Too many children have started their skiing careers with too little equipment. Often the boots are far too big because people mistakenly believe that 4-5 pairs of ski socks are enough to keep the youngsters warm. Unfortunately, this means that the entire power transfer disappears and the children lose their grip on the ski. In addition, there's a tendency for kids to get the old hand-me-downs, so make sure they have equipment that fits correctly. It's all about having the best conditions for having fun in the snow.
There's a lot of positive psychology in children having ownership of their own equipment. They get used to the idea before they go skiing for the first time and can try wearing it at home in the living room, many times before it counts, and thereby avoid having to deal with it when they're on the mountain.
Below we elaborate on how you can create even more joy on skis by having the right equipment for the children.
Boots
Basically, the same rules apply here as for adult boots. They need to fit snugly for maximum power transfer. And remember that children don't have as much power as adults, so even a boot that's a little too loose can mean they can't turn.
This is a big challenge when trying boots on children (also true for some adults). "Does it pinch?" Yeah... well... it kind of does, it's not to be compared to a slipper and rubber boots. A good idea is to draw an impression of the children's foot on cardboard, cut it out and take it to the shoe store. Here you can try putting it in the inner boot to get an impression.
Another challenge is the economy. While adults can easily use their boots for 10 years (the plastic wears out over time) or 25-30 weeks, children have to go through a season to reach that number of weeks. Because they only fit for one, maximum two seasons. A pair of junior boots can be purchased for 500-700 SEK and is a high price for a week. But often they can be sold for about the same or passed on to a younger sibling if you have or plan to have one.
An important part of the boot is the sole. Pay attention to whether your child has special needs there.
Skiing
While boots are not such a good deal, buying skis can actually be a quick win. A pair of children's skis can be purchased for around 1500 DKK including bindings! These are brand new skis, with all the new technology crammed into them to give kids a lot of help. Again, the skis can be resold, but they can also be used for more than one season. This means that the rental price will typically be higher!
In addition, knowing that the kids know the skis and don't have to get used to someone else every time you go skiing is a great bonus. And even have the opportunity to use the skis at home when the weather permits.
Poles
This is where you can really save money. Children don't use poles to begin with. Only when they are skilled skiers are they introduced to poles.
Clothing
The most important thing is that children can stay warm. That's why flying suits and quilted skiwear can be the optimal solution. Warm mittens and a neck warmer or balaclava for the helmet are also a must. The outer shell should of course be made of water-repellent material, considering how much more the kids are in the snow itself, and it can be argued that children's waterproof/breathability should be as good or better than adults'. However, one important thing to be aware of: Cotton is a "no go". It absorbs water and water in freezing weather tends to get cold and ruins the function of your outer layer/underwear functions. A good set of underwear can work wonders and will again ensure that the "fun factor" on skis is optimized. Close-fitting and preferably with merino wool.
See all skiwear for kids here.
Helmet
It's important that the helmet fits! If it's too big it can fall off and if it's too small it can cause headaches. It also needs to fit properly. This means it should cover the forehead. Even if it looks chic that it sits on the neck so you can see the cute headband. Lightweight helmets make for happier kids.
Back shield
A lot of kids are starting to ride with a back protector, and for good reason. An extra safety measure that can prevent serious injuries, and on top of that, good back shields can't actually be felt when you're wearing them. And nowadays back shields are priced at a level where everyone can participate.
Goggles
Ski goggles or googles are a must for children skiing and remember that children have just as much trouble seeing in bad weather as adults. Yet they are often equipped with the cheapest ski goggles! Make sure you give the kids a good experience even in bad weather. And when the sun is shining, ski goggles are a great solution for kids to avoid snow blindness. All too often you see kids riding around with goggles on their helmets instead of on their eyes. Often because the goggles are simply not comfortable enough to wear.
Nowadays, all glasses come with sun filters, so the most important thing is to convince them to wear them. It also helps if the glasses are a bit cool.
Ski harness
Opinions are divided on the subject of keeping kids in a ski harness. However, there seems to be a growing acceptance of its use, even among the most conservative ski instructors. It's just important that you aim to use it correctly. In other words, it's a safety device and the children should ride the skis themselves. They shouldn't hang on to it. It's also a good idea to cross-mount it at the front. That way, by pulling on the straps, you can incorporate the turning movement.
Remember the fun
Much of a child's success lies in the equipment, but of course not everything. The most important factor is that it's fun - all the time. A father frothing at the mouth hisses: "I paid 10,000 SEK to take you skiing... blue toes or not, you're taking five more trips", is not motivating. If, on the other hand, you arm yourself with patience and nip things in the bud, for example with hot chocolate breaks and stopping when the kids get tired, skiing becomes the best thing in the world and something you can share for many years to come.
