Alpine Equipment | Big Sky Ski Education Foundation

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-U10	U12	U14	U16-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 Poles	SL Poles GS Poles	SL Poles GS Poles	SL Poles GS Poles
4-buckle Boot	Jr Race Boot	Jr Race Boot	Race Boot
	Shin Guards	Shin Guards Back Protector	Shin Guards Back Protector

Masters Equipment Information

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!

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.

A **four-buckle boot** offers 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.

Slalom Pole and Shin Guards — More advanced athletes will need **slalom poles** that incorporate pole guards as well as shin guards and other protective gear.

Used Gear

You don’t need us to tell you 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.

Montana Ski Racing Classifieds Facebook Group

Retailers

If you need new gear, our sponsors Grizzly Outfitters and Lone Mountain Sports can help you with skis, poles, boots, bindings, and most apparel:

**Lone Mountain Sports** is a dedicated alpine ski shop located directly at the base of Big Sky’s slopes in the Arrowhead Mall.

Regulations

The only new U.S. Ski & Snowboard equipment regulations for the 2020-21 season is the prohibition of wax products containing fluorocarbon from use in all sanctioned competitions.

USA_Equipment_Matrix_20-21

FIS Equipment Regulations