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.

 

PMRT Equipment Guidelines:

This is intended as a rough guideline, some variability is acceptable depending on scenario. Reach out to the athlete's coach to discuss details on sizing, shops or other factors. There tends to be large discrepancies between different shops, it is highly suggested to utilize a reputable shop with race experience - Stan and Dan, Sport Thoma or Sportshaus are good options.

• 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.

equipment chart

 

U8-10 Teams:

  • Helmet - Hard sided helmet preferred.
  • Goggles - Good quality goggles.
  • Boots - See chart 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.
  • 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, must have a FIS sticker on the back. (ONLY required for U14 and older.)
  • Goggles - Good quality goggles.
  • Race Boots - See chart 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, and pole guards.
  • Poles (2 sets) - One set of slalom poles (straight) are needed. One set of GS poles (bent) are 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.