Gear up time

Equipment Needs

Different athletes have different needs. Equipment used by older or higher-level athletes may not be necessary for younger athletes. The bottom line is talk to the coaches before you buy any equipment.  We suggest all equipment and clothing is labeled with the athlete’s name and home ski area.

Boots
Besides a helmet, Boots are the most important piece of equipment for a ski racer. A quality 4-buckle junior racing boot with the proper flex is very important. Athletes should be able to buckle all the buckles tightly and still flex the boot forward. They should not have to loosen the top buckle to get ankle and knee flexion.
Sizing is very important. For a general idea, have your child place his heel against a wall and measure in mm to her toes. That is their Mondo size. Shell sizing is critical. To shell size, remove the liner from the shell, and carefully put their foot in the shell. They then slide their feet forward so that their toes are touching the front of the shell. Peer into the heel pocket of the shell and determine how much space exists between the athlete’s heel and the shell. It is often necessary to ask the athlete to flex their knees forward in order to see behind their lower leg. If there is between one and two adult index finger widths of space, the boots are the appropriate size. Socks are also an important factor. Purchase thinner ski-specific socks.

In-Club Equipment Sales
There is always used equipment for sale within the club. This gear is usually affordable and in good shape. Enter your items and check for previously owned equipment on our Google Spreadsheet, link on our homepage

Skis
When making your selection be sure that the model is a race model of skis and not a recreational or all mtn ski. Dynastar, Head, Rossignol, and Volkl seem to be prevalent in Age Class races throughout the region. Talk to coaches for recommendations.
SL Skis should be approx chin height
GS skis should be approx nose to slightly above head height
SG skis should be 10-20 cm longer than GS skis.
U10 Age Class At the U10 level, one pair of combi skis , such as the Rossignol Hero Multi, is acceptable. SL skis should come approx. between athlete’s chin and top of their head. An all mountain or powder ski will help on early season and free-ski powder days.
U12 Age Class athletes may have a combi ski or one pair for Slalom , one pair for GS, and one pair for terrain skiing. Some parents choose to purchase two pairs of each racing discipline, one for training and one for racing. This is not recommended and honestly detracts from their training and race day warm up. GS skis are suitable for SG training and Camps. “Next year’s” GS ski (a length longer), can also be used for SG this year.
should have one pair for Slalom, one pair for Giant Slalom, one pair for Super G (again, a longer GS ski or current GS ski is appropriate), and one pair for Terrain skiing. Athletes may choose to purchase two pairs of each discipline ski, one for training and one for racing, however, this is not recommended or necessary for success. There are Length and turn Radius rules beginning at the U14 level. They change year to year, so please consult your coach prior to purchasing GS and SG skis.
U16 Age Class athletes should have one pair for Slalom, one pair for Giant Slalom, one pair forSuper G (again, a longer GS ski or current GS ski is appropriate), and one pair for Terrain skiing. Athletes may choose to purchase two pairs of each discipline ski, one for training and one for racing. This is still not entirely necessary. GS skis can be used on SG race days for slipping and warming up. There are Length and turn Radius rules beginning at the U14 level. They change year to year, so please consult your coach prior to purchasing GS and SG skis.

Bindings
Most race ski come with a riser plate and matching binding. Consult the DIN chart to see if your bindings will be appropriate for the weight of your athlete. It is the sole responsibility of the individual athlete and their parents to designate the appropriate settings and maintain these settings. Generally, an aggressive racer will need a higher DIN setting as well as more forward pressure.

Poles
Athletes competing in the age class races will need a pair poles for GS, and a separate pair of straight poles with hand guards for SL.
Pole guards (Slalom hand guards) are mandatory for alpine athletes in the YSL, U10 Age Class programs and higher. For sizing, use the 90 degree rule as a starting point. To size, flip the pole upside down andhave the athlete grasp the pole UNDER the basket. There should be approximately a 90degree bend in the elbow, 1-2” shorter for slalom. If between sizes, order big and the poles can be cut to size.

Helmet
Helmets designed for ski racing are required for all athletes participating in a SWSC program for all events. GS and SG helmets must have hard ears that are part of the shell of the helmet. Additionally, GS and SG helmets for U14s and older must have this sticker:
Athletes in the age class programs and older may have a chin guard attachment or mouth guard for SL training and racing. A chin guard cannot be worn for GS or SG events or training.

Speed Suits
Suits are not required for racing or training but are recommended. You may talk to members and check the Google Spreadsheet about used suites. Look at FUXI Racing USA for new suits

Jackets 
Team Jackets are available for purchase. Please ask any board member or coach for details.

Pants / Shorts.
Athletes skiing in a speed suits should select warm up and training pants that have full-length zippers down each leg. This will allow the pants to be removed without removing boots. Slalom shorts allow them to train without their shin guards bunching up their warm-up pants.

Shin Guards and Hand Guards –
For SL, All athletes in YSL, Age Class U10 and older must have a pair of shin guards, and slalom poles with hand guards. Full hand guards are recommended (attach to the top of the pole and below the pole grip).

Back Protector
A back protector is recommended for all events

Ski Tuning and Wax
After an early-season tune, it is recommended to keep ski’s edges appropriately and consistently sharp and waxed well so that the athlete can execute skills without fighting his or her equipment.
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