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
U8
- 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
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