Wildcat Ski Team – Ski Equipment Guide

Wildcat Ski Team: Ski Equipment Guide

Skiing is an equipment-intensive sport. Having the right gear is essential for performance and safety. We recommend consulting with a coach or a ski shop experienced in outfitting young alpine racing athletes.

Skis

Equipment Guides by Age

General Sizing Guidelines

Slalom (SL) skis: Chin to bridge of nose
Giant Slalom (GS) skis: Bridge of nose to just above the head
Lighter or less experienced skiers may prefer shorter skis; heavier or more aggressive racers may benefit from longer skis.

Boots

Boots are the most critical piece of equipment. Common issues include boots that are too big or too stiff, which can hinder performance.

Fite & Flex Tips

Start with a shell fit (liner removed)
Toes should brush the front; heel gap should be 1–2 fingers
Flex should be smooth and appropriate to the skier’s strength and skill
Check the flex number printed on the boot—cosmetic similarities can be misleading

Helmets

Sizing & Fit

Measure head 1" above eyebrows and ears (in cm)
Try the helmet on—it should feel snug all around
Perform the shake test: helmet should move with the head, not independently

Equipment Recommendations by Age Group

Helmet (mandatory)
Properly fitting goggles
Boots
Poles
One pair of Multi-Event Junior skis

U10

Full shell helmet (mandatory; soft ears not permitted)
Properly fitting goggles
Boots
Poles
Multi-Event Junior or SL skis
GS suit (optional; used recommended)

U12

Full shell helmet (mandatory)
Boots
Poles
SL skis
GS skis
GS suit (optional but common)
Slalom gate protection: shin guards, helmet guard, pole guards
Back protection encouraged

U14

FIS-certified helmet (mandatory for GS and speed events)
Boots (max height: 43 mm)
Poles (one pair; optional second set with SL guards)
SL skis (min 130 cm)
GS skis (min 17 m radius)
Max stack height: 50 mm
GS suit
Slalom gate protection
Back protection encouraged

🔧 Tuning & Equipment

Ski tuning ensures consistent performance in both training and racing. Wildcat’s icy conditions demand regular edge and wax maintenance.

Recommended Tools

Ski Vise
Scraper
File
Diamond stone & Guides
Basic wax
Wax iron (an old clothes iron will work)

Learn the basics to save money and improve consistency. Don’t tune only for races! Properly tuned skis are neccessary for athletes to gain confidence in their equipment in order to go fast during training and race days.

Tuning Education

📜 Rules & Resources

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Equipment Guidance

🔁 Gear Swap

Join our Facebook group to browse, buy, or sell youth ski gear:

Wildcat Ski Team Gear Swap