Getting Kids Started in Skiing: Gear Essentials for Young Riders

There is no better time of the year than Canadian winter to start the whole family riding skis and sleds. Witnessing the first rides of your toddlers sliding down the snowy mountain is one of the joys of family life. In order to prepare them for skiing in Canada properly, you have to buy the right equipment to ensure safety, warmth, and ease of learning for them. Follow this guide to make your trip easier, and avoid wasting time in the rental or sports shops.

Choosing Skis and Bindings

The first thing you need to do to buy proper skis is to measure the right size for your child. Since your kid is most likely a beginner, you have to choose relatively shorter skis for them that will be easier to control and turn. Stand your skis upright, and see if their tips are as tall as your toddler’s height from their chest to their chin. As for the bindings, they have to be adjusted by certified professionals, based on your child’s body mass, height, and skill level.

Getting Right Ski Boots

Loose ski boots can easily spoil a skiing day of the entire family since they can cause pain and reduce the rider’s balance on skis. Moreover, if your kid’s shoes are not of a proper size, they can have problems with blood circulation in their legs. Therefore, buy junior ski boots at Sundance Ski & Snowboard Shop that are neither big nor tight for your children – they should feel comfy, while allowing them to move their toes and locking their heels.

Wearing Helmets

Helmet is one of the key safety pieces of equipment you need to buy for your kids. A certified snow sports helmet is required at all Canadian ski resorts. Your child should put it on level, so it would cover their forehead, without touching their goggles. Also, try moving your kid’s helmet slightly – if it moves, then it is too big. It goes without saying that the helmet should be either new or well-tested.

Selecting Clothes for Snow Sports

The air temperature on Canadian ski slopes drops to -30°C. Hence, to stay warm and comfortable all day long, you have to dress your kids in layers of clothing. Put on a moisture-wicking shirt and leggings as a first layer. Wear a thermal mid-layer jacket. Finally, add a waterproof ski jacket and snow pants. You will be amazed how comfortable your children will be during skiing!

Using Goggles and Other Gear

It is important that your kids will see everything clearly to avoid accidents while skiing on a slope. Thus, you should get yourself a reliable pair of goggles that fits their helmets well. Antifog lenses are recommended to use. Besides, consider getting your kids waterproof mittens. In comparison with gloves, they are much warmer as they keep fingers bundled together, warming each other.

Conclusion

When you give your children appropriate equipment, it will become easy for them to master skiing and have fun. They will be warm and comfortable enough to concentrate only on skiing and enjoy doing it. Remember to take breaks for snacks to rest and cheer your family members up!