Downhill skiing is a physically demanding sport, even for the youngest skiers. Choosing the correct size of skis for a child helps him control his movements easily and makes for more fun. Knowing your child's height and weight will help you determine what size downhill ski he needs. The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh urges parents to resist buying skis that their child will grow into, as oversized equipment can lead to injury.
Step 1
Weigh your child. Downhill ski size correlates to body weight, according to Ski Universe sizing charts. A child under 50 pounds can handle ski lengths of 90 to 110 cm, or from about 35 1/2 to just over 43 inches long. For every 10 pounds in body weight, add 5 cm (about 2 inches) to the ski length measurements. Choose a ski at the shorter end of the range if your child has never skied before.
Step 2
Measure your child's full height with a tape measure. She should be wearing boots that are similar to the footwear she'll be wearing on the slopes. Sports Outlet USA's website offers a sizing chart for downhill skis based on a child's height (see the Resources section). For example, a child who is 4 feet tall should wear skis in the 110-to-125-cm range. Stay at the shorter end of the scale for inexperienced skiers.
Step 3
Hold the skis up to your child. The ski is the proper size when the top tip is level with a preschooler's chin, or an older child's nose or upper facial region.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Tape measure
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