Equipment Athletes Must Have for the Season

 

Knowing what equipment to get can be confusing and as athletes grow into more competitive classes, equipment needs will change. We tried to make it easy for parents to know what's needed for the season and for racing. This is a starting guide and there are many equipment options to consider. If you have any questions ask your coach! Remember, your commitment to the race team is a commitment to make sure your athlete has adequate race gear for not only their performance, but for their safety.

 

2025-2026 PMRT Equipment Guidelines:

This is very direct advice, yet intended as a rough guideline, some variability is acceptable depending on your scenario. Reach out to the athlete's coach to discuss details on sizing or other factors. There tend to be large discrepancies between shops, it is highly suggested to utilize a reputable shop with race experience - Sport Thoma is a fantastic choice, they have locations in Bartlett NH, Lincoln NH, and Bethel, ME. The key is to buy early (preferably before October 1) and to get a proper fit. Almost all 2026 race and jr race skis are unchanged from 2025 except for the graphics. Shops currently have a lot of left-overs and there is a great deal of money to be saved if you buy before they are gone. Don't wait until Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day to get your equipment; you will miss all of the good deals. 

SKI BOOT ADVICE

This may be the most important lesson parents and athletes will learn. Here is a tip on how to learn it the easy way:

Ski boots are an athlete's link to the snow and the most important piece of equipment beyond a proper helmet. Boots need to fit now, both in volume and in flex, not next year or in two years. Buying boots that kids will grow into is the biggest thing a parent can do to hold their child back from progressing.  Boots should be of a proper flex and size. Balance and application of force (generally thought of as forward pressure, but also lateral angulation) are huge factors in turning a ski accurately. If the boot is snug to the foot and lower leg, and the flex is soft enough, an athlete's weight and body movements are transferred directly to the boot and ski. Boots that are over-padded with extra socks or filler pads, give a great deal before the boot can engage the ski. Boots that are too stiff simply push the athlete off balance to the rear. This is both cumbersome and inefficient to a great degree. If money is the issue, buy last year's ski model or skip the fancy suit and get the right boots. You will be glad you did!  Custom footbeds can be a huge benefit as well and are well worth the money.  The boot fitter at Sport Thoma in Bethel is Adam Grenier (you might also catch him in Lincoln, NH). He is usually in Bethel Thursday through Sunday this time of year and once the season gets going, Thursday and Sunday. Adam's cell is 207-331-6063.     

 The boot fitter in Bartlett is Bill "Tink" Tinkham, also at Sport Thoma. Sorry, I don't have his availability or cell number. Sport Thoma in Bartlett is 603-733-5533.

  • U10 skis should be a wood-core sidewall construction instead of the foam-core cap construction found on most multi-event skis, SL skis are more likely to be wood-core sidewall construction.
  • Boots should have a proper shell fit; with liner removed and toes lightly touching front of shell 1.5-2 fingers of space behind heel is suggested, it is not ideal to leave room for growth or multiple seasons.
  • Ski poles for SL should be fit with a 90 degree bend at elbow when holding the pole upside down under the basket, GS poles should be one size longer. Younger kids only really need one pair of poles, slightly too long is better than too short! 

sequipment chart

 

U8-10 Teams:

  • Helmet - Hard sided helmet.
  • Goggles - Good quality goggles. Yellow lenses are best for night or flat light. Clear lenses are generally good all-around.
  • Boots - See above.
  • Skis - One pair of multi-discipline or Slalom skis. See chart above.
  • Gloves or Mitts - Warm, high quality gloves or mitts.
  • Face Mask - Essential for cold days to prevent frostbite.
  • Socks - Thin ski socks. Multiple identical pairs is a good idea  
  • Poles - Non adjusting straight poles. Guards not necessary.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers for cold days.

 

If your athlete is wearing a race suit it is required to have 'zip off ski pants/shorts'.

 

  

U12-18 Teams:

  • Helmet - Hard sided helmet FIS approved, certification indicated by a FIS sticker on the back. (FIS Sticker ONLY required for U14 and older.)
  • Goggles - Good quality goggles. Yellow lenses are best for night or flat light. Clear lenses are generally good all-around.
  • Race or Performance Boots - See above.  
  • Skis (2 sets) - One set of Slalom (SL) skis, One set of Giant Slalom (GS) skis. See chart above.
  • Gloves or Mitts - Warm, high quality gloves or mitts.
  • Face Mask - Essential for cold days to prevent frostbite.
  • Socks - Thin ski socks.
  • Body Protection - Shin guards, chin guard for helmet, and eventually pole guards.
  • Poles (2 sets) - One set of slalom poles (straight) are needed. One set of GS poles (bent) are an option needed. 
  • GS Suit - Wear GS suit to all practices and races.
  • Snow Pants - Zip off snow pants. Additional zip off shorts are optional.
  • Hand and Toe Warmers for cold days.



The MARA equipment info click here.

 

For some recommendations on ski equipment needs from USSA click here.