Ski Size for Kids - Speed vs. Control

Are you confused when you look at ski charts by the large range of acceptable ski size which is appropriate for your child's height? Actually, there is a very simple method for determining the optimal ski size for children. First off you need to decide the basic use for your child's skis. Does you child just ski around the mountain and have fun - or are they ready to advance to park and pipe? If it is tricks and jumps that call to your child, then twin tips may be the way to go.

Simply defined, twin tips have the upturned front edge of a traditional ski, on both the back and the front side. They also are often made to be somewhat more flexible, allowing your little ripper to ski in either direction, a necessary skill when learning and completing many park and pipe tricks.

Next you need to determine your child's ability level. Are they a beginner in need of maximum control? Or, is your child a more advanced and controlled skier, ready for maximum speed. The girl in the photo is wearing twin tip skis, and is currently just outside of a halfpipe. . She is a three times New Zealand national champion for her age category, and therefore ready for these longer twin tips. You can read about her at Sarah Albom.

Below you will find some simple guidelines for determining the best twin tip ski size for your child. I have also included a selection of child's twin tip skis.

Photo Credit: © Oliver Young 2010, used with permission