Choose the Right Kids’ Ski Gear

Sponsored by Grass Sticks Bamboo Ski Poles

Get 10% off with code REP367

We all have those outdoor gear head friends. You know who I’m talking about–the dudes who can tell you what kind of material every component of your bike is made out of, troll facebook marketplace all day for sweet deals, and give you detailed recommendations on which next pair of ski boots to buy. 

But what happens when gear heads become parents? They channel their expertise into their kids’ gear. Gear head parents pride themselves on becoming intimately familiar with all the tiny specs and knowing where to buy the right child product for the right price. Kory Jermulowske is one such expert. Jermulowske has a five year old boy who skis and an eight year old girl who skis and snowboards, so he has ran the entire gamut of kids’ gear–across age, gender, and sport. It certainly helps that Jermulowske spent 10 years working in a ski shop, which has greatly enhanced his expertise and knowledge about ski gear. So, Jermulowske hooked us up with expert advice so that you can set your kid up with ski gear from head to toe.

What to Look For in Kids' Ski Gear

Skis

When buying a ski for your kid, it’s important to look at the length, the binding, and the quality of the ski. The exact length of the ski will depend on the child’s height, weight, and ski level. But, generally, you want the ski height to be between their chest and nose when it is standing straight up against them. If you are buying used skis, check out the bindings to see if they are adjustable. If not, make sure the bindings are compatible with your child’s ski boots. If the height and bindings are the right size, you may have a winner! Jermulowske always gives the ski a final look-over to make sure the top sheet isn’t peeling off and the bases are in good shape, with little to no dings or scratches on them.

Ski Boots

Kids boots are one of the hardest things to buy, because kids’ feet grow so quickly and boots can be more challenging to size correctly. Since the boot has a hard shell, you will not be able to tell where your child’s foot is inside the boot when they have it on. In order to size it correctly, pull the liners out of the boots and have the kids stand in them to measure their toes in the liner. You want some toe space, but not too much! It is important for ski boots to fit snugly. (Also, Jermulowske says to keep an eye out for adjustable ski boots! Some kids ski boots can be resized to fit growing feet.)

Helmet

Helmets are a no-brainer. (Or should I say a “yes-brainer” because they protect your noggin?) For kids, there are tons of fun helmets out there with cool styles and designs. If your kid wants to look like a unicorn or a monster while skiing down the slopes, there is a helmet out there for them. No matter what style of helmet your kid prefers, Jermulowske emphasizes that you should make sure it has the goggles built into it. If the goggles can separate from the helmet, they will definitely get scratched, get lost, or your kids will refuse to wear them.

Base Layers

Luckily, your kid probably already has base layers, even if you didn’t realize it. Jermulowske recommends fleece pajamas, because they already act as the perfect base layer. PJs provide warmth, are breathable, and dry quickly if they get damp. Your kid will be thrilled when they find out they can hop right out of bed and put their ski gear on without having to change out of their pajamas!

Gloves and Mittens

Gloves and mittens can serve different uses, so it’s important to figure out which one is going to be more beneficial to your kid specifically. If you have a kid who gets colder, you will want to choose mittens because they stay warmer. If you have a kid who is clumsier in their ski gear or likes to use their hands a lot, you might want to go with gloves because the separate fingers provide more dexterity. Either way, Jermulowske recommends buying gloves or mittens with wrist leashes. (Pro-tip: If you find some you like without wrist leashes, you can usually just add a string or paracord to the glove or mitten and create a small loop to go around the child’s wrist.)

Snow Bibs

When considering what type of ski pants to buy, Jermulowske suggests getting bibs for your kid. Unlike pants, bibs have suspenders that help keep the snow and cold out. With bibs on, your child can fall in the powder, make snow angels, and get in snowball fights without having to worry about cold snow getting down their pants. 

Poles

Most kids don’t use poles when they are first learning how to ski. For new little skiers, practicing the technique of sliding down the mountain on two sticks of wood is hard enough without throwing two other sticks of wood in the mix. However, once kids become more advanced giving them a set of poles can help with both their balance and technique. Check out Grass Sticks Kids Ski Poles - grow with your poles program, which can be exchanged up to 5 times while kids grow (use coupon code REP367 for 10% off). When looking for the right size, have your child hold the pole upside-down with their hand under the basket. Their elbow should be at a ninety degree angle. 

Small Backpack

Although not essential, Jermulowske always has his kids carry their own small backpack or fanny pack with them when they ski. This way, the kid can be responsible for their own snacks, water, and layers. (Plus, if you want to sneak one of your own snacks or beverages in there, you can!)

When looking for ski gear for your kids, it doesn’t have to be in mint condition. It just has to fit, be comfortable, and function well for the ski task at hand. With these pro tips from Jermulowske, you can absolutely find amazing, used gear for an affordable price. And don’t forget to ask your friends if they have hand-me-downs!

Sponsored by Grass Sticks Bamboo Ski Poles

Get 10% off with code REP367

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