Late each year the skies darken earlier and earlier, leaves fall from trees, temperatures start to drop and autumn turns to winter. This symbolic change means one thing to many families: ski season. The most important part of ski season is pulling out your gear and making sure it's ready to hit the mountain. Get your kids the correct gear and their experience will be much more enjoyable.
Size
The first factor you should consider when sizing your child for skis is her height. If your child is between the ages of 6 and 12, the tips of her skis should reach her nose and eyebrows if you stand the skis on end in front of her face. If your child is under age 6, her skis should be a bit smaller than the average and tips should measure in around her chin.
Effects
If your child is large and weighs more than other children his age you will want to consider get him skis that are a bit longer than normal. Your child's extra weight allows him to turn the longer skis easier. Along with the extra length, a ski that is wider will also help distribute his weight.
Considerations
You would be wise to give your child a shorter ski if she is brand new or only in her first few seasons. Shorter skis will allow her to go slower and turn much easier than with a normal or oversized ski. Shorter skis will also perform better on technical trails that are tight and winding.
Types
Determine what style of skiing your child is going to be doing before sizing him. Types to consider would be slalom, super-G, dual mogul, cross-country, park, freestyle and all-mountain. Innovations in ski technology have ushered in an era where skis come in hybrid models that incorporate several different types of skiing styles. You can get skis that will help your children be comfortable in any type of terrain.
Warning
Skis are an advanced piece of sports equipment and proper sizing should be taken into consideration at all times. Even though it may seem like a good idea to buy skis that your children can grow into, it's certainly not recommended. Don't be afraid to rent skis to figure out which type of skis fit your child the best. Where you may be able to buy for the future is with ski poles and bindings. With the adjustable styles on the market you can get models that will last from two to four seasons.
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