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-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 |
| N/A | Shin Guards | Shin Guards Back Protector | Shin Guards Back Protector |
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 Grizzly Outfitters.
- Skis are available on a first come/first served basis beginning one week before the start of the YSL program.
Freeride
The Regional and National Teams have the same equipment requirements.
Four-buckle Boots
Four-buckle boots with custom liners and foot beds are recommended. Boots should be fitted by Grizzly Outfitters 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
| Club | Devo | Comp |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Boots | Classic Boots Skate Boots Combi boots are acceptable. | Classic Boots Skate Boots |
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.
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 Grizzly Outfitters and Christy Sports can help you with skis, poles, boots, bindings, and most apparel:
