Skis & Gear 

U10 recommended 1 pair race skis (Slalom or Multi-event ski) to use for GS & SL.

U12 recommended 2 pairs of race skis (Slalom and GS). Some U12 athletes are fine to use 1 pair for both events, especially if it is their 1st year racing.

U14+ 2 pairs of race skis needed (Slalom and GS). Athletes who race Super-G will need a longer ski. BSF has several pairs available. Reach out to coaches for availability. 

Sizing Guide

In an effort to keep race skis in good racing condition (smooth, sharp edges and clean base) it's best for athletes to have a separate pair of skis that you're ok with them hitting rocks. 

For younger kids, it's recommended that kids free ski on an old pair or race skis or a ski that is narrow underfoot (~80-85mm) so they can continue working on carving.

An all mountain ski/Powder ski can also be used but it is recommended that they are no wider than 100mm underfoot. 

We recommend either a 4 buckle or 3 buckle boot. Number of buckles will vary depending on boot size and length. Athletes should be able to flex their boot easily indoors, if a boot is too stiff it will hinder performance on snow.

Typically a U10 is in 50-60 flex

Typically a U12 is in a 60-75 flex

Proper sizing is important to performance and comfort. Please don’t size up in hopes of getting 2 years out of a boot. At this age, athletes will most likely need boots every year and we can help cut costs with hand-me-downs and deals at the BSF Ski Swap in November.

A standard pole is all that is needed to start. As athletes progress, they will need a second pair with pole guards for slalom. They may also choose to use a specific GS pole for GS and Super-G. Again, coaches will help determine when athletes should be using what equipment.

Sizing: The standard "rule of thumb" for poles is to have the forearm parallel with the snow with the tip of the pole in the snow. This should be done with the athlete standing in his/her skis. 

Helmets are required. Hard Shell (no soft eared) CE approved or equivalent helmet required for Giant Slalom and Speed Events (both racing and training). Soft-eared helmets are allowed for Slalom racing and training only. U14 and older need a FIS approved helmet.

For use in Slalom. Strongly recommended for athletes ready to, or who are already cross blocking. Coaches can help determine if your athlete is ready. Chin bars must be removed for GS & Super G training and racing and freeskiing.

For athletes who are ready to cross block in Slalom. Recommend having a second pair of poles for pole guards if your athlete is cross blocking. You can’t race with Slalom guards on during GS or SG training or racing.

While not required to free ski with your group, it is required for athletes who want to enter avalanche terrain (Slaschmans, Fingers, Ridge) while free skiing with their group.

Given the terrain and requirements for certain areas at Bridger Bowl, rescue beacon and confidence in its use is recommended. BSF will also share information on avalanche awareness opportunities for athletes; we feel its important for even our young athletes to have basic avalanche awareness.

Used to hold daily items, extra layers, lunch and snacks as well as avalanche safety gear when free skiing. Recommend a pack that can skis can be strapped to for hiking. 

Staying warm and appropriate layers are key to successful training days and happy kids! 

• Custom BSF Team apparel info found HERE (not required)

• Ski pants (recommended full, side-zip pants for ease of taking off to ski in GS suit)

• Ski jacket 

• LAYERS: A base layer on top and on bottom is needed. Thicker (or multiple) layers when it's cold, lighter layers when it's warm.

• Speed/GS suit: not required, but encouraged. 

• Ski socks (please send them with high-quality, non-cotton socks!)

• Tip: if their feet get sweaty at school, send them with a dry pair to put on before practice

• Mittens or Gloves (we typically recommend mittens for Devo as their hands get colder and they spend more time in the snow)

• Buff (especially when it's cold, put a second buff in their ski bag)

• Hat/headband (lighter weight is better as they warm-up when skiing)

• Insulation: when it's cold send them with a puffy jacket or vest!

If your athlete is skiing two or more days in a row, a dryer will help them start the day with dry feet which is critical when temps are cold. 

Warm hands and toes help keep kids happy and on the hill.