U12 Equipment

Proper fit, function and condition of equipment is a critical component to success. Equipment
below is listed in priority. The right ski boot and proper fit is the most important piece of
equipment in order to develop ski skills.

Don’t feel you have to get everything all at once. Some of the extras like speed suit, chin guards, shin pads, etc. can be acquired once the season is underway. There always seems to be gear exchanging hands. 

SKI BOOTS

Boots are priority #1; if in doubt for flex, try the “jump test.” Your athlete should be able to jump standing and land in a brief flexed position. (No need to hold it; they just need to be able to flex the boot with pressure).

Four buckle front entry race boot.
Considerations and terminology for race boots:

FIT

As snug as possible without compromising room for the toes.
A ski boot should be snug while wearing a thin sock and not allow excessive heel movement
up and down.

Buy for current foot size, not next year or for room to grow. You are better off buying a used
pair that fits now than a new pair that is slightly too big.

FLEX

Most ski boots have a flex between 60 and 120. U12S should be on 60 or 70. If they are a big
for their age, sometimes a 90. Flex is determined by weight as much as ski ability. An active
skier who moves a lot can use a stiffer boot than a heavier skier who doesn’t bend their legs or
push on the cuff as much.

SKIS & BINDINGS

As with boots, all aspects of skis and bindings must be well-suited to the athlete. The biggest
myth about race skis is that the height of the skier determines ski length. It does not. Ski length is decided
by skill level/skiing ability/leg activity level and the skier’s weight.

Slalom skis are needed in U12; free skis or Powder skis for days with 10cm or more of new
snow are optional but will enhance the fun factor on those days. GS skis are optional but
enhance GS training. The bindings should have the appropriate DIN range. For most U12s that
means a 3 to 10.

Considerations and terminology for slalom skis and bindings:

LENGTH

All manufacturers have slightly different lengths for each basic size (139cm/142cm etc are all
considered 140cm skis).

80% of all U12s use 135cm to 140cm slalom skis. Lighter or heavier than average kids or
considerable differences in ski ability would have SL skis sizes shorter or longer than 135cm or
140cm.

RADIUS (SIDECUT)

Junior slalom skis are built with a suitable metre radius for the lengths. Most U12 slalom skis
are between 8m and 10m. (GS around 17m).

SKI CONSTRUCTION

Junior race skis are a step up from the child models, but are still less material in the
construction than adult models (usually an extra layer of metal just under the top sheet). This
keeps the flex of junior skis matched with weights of small racers. It also helps to keep the skis
light weight.

Below is a basic size chart going only by weight. A more active/athletic skier (leg movement/
joint bending could go longer and vice versa).

U12 SKI SIZE CHART

Weight	Slalom	GS (Optional)
65lb – 75lb	122cm	142cm
75lb – 85lb	130cm	150cm
85lb – 100lb	135cm	156cm
100lb – 115lb	140cm	160cm
115+	150cm	165cm

* These are guidelines. Individual manufacturers may have slightly different recommendations.

POLES

Poles are not nearly as important as a proper fitting boot or the right flex and length ski, but
poles do need to be the right height. See below for sizing guidelines. There is a big trend to use
the click-in systems instead of traditional straps. Click-in systems work okay, but sometimes a
lot of fiddling around trying to click in happens. A good race pole has a rubber grip with a
regular buckle strap (that is done up the proper way so the strap is not folded over) and a
smallish basket. They do not need to be bent for aerodynamics/tuck position.

Sternum height. 90 degree arm bend when holding pole upside down under basket. Account
for extra ski, binding riser plate, and boot height

.
Pole hand guards are for tall slalom gate training only. Second year U12s should consider
getting some as the U12s do begin to train with full-size gates near the end of the season.

Once in U14 all slalom gates are full size and pole hand guards are needed.
Poles must have baskets.
Higher grade alloy is best (race poles stronger than some regular poles that bend easily).

HELMET, GOGGLES & SHIN GUARDS

Rules require the use of a hard-eared helmet.
U12s may wear chin guards in slalom but must be removed for GS.
Always take care of your goggle lenses by storing them in a soft bag and never wipe the
lenses, especially the inside with tissue paper.

Mouth guards are optional but are fine to wear while skiing! Shin guards can be used in U12 for
slalom only.

UNIFORM & CLOTHING

• Speed suits can be worn for all training days, but are not mandatory.
• Zip-off pants. Consider updating to ski pants with full-zip sides (allow ski pants to be removed without taking ski boots off).
• Training shorts and a vest ( optional) are a great way to add race simulation to regular training.
• Think of dressing as if you’re doing an outdoor winter workout. You need to stay warm, but you also
  have to be able to move.

ON-SNOW ITEMS EVERY U12 NEEDS

Don’t feel you have to get everything all at once. Some of the extras like speed suit, chin guards, shin pads, etc. can be acquired once the season is underway. There always seems to be gear exchanging hands. 

• SKI BOOTS – 4 buckle overlap design. Tight yet comfortable fit.
• SLALOM SKIS – see weight size guide
• HELMET – must be hard shell over ears
• POLES – straight shafts with straps on handles
• SL SHIN GUARDS – if guards too long (hits boot instep) cut them down
• SL CHIN GUARD – for slalom gate training
• SPEED SUIT – look for a used one
• GOGGLES – keep the lens protected in a bag
• SKI GLOVES – mitts for extreme cold but gloves must for proper pole plants
• JACKET
• Zip OFF PANTS

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• EARLY SEASON “ROCK”SKIS – slalom skis preferred !
• GS SKIS
• TRAINING VEST
• TRAINING SHORTS

OFF-SNOW ITEMS

This is a great time to get your athlete acquainted with their own ski maintenance, start with them waxing first (they love that).

WAX AND TUNING KIT
Basic kit, warm and a cold wax, iron, plastic scraper, File, File guide 93degree, diamond stone
400 grit.