewall is visible as opposed to cap where top layer extends over sides to edge).
  • If going with 1 pair of skis, size about eyebrow to forehead height; if 2 pairs of skis, SL/multievent skis should be about eyebrow height, GS skis should measure about the top of the head. NOTE: There is variation for weight and skill. Questions? Consult a coach.
  • 1 quality pair of skis is preferable to two pairs of skis that have little life left in them!
  • Ski poles. Pole guards are not necessary and not permitted at most races
  • Second year U12s: Please see “other” section of U14+ equipment. We will do some tall-pole SL training at the end of the season, so it is worthwhile to obtain that protection by March.

Important Note 

We strongly recommend a multi-event ski over a SL ski for U10/12s for long-term athlete development. A shapey SL ski at too young a level often teaches an athlete to “park and ride,” rather than “work the ski,” plus it can be unsafe in high speed situations. As your child grows and moves to two pairs of skis, the multi-event ski can serve as a SL ski. If you are worried about budget, a good fitting pair of boots is your best investment. 

U14 and older 

All equipment must meet the minimum requirements set forth on page 159-160 of the Alpine Competition Guide. For smaller U14s, please ensure their GS/Super G skis meet minimum radius requirements.

  • Helmet: FIS approved helmet (must have FIS marking visible). Chin bar for SL races and training. Most FIS approved helmets are set up to readily attach a SL chin bar. Some families may opt to have a separate dedicated SL helmet.
  • Boots: The most important piece of equipment and where you should focus your ski budget. Specialty fitting is often necessary at this age when children’s feet grow ahead of the rest of their body. We recommend that all U14+ invest in at least a basic footbed for their boots. Many will also benefit from custom fitting and alignment from an experienced boot fitter like Cayuga Ski and Cyclery. Even if you plan to use the same boots from last year, take them in for a fit and alignment check before the season starts. 
  • Skis: 1 pair of SL skis and 1 pair of GS skis for U14 athletes. SL, GS, and Super G skis (if you plan to race Super G events). A separate "rock" ski is also recommended for recreational skiing (race skis don't hold up well in the trees/park). For appropriate ski length, reach out to your coach for a recommendation. 
  • Poles: one pair of poles are required at a minimum. DO NOT spend a lot of money on poles. Some find it convenient to have 2-pairs so that you don’t have to attach/remove your pole-guards for SL training. 
  • Other: Chin bar, pole guards (the kind that wrap all the way around the hand and form a C-shape), and shin guards are required for SL training and racing. 
  • Back protection for GS and Super G is strongly recommended.