Gear Requirements and Recommendations

U8/U10

Ski Gear

Ski Boots

• Must be properly fitted and the correct size. Buying a larger size to “grow-into” is dangerous and not beneficial to athlete development.
• Boots should be front buckle (not rear entry) and have a performance oriented designed. Boot stiffness should support the athletes’ weight but allows them to flex and manipulate the boot. A reputable boot fitter should be able to help with this.
• Proper fitting boots is more important than any other piece of gear, including skis. 

**NOTE**

If you purchase new boots and not new skis, the bindings on the athletes existing skis will need to be adjusted to the new boots BEFORE the first day of training.

Skis

• U8 and U10 athletes need only one pair of skis, which should ideally be from a junior performance line.
• Slalom specific or a "multi-event" race ski are preferred.
• Skis with an appropriate side-cut will facilitate the athlete learning to carve the ski and excel in various drills.
  • The side-cut refers to the physical shape of the ski, and determines which size turns it will be most suited for making.
  • Twin-tips and non-performance skis are not recommended.
• Ski length at this age is generally recommended to be above the chin and below the forehead.

Bindings

• Bindings should be appropriately sized for the athletes’ ski boot size, physical size, and weight. Most junior skis will come with a binding appropriate for the athletes who will likely use that ski. Ideally, the bindings should be purchased such that the appropriate release value (DIN Setting), should be around the middle of the range offered by the binding (not super light nor maxed out).
• Binding adjustment to the athletes boots and setting of the release value (DIN) should be done by a qualified technician at a reputable shop. Eddie at the Martock Ski Shop inside the lodge is a great resource in this regard. It is true that in some racing circumstances, the appropriate release setting will deviate to be greater than recommended. However, this is not applicable at the U8 or U10 age, and bindings should be set according to manufacturer's recommendation.
• Binding condition should be assessed by a qualified technician at the start of each season to ensure that there is no physical damage to the binding and the mechanism works as it should.
  • Physical damage could be something like a broken ski break.
  • The binding may also appear to be “worn out” if there is play between the moving parts that should be under spring tension.

Ski Poles

• Should be sized such that when the athlete is standing in their ski gear and holding the pole out front with the pole stuck in the snow, their arm will be bent approximately 90 degrees. Slight variation from this angle is not a big deal.
• For U8, please do not bring ski poles at the start of the season, they will be worked into the program as athletes progress

Safety/Protective Gear

CSA Approved Ski Helmet

• Any new modern alpine specific helmet should be good in this regard.
• Bike/hockey helmets etc. are not acceptable

Outerwear

Warm Jacket & Snow pants

• Being cold is no fun and having to take frequent warm-ups with the younger age groups takes massive chunks of time out of valuable time on snow. The solution? Warm gear that will allow athletes to get the most out of their training sessions.

Snacks

• Snacks in athletes jacket pocket are highly recommended, especially if athletes are known to get hungry quickly and will not likely make it till lunch. Similar to going for warm-ups, snack breaks take loads of time out of the training day, so the ability to have a quick bite on the chairlift can really help make best use of the day.

U12

Ski Gear

Ski Boots

• Must be properly fitted and the correct size. Buying a larger size to “grow-into” is dangerous and not beneficial to athlete development.
• Boots should be front buckle (not rear entry) and have a performance oriented designed. Boot stiffness should support the athletes’ weight but allows them to flex and manipulate the boot. A reputable boot fitter should be able to help with this.
• Proper fitting boots is often more important than any other piece of gear, including skis. 

**NOTE**

If you purchase new boots and not new skis, the bindings on the athletes existing skis will need to be adjusted to the new boots BEFORE the first day of training.

Skis

• U12 athletes require at least one pair of skis, but may use two pair of skis depending on their stage of development and ambitions.
  • Properly sized slalom skis are required, while having a pair of Giant Slalom skis is optional.
• Sizing is based on age, weight, and skill level. However, slalom ski length is generally close to chin height, and GS ski length is generally close to or a bit above the forehead.
• As a general recommendation, 2^nd year U12 athletes will benefit from dedicated Slalom and GS skis, as it will allow them to develop discipline specific skills and prepare them to move to U14.

