| BUYING OR HIRING? | | | | BINDINGS |
| Every ski season, parents face the problem of | | | | The general rule for bindings is the lower the |
| whether to buy or hire skis and ski boots for | | | | number, the less force needed to release them. |
| their children. If it's your child's first experience of | | | | Remember that for children just starting out, |
| skiing, or you ski only once or twice a year, it's | | | | being able to step in or out of skis easily makes |
| best to hire. Your child will get the opportunity to | | | | them feel more in control, and they are more |
| try out different brands and lengths of ski and, | | | | likely to enjoy themselves. |
| more importantly, decide if skiing is for them. | | | | Some children's skis have integrated bindings, |
| Try and keep uppermost in your mind the main | | | | which float on top of the ski. You may, however, |
| aim, which is that your child has fun, fun, fun! | | | | wish to buy bindings separately. |
| Getting properly fitted gear is the first step in | | | | It is essential that you get a ski shop technician to |
| avoiding discomfort, pain, and anxiety on the | | | | set the bindings correctly, based on your child's |
| slopes! | | | | weight, height, boot size and skiing ability. |
| Wait until you arrive at the ski resort to hire your | | | | BOOTS |
| children's skis, so you have less heavy luggage to | | | | Just before your holiday, ask your child to stand |
| transport and can get a quick and free | | | | on a piece of card in stockinged feet, and draw |
| replacement if there's a fault or your child isn't | | | | around the foot. The length of the imprint from |
| comfortable with the skis. | | | | the tip of the big toe to the back of the hell |
| Unfortunately, ski and boot rental can be a | | | | should be measured in centimetres. This will |
| tedious and long process. The queues can be | | | | correspond exactly with ski boot sizes, so make |
| interminable, and children can very quickly grow | | | | a note of all foot measurements and take it on |
| bored and disruptive. Sometimes a child may end | | | | holiday with you. |
| up with skis or boots that don't fit properly, | | | | The rental shop should offer several pairs of |
| spoiling their experience and wasting time. | | | | boots, in different styles and widths, for your child |
| SKIS | | | | to try. |
| The most important factor in a child's ski is the | | | | It's not always straightforward getting feedback |
| length. To get an accurate sizing, ask your child to | | | | from children so, if you can, take the liner out of |
| stand up straight and stand the skis in front of | | | | the boot and ask your child to stand on it. With |
| them - the ski tip should end between the collar | | | | their heel pressed to the back of the liner, there |
| bone and chin, depending on your child's weight | | | | should be toe wiggle room of between 1 cm - 2 |
| and athletic ability - heavier/more athletic = longer. | | | | cm. |
| If in doubt, choose a shorter ski, which will be | | | | Your child should also be able to bend their knee |
| easier to turn and easier for your child to control. | | | | over the toe of the boot without any discomfort. |
| Children's skis tend to be shorter and more | | | | If you decide to buy instead of hire boots, avoid |
| flexible than adult skis. It's a good idea to choose | | | | buying boots that are too big, as they won't |
| shaped skis instead of traditional straight skis, as | | | | provide full support and can cause blisters. |
| they don't exert as much leverage on children's | | | | If you have booked a luxury catered ski chalet, |
| legs, are more stable and easier to turn. | | | | staff will liaise with you in advance of your trip for |
| Rental shops should always consult you, as | | | | sizing information, and will arrange for a range of |
| parents, regarding your child's ability. Don't try and | | | | skis, boots and other equipment appropriate for |
| push your child beyond their comfort zone. Skis | | | | your party to be brought to your chalet on the |
| that are too long or heavy make skiing difficult | | | | day of arrival. This instantly eliminates hours of |
| and tantrum-inducing at best, but potentially | | | | boredom and makes the whole process fast, |
| dangerous at worst! | | | | stress-free, and even fun. |