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.
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
- Insulated water bottle
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
- 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. Consult a coach for ski length recommendations.
- 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.
- Insulated water bottle
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.
- Insulated water bottle
- 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.