Bindings

• Bindings should be appropriately sized for the athletes’ ski boot size, physical size, and weight. Most junior skis will come with a binding appropriate for the athletes who will likely use that ski. Ideally, the bindings should be purchased such that the appropriate release value (DIN Setting), should be around the middle of the range offered by the binding (not super light nor maxed out).
• Binding adjustment to the athletes boots and setting of the release value (DIN) should be done by a qualified technician at a reputable shop. Eddie at the Martock Ski Shop inside the lodge is a great resource in this regard. It is true that in some racing circumstances, the appropriate release setting will deviate to be greater than recommended. However, this is not applicable at the U8 or U10 age, and bindings should be set according to manufacturer's recommendation.
• Binding condition should be assessed by a qualified technician at the start of each season to ensure that there is no physical damage to the binding and the mechanism works as it should.
  • Physical damage could be something like a broken ski break.
  • The binding may also appear to be “worn out” if there is play between the moving parts that should be under spring tension.

Ski Poles

• Should be sized such that when the athlete is standing in their ski gear and holding the pole out front with the pole stuck in the snow, their arm will be bent approximately 90 degrees. Slight variation from this angle is not a big deal.
• Athletes using pole guards for slalom (see below) may benefit from having a second set of ski poles for GS. However, another option is to just remove pole guards when not skiing Slalom. The relevance of removing pole guards for GS is that the pole guards will get in the way when passing GS gates and may impact the position of the athletes hands while skiing.
• Straight poles are always used for Slalom. For GS, straight or bent poles may be used. The concept of bent poles is to allow the athlete to produce a more aerodynamic shape when in a “tuck”. However, this is more relevant for super-G and Downhill races. For U12 GS, bent poles will provide no real value to the athlete, so would be a purchase of personal preference.

Safety/Protective Gear

CSA Approved Ski Helmet

• Hard-eared helmets are recommended for U12 athletes if they are purchasing a new helmet.
  • This will be a requirement to race GS and other "speed" events when the athlete moves to U14.
  • Soft-ear helmets are allowed in U12.
• If buying a hard-eared helmet, please ensure that it is "FIS RH 2013 compliant". FIS approved helments are required to have the following sticker applied (usually at the back near the bottom)

Shin Guards

• Shin guards are recommended for U12 athletes. These are used to deflect the rubber “stubbie” gates and plastic “tall” gates when skiing slalom. Most U12’s will start off only shinning the soft stubbie gates but having the shin guards lets them get used to wearing them.

Pole Guards

• Pole guards, in combination with shin guards are used to deflect the hard plastic gates when skiing slalom. These are not a requirement for U12 starting off but may be recommended by the athletes coach when they progress to cross-blocking tall gates.

Chin Guard

• Chin guards are a protective bar added to the athlete’s helmet for face/teeth protection when skiing slalom. These are highly recommended when athletes begin to cross-block gates. Most “race” helmets are compatible with the addition of a chin guard

**NOTE**

Chin bar should be removed for GS skiing, and is not required for free skiing or skiing stubbies

Outerwear

Downhill Suit

• Race suits are not required for U12, however they are recommended for athletes planning to continue on to the Senior Race Team.
• Ski racing suits reduce air resistance, allowing athletes to travel through the race course faster. It is recommended that athletes (especially those in 2^nd year U12) acquire a race suit so that they can get used to racing and training in it. In order to be competitive, these suites will be a must when the athlete moves to U14.
• Many race suits are available second-hand.

Other

Basic Ski Tuning Kit

• Well prepared skis will help athletes get the most out of training as they will be better able to control their skis on different conditions, and thus focus more on improvement. For U12, a basic array of tuning gear will be sufficient. Athletes are encouraged to take part in waxing their own skis but may need assistance to safely sharpen skis due to the strength required
• A basic tuning kit might consist of:
  • A set of sturdy ski vices
  • Waxing Iron
  • Universal Ski Wax
  • Plastic Wax Scraper
  • Copper, nylon and/or horsehair bristle ski brush
  • Side Edge File Guide for Sharpening (88 Degree)
  • Ski File
  • Diamond stone for polishing

Senior Race Team (U14-U21)

Below is a quick overview of requirements for each main piece of racing equipment. At this age we do not list items like warm clothing as a requirement, but hopefully that knowledge has been acquired and engrained at this point.

