Ski Equipment Information

If you have questions about equipment after reading this information, please visit one of our partner retailers, Joe’s Sporting Goods and Hi Tempo.

Label all clothing and equipment with the student’s name and a phone number!

The Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of shaped skis for all our students. All major ski manufacturers offer shaped ski designs for young people.

Sizing recommendations for shaped skis:

• Beginner to intermediate skiers: Chin to mouth height
• Advanced intermediate to advanced skiers: Mouth to forehead height

When available, refer to specific manufacturers’ sizing charts. As a rule, it is better to size shorter rather than longer.

Skier weight is the critical factor in sizing children’s and junior skis. If a child is too light for the ski, only the tip and tail will engage when the ski is edged, which impedes skill development. Tall, lightweight youth need to be sized appropriately.

Flex recommendations (longitudinal and torsion, or twist) for shaped skis:

• Recreational skis: soft longitudinal, soft torsion
• High performance skis: soft to moderate longitudinal, moderate torsion
• Junior race skis: moderate longitudinal, moderate to stiff torsion

Athletic ability and skiing experience are also factors to consider when determining ski flex. For teen and adult ski recommendations, please consult our specialty shop partners at Joe’s Ski Shop and Hi Tempo Ski Shop.

Skier weight and ability level determine model selection. Bindings should be professionally adjusted and release-tested before the start of each season.

The ski & ride school endorses the use of front entry ski boots with overlapping buckles. Front entry boots provide a fit proportional to a child’s leg to allow efficient ankle flex for skier balance.

Ankle flex recommendations for front entry boots:

• Recreational ski boots: soft flex
• Performance boots: soft to moderate flex
• Junior race boots: moderate to stiff flex

PLEASE NOTE: Junior race ski boots are designed with relatively stiff ankle flex. Recreation or performance ski boots are best suited for children.

For teen and adult boot recommendations, please consult our specialty shop partners at Hi Tempo and Joe’s.

The use of aftermarket ski boot footbeds increases comfort and help address skier alignment needs. Many children’s ski boots have no footbeds or defined arch support.

Two types of footbeds are available:

• Trim to Fit: A generic arch support footbed to improve comfort and fit
• Custom molded: A custom-designed footbed that supports a skier’s foot in a neutral position when in a ski boot to provide comfort and optimum alignment and balance

The ski & ride school endorses poles with a strap grip. To determine length, invert the pole, place the grip end on the floor, and grasp the pole below the basket - forearm should be parallel to floor.

NOTE: When purchasing junior ski poles, have your child wear mittens to make sure that the ski pole grip and strap are large enough to accommodate their mittened hands.

Most ski clothing manufacturers offer youth ski wear in breathable waterproof and/or water-resistant fabrics. These fabrics offer comfort and protection in varying weather conditions. Children should be dressed in layers: jacket/pants with moisture-wicking undergarments (polar fleece, T-neck, long underwear).

Clothing layers provide flexibility on days when the temperature fluctuates. The Academy operates on mornings that are sometimes below zero. When clothed appropriately (layered system with hat/helmet, goggles and neck warmer/face mask), children are able to actively enjoy the day.

Proper accessories can make any skiing experience safer and more enjoyable. Our experience has shown that the following items help to keep your children safe, comfortable and organized.

• Helmet - the Academy requires the use of helmets for all students. Helmets should have venting for heat regulation. Generally, helmets with soft ear flaps are more comfortable and allow the skier to hear better. NOTE: It is important that children are sized by specialty shop personnel. Resizing should be performed each season to account for growth. A helpful resource is the Ski Safety US website.
• Ski bag - REQUIRED FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION to hold skis and poles
• Boot bag - REQUIRED FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION to hold boots and loose items
• Goggles for snow, sun and wind protection. Check for fit with helmet.
• Neck wallet to hold money
• Ski lock (primarily for teen skiers)
• Sunscreen and lip balm for sun and wind protection (critical for children on both sunny and cloudy days).

Please label all accessories with name and phone number for easy identification.

☐ Skis

☐ Poles

☐ Boots

☐ Ski Jacket: Should be large enough to accommodate layers underneath

☐ Ski pants: NOTE that one piece ski suits often pose a difficulty for children during bathroom breaks.

☐ Long underwear: Wicking fabric preferred

☐ Under-jacket layers: Turtleneck, sweatshirt, sweater or polar fleece - wicking fabric preferred.

☐ Ski socks: Ski-specific socks are best. The socks should extend HIGHER than the boot. No cotton socks!! NO ribbed socks (ribbing causes irritation).

☐ Mittens: preferred over gloves for warmth - waterproof material preferred. Mittens should have an extended cuff design to cover the jacket sleeve and keep snow out.

☐ Neck warmer: Fleece (or face mask for cold days)

☐ Helmet liner: Made of wicking material for cold conditions

Please label all clothing with name and phone number for easy identification.