Children's skis should be selected according to the height and weight of the young skier, as well as according to the material from which they were made, brand and other nuances – which ones, we will tell in our article.
The best ski manufacturers for kids
Skis must be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of GOSTs and international quality standards. The safety and life of the child depends on this. Therefore, choose products from only trusted brands.
The best manufacturers of children's skis are:
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Fischer;
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Head;
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Atomic;
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Salomon;
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Nordway.
What material should skis be of
In the production of children's models, simpler materials and technologies are used compared to adult models. This does not mean that such products are bad. It's just that a child cannot appreciate the benefits of the latest technology. Moreover, the use of equipment and materials that do not match the skills of a young skier increases the risk of injury.
Most often skis for children are made of plastic or wood.
Plastic skis
These products are durable and reliable. They accelerate well and are great for kids who can ski. Plastic models do not need moisture-repellent impregnation, because, unlike wooden ones, they do not get wet and do not deteriorate under the influence of liquids.
Advantages
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Low weight;
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Can be used during frost and at zero temperature;
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Good sliding properties;
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Durability.
disadvantages
- High price.
Wooden skis
Wood models have good stability. With their help, the child can move quickly and keep balance. Wooden skis are slower to slide than plastic skis, making them great for young children and beginner skiers.
Such products must be treated with special agents to protect them from moisture. If the tree gets wet, it deteriorates faster, becomes rough and loose. In addition, wet snow adheres strongly to wooden models.
Advantages
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Low cost;
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Good stability.
disadvantages
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They have a small margin of safety;
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Wood skis are heavier than plastic skis.
How to choose skis for a child
Before buying, it is important to understand which models your child needs: running or mountain. Cross-country skis are suitable for skiing on a level and good surface, and mountain skis are suitable for skiing downhill, untouched snow and uneven, mountainous surfaces.
Which cross-country skis to choose
Cross-country skiing are:
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Skating – not suitable for small children, because they require certain riding skills. Slip occurs when a skier, like a skater, pushes the inside edge of the product away from the surface. In this case, the track should be wide and well compacted. Skating skis can be used by teenagers and adults.
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Classic – suitable for children over three years old. This is the easiest and safest type of cross-country skiing.
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Universal – suitable for skating and classic gliding.
Depending on the age and weight of the child, the size of the skis is determined:
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3-6 years old. It is impossible for the length of the runners to greatly exceed the height of the child. With a growth of 1 m or 1.1 m, their length should be 1 and 1.1 m, respectively, and with an increase of 1.15 and 1.2 m – 1.2 and 1.3 m.
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6-11 years old. The length of the product is calculated according to the height of the 'skier', to which is added 15–20 cm. For example, if the child is seven years old and his height is 1.2 m, the recommended ski length should be 1.4 m.
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11 years and older. At this age, it is worth choosing skis in the same way as adult products. Skis for classic skiing should be 20 cm larger than the child's height, models for skating by 10 cm, and for universal skis by 15 cm.
What to look for when choosing skiing
The size is determined according to the height, weight, and skills of the child:
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If a young athlete is lighter than 20 kg, the length of the ski bars should be about 70 cm.
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With a weight of 21-30 kg, models with a length of 90 cm are suitable for a child, and with a weight of 30-40 kg – one meter.
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If the child is taller than one meter, the ski bars in an upright position should reach up to his nose. But if the child is a poor skier, he needs shorter runners that reach up to his chin when upright.
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The better a child is at skiing, the longer they can be.
The choice of alpine skis also depends on their level of rigidity. The 'softer' the model, the more suitable it is for young and inexperienced children. Conversely, products with a high level of rigidity are designed for confident users.
Tips for choosing
Please note the type of mounts before purchasing. For babies, soft fasteners (made of a leather belt) are often used, designed for ordinary winter shoes. But they can slip off and get tangled. Therefore, it is better to choose semi-rigid (metal) fixation methods. Remember, the older and more experienced the child is, the harder the mount should be.
Children 3-5 years old do not need to buy ski poles. The main task of 'athletes' at this age is to learn how to balance and stand on skis, and excess equipment can even interfere.
Note the aluminum ski poles. Often their length can be adjusted, which means they will last you longer.
Do not buy overgrown ski boots or poles, otherwise it may injure your child.
In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose alpine skiing and the secrets of choosing cross-country skis.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.
