Alpine Equipment Recommendations

Appropriate equipment plays a major part in ski racing. Every athlete is unique, so your child’s height, weight, strength and skill level will dictate what equipment is most appropriate for them. It is suggested that you speak to the coaches before purchasing any equipment.

Below is an adapted excerpt from the Ski and Snowboard Australia Alpine Handbook:

This is only a rough guide; please see the specific program information in regards to suggested requirements for your child’s age/program.

 Boots - For all athletes: 

The ski boot is the most important piece of technical equipment a ski racer has.  A well-fitting and flexing boot, will not only help your child enjoy skiing, it will assist in them learning to and being able to balance over their skis. We suggest going to a good boot fitter to get the most appropriate boot. Look to buy boots that are a good fit right now (at the beginning of the season). Things to consider are the boot fit, flex, last, boot type and foot beds.  

 FIS - Athlets 16 & Over

Skis - Any athletes wishing to compete at FIS sanctioned events are required to have “FIS Regulation Skis” below outlines the specifications. 

Maximum Standing (Ski, Plate, Binding) – 50mm

The need to have two pairs of skis per discipline should be based on competitive ambitions. If you or your child is a serious racer doing back to back (Northern and Southern) seasons then two pairs per discipline is recommended, otherwise one pair per discipline will suffice. 

Ski Poles - Athletes are required to have one set of Giant Slalom poles and one set of Slalom Poles with Pole guards.

Race Suit - Not mandatory but suggested. If you choose to use a race suit in FIS Sanctioned Races please ensure that the suit has the “Conforms to FIS Specifications CS 2015” Graphic on it.

Required Protection - Approved Racing Helmet, Goggles, Shin Guards, Chin guard for Helmet (Slalom), Back protector, Stealth Top or Arm Guards and Mouth Guard (highly recommended).           

** For FIS age athletes not competing in FIS competitions the table above is a guide. 

U16 

Skis - See the table below for recommended ski lengths: These will vary on your child’s height, weight, strength and skill level.

* Denotes minimum Radius actual radius may vary from 21m – 30m 

Two pairs of skis per discipline should be based on competitive ambitions. If you or your child is a serious racer doing back to back (Northern and Southern) seasons then two pairs per discipline is recommended, otherwise one pair per discipline will suffice. 

Ski Poles - Athletes are required to have one set of Giant Slalom poles and one set of Slalom Poles with Pole guards.

Race Suit - Not mandatory but suggested.

Required Protection - Approved Racing Helmet, Goggles, Shin Guards, Chin guard for Helmet (Slalom), Back protector, Stealth Top or Arm Guards and Mouth Guard (highly recommended).

U14

Skis - See table below for recommended ski lengths: These will vary on your child’s height, weight, strength and skill level.

 * Denotes minimum Radius actual radius may vary from 17m – 27m 

Two pairs of skis per discipline should be based on competitive ambitions. If you or your child is a serious racer doing back to back (Northern and Southern) seasons then two pairs per discipline is recommended, otherwise one pair per discipline will suffice. 

Ski Poles - Athletes are required to have one set of Giant Slalom poles and one set of Slalom Poles with Pole guards.

Race Suit - Not mandatory but suggested.

Required Protection - Approved Racing Helmet, Goggles, Shin Guards, Chin guard for Helmet (Slalom), Back protector, Stealth Top or Arm Guards and Mouth Guard (highly recommended).

U12

Skis - One pair per discipline is more than enough at this stage of your child’s development.

 Ski Poles - One pair of straight poles.

Race Suit - Not necessary for training. It’s more important that the skier is warm and comfortable in training. The more runs we can get in without being cold, the more the skier will improve.

Required Protection - Approved Racing Helmet, Goggles, Shin Guards, Chin guard for Helmet (Slalom), Back protector, Stealth Top or Arm Guards and Mouth Guard (highly recommended).

U10 

Skis - One pair of skis at this stage of your child’s development is more than adequate. Below is a guideline on ski length for your child based on height. 

Ski Poles - One pair of straight poles.

Race Suit - Are not required at this age. Having fun and being warm is more beneficial.

Required Protection - Approved Racing Helmet, Goggles, Back protector.