Equipment

Alpine

Recommended and Required Equipment

The following table summarizes the ski equipment U.S. Ski & Snowboard and BSSEF recommend for participants in Alpine programs. Required items are indicated with an asterisk (*).

U8-U10U12U14U16-U21
Hard-ear Helmet*Hard-ear Helmet*Hard-ear Helmet*Hard-ear Helmet*
Multi-event Jr Race Skis
Free Skis
SL Jr Race Skis
GS Jr Race Skis
Free Skis
SL Race Skis
GS Race Skis
SG Race Skis
Free Skis
SL Race Skis
GS Race Skis
SG Race Skis
DH Race Skis
Free Skis
Fitted PolesSL Poles
GS Poles
SL Poles
GS Poles
SL Poles
GS Poles
4-buckle BootJr Race BootJr Race BootRace Boot
N/AShin GuardsShin Guards
Back Protector
Shin Guards
Back Protector
Hard-ear Ski Helmet
Multi-event Junior Race Ski
Four-buckle Boots
Slalom Pole and Shin Guards
Protective Gear

Hard-ear Ski Helmet

BSSEF Alpine program participants must have a full-coverage, hard-ear ski helmet. Make sure the helmet fits correctly and conforms to USSA and/or FIS certification requirements!

Multi-event Junior Race Ski

A multi-event Junior race ski is less expensive than event-specific skis but still offers the stability and maneuverability required to participate in YSL-level slalom, giant slalom, and kombi events.

Four-buckle Boots

Four-buckle boot offer the fit and support your athlete will need for all-mountain skiing and racing. Be careful not to get a boot that is too big or too stiff.

Protective Gear

More advanced athletes will need slalom poles that incorporate pole guards as well as shin guards and other protective gear.

YSL Ski Loaner Program

BSSEF owns and maintains approximately 50 pairs of junior race skis available for use by Youth Ski League athletes:

  • There is no charge for the use of the skis for the season, but they must be maintained by you.
  • Brands include Volkl, Elan, and Fischer.
  • The program is administered by Christy Sports – Big Sky Town Center.
  • Skis are available on a first come/first served basis beginning one week before the start of the YSL program.

Freeride

Competition Skis/Board
Back Protector
Shovel, Probe, and Beacon
Ski Helmet
Avalanche Backpack

Four-buckle Boots

Four-buckle boots with custom liners and foot beds are recommended. Boots should be fitted by Christy Sports – Big Sky Town Center, Christy Sports – Big Sky Mountain Village, or Montana Ski Tuning & Boot Fitting. See one of these shops for recommendations based on foot shape, size, and flex prior to purchase.

Competition Skis/Board

Two pair of stiff, cambered skis having an underfoot width between 90cm and 108cm are recommended. Snowboards should be stiff and designed for freeride competition. Skis and boards must be maintained with sharp edges and filled base gouges/core shots.

Poles

Ski poles should have a medium-size basket and the correct length. (See a ski shop to get sized.) Adjustable backcountry poles are discouraged.

Ski Helmet

A skiing-certified helmet is required while on snow. Goggle straps must we worn on the outside of the helmet. Helmets must be replaced if damaged.

Back Protector

The back protector must be a stand-alone piece of equipment designed to protect users from impact during a fall. Backpacks, avalanche packs, vests, etc. that are worn externally are not considered to be valid back protectors.

Shovel, Probe, and Beacon

A metal shovel, avalanche probe, and a digital, three (3) antenna avalanche beacon (transceiver) are required.

Avalanche Backpack

An avalanche backpack or vest suitable for carrying skis or a board are required. The cross-carry (diagonal) method is preferred over the A-frame method.

Mouth Guard

A molded mouth guard is highly recommended.

Nordic

Recommended and Required Equipment

ClubDevoComp
Classic Skis (Fish Scale)
Skate Skis

First-year team members need only fish scale classic skis.
Classic Skis
Skate Skis

Fish scale classic skis are not recommended.
Classic Skis
Skate Skis

Older skate and classic skis are recommended for warm-up.
Classic Poles
Skate Poles

A single pair of chin-level poles are acceptable.
Classic Poles
Skate Poles
Classic Poles
Skate Poles
Combi BootsClassic Boots
Skate Boots

Combi boots are acceptable.
Classic Boots
Skate Boots
Classic Skis (Fish Scale)
Classic Skis
Skate Skis
Combi Boot
Classic Boot
Skate Boot

Proper Ski Pole Length

  • Classic poles should reach up to the middle of your shoulder. (Small kids’ poles should reach up to their armpit.)
  • Skate poles should reach to your chin (Club and Devo athletes) or to your bottom lip (Comp athletes and adults).

Training and Race Apparel

Warm-up jackets and race suits are available to Club Team athletes for use during the season as part of their program fee. Warm-up jackets and race suits are available for purchase by Devo Team and Comp Team athletes. Puffy jackets are available for purchase by all athletes.

Warm-up Jacket (Girls)
Puffy Jacket
Race Suit

Used Gear

We know how quickly kids grow through ski gear. That challenge also gives rise to a thriving market in good, second-hand equipment and clothing. Before you plunk down the big bucks for a brand new speed suit, check out the Montana Ski Racing Classifieds on Facebook and the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) ski swap.

Retailers

If you need new gear, our sponsors can help you with skis, poles, boots, bindings, and most apparel:

Christy Sports
Christy Sports – Big Sky Town Center
Christy Sports
Christy Sports – Big Sky Mountain Village