Skiing Equipment

Essentials are skis, ski boots, ski poles, headband or hat, gloves or mittens, long underwear top and bottoms, wind jacket or vest, wind pants or warm ups, wool or poly socks, and insulated water pack.

Skis

TRAIL KIDS will be skiing using both the classic and the skate technique. Each of these require different skis; a pair of waxable classic skis and a pair of skate skis will be used.

Wax

There are two types of wax – glide wax and kick wax. Glide wax is applied to skate skis and the tips and tails of classic skis to protect the skis and give the best performance on snow. Different waxes are available depending on snow conditions. Kick wax is applied to the center section of classic skis and provides traction when compressed against the snow and grips for propulsion along the trail. Your club coaches will be great resources in understanding waxing.

Ski Boots

Options for boots include those dedicated to classic skiing, those dedicated to only skate skiing, or combi boots that can be used for both techniques. Combi boots are the perfect option for TRAIL KIDS age levels when feet are growing so fast.

Ski Poles

Pole heights need to be different for classic and skate skiing, so two pairs of poles are needed. Classic poles should be shoulder height and skate poles should be mouth height.

Headband or Hat

During the winter, you should always wear something to keep your head warm. During colder skis, a hat is necessary because it’s more protective than a headband.

Gloves or Mittens

In general, it is important to protect your hands and keep them warm, while maintaining the ability to put on your ski poles. Wearing gloves vs. mittens is a question to think about. Mittens will typically keep your hands warmer than gloves. Some people handle the cold better than others, so this is a preference that you will need to work out for yourself. Keeping your hands warm is very important, but being too warm can cause your hands to sweat, and being wet can make them susceptible to being cold. Another option on very cold days is the use of hand warmers, but again, warm but not too warm!

Clothing

Let’s keep with the warm but not too warm theme. Long underwear is important in that it can provide an extra layer of warmth. But an important feature to consider is whether the material will keep the moisture close to your body, which will, in turn, make you colder. The material of your socks needs this same consideration. The thickness of your sock and the fit of your boot can also affect your comfort. Too tight of a fit can reduce your circulation and actually make your feet colder. A windproof outer layer can give a vital warm layer of protection. And again, layers will help you manage your temperature during your ski.

Water Pack

Here we are again with our hydration message! But this time, one important factor is how fast your water will freeze and become unavailable to you! Insulated water packs are helpful if you will be out for any length of time.