Skis

• Most athletes on the senior race team (SRT) should have two pairs of race skis. It is possible and allowed to use one pair for both disciplines at some national events. However, at this level of the sport there is reduced value in training and/or racing multiple disciplines on a multi-discipline pair of skis. As such, athletes should have a set of Slalom skis and Giant Slalom skis.
  • Legal Minimum and Maximum lengths / ski radii requirements for races do exist; and are outlined in the Alpine Canada's “National Competition Rules” (NCR) document.
  • These min and max lengths are not necessarily useful in determining the appropriate ski length for a specific athlete.
  • Many manufactures publish racing guides to get athletes in the ball-park for selecting the correct ski for their age, size and ability.
  • All questions related to appropriate ski lenth/radius for a specific event should be directed to respective age group head coaches

     

Boots

• Selecting the correct boots is one of the most critical aspects of productive athlete development, as they are the vehicle for transmission of force between the athlete and the ski. Proper fitting race boots will not fit the same as proper fitting recreational boots. In a racing boot, the boot will have less void space and fit much more snuggly. Toes will be closer to the end of the boot, but should not be curled or bunched up. There should also be no painful pressure points when the boot is properly fitted, dispute the reduction in volume.
• Race boots are classified as race boots by all the manufacturers, and are designed to provide the appropriate racing fit, while also providing options for boots with different flexes to suit different athletes. An appropriately selected race boot must be flexible enough for the athlete to flex the boot to a degree, but not so flexible that the athlete feels like they are falling forward when they apply pressure. A stiffer boot will be better for power transmission, while a softer boot will allow the skier to be smoother on the skis and adsorb terrain changes. As such, at the highest levels, athletes will have different boots for different disciplines. At this age group, we will shoot for a best of both worlds approach in selecting ski boots.
• Athletes should consult coaches and qualified boot fitters when determining what boots are most appropriate
• Only one (1) pair of ski boots is required

   

Poles

• It is recommended that athletes have:
  • (1) Pair of Slalom Poles (straight)
  • (1) Pair of Giant Slalom Poles (straight or bent)
• Slalom poles must be straight as they are used to deflect gates and for strong pole plants when skiing slalom. A bent racing pole in the scenario can be used, but it will feel very weird and is not recommenced. Slalom poles should also be fitted with slalom guards, as is noted below. Slalom poles should be purchased as racing specific poles, as many recreational poles do not have the required hardness, and the aluminum will bend into a “C” shape upon making contact with slalom gates.
• Giant Slalom poles may be pre-bent to make a more aerodynamic shape when in a tuck position. This is not overly useful in GS, as seldom will an athlete be in a tuck if they are running a smooth ski. This makes the use of straight poles just fine, and sometimes preferred for their reduced flex at the start gate. Still, it is best if athletes have a second set of poles for GS, as they will then not have to remove their pole guards and put them back on when switching between GS and SL. Athletes should not ski GS with pole guards still on their poles, as the guards can hook into gates, causing injury.

   

Helmet(s)

• One of most regulated aspects of racing at U14 and older events is helmet requirements. These requirements are grouped into one set of rules for SL races, and one set of rules for GS,SG,DH races, the later of which being much more strict.
• Alpine Canada's NCR dcument defers to the standards set out in the FIS Specification for Alpine Competition Equipment document.
• Athletes will not be permitted to start in races if their helmet is not in conformance with these rules.
  • SL Rules
    • The specific rule states that helmets must be to EN1077 (Class B) or ASTM 2040 as the minimum standard.
    • CSA approved helmets (which most ski helmets are) are suitable to meet this requirement.
    • Soft ear helmets ARE allowed for use in Slalom
    • It is recommended that helmets used for slalom be compatible with a chin-bar to protect the athletes teeth, although this is not required.
    • The same helmet may be used for SL and GS,SG,DH, provided the helmet meets the higher GS,SG,DH Standard.
  • GS,SG,DH Rules
    • Soft-ear helmets are NOT allowed in GS, SG, DH 
    • Certification for GS, SG DH helmets is ski-racing specific and requires the helmet to display a certification sticker which says: “Conforms to FIS Specifications RH 2013" which confirms that the helmet has been desigend to meeth both ASTM 2040 and EM1077 (Class A).

Race Suit

• A race suit or “downhill suit” is required for racing and training for SRT athletes. Suits with or without padding are suitable. However; they may necessitate the need of additional arm padding GS racing.
• National level races such as are held on the Atlantic circuit do not have a specific standard for racing suits, so any race suit made for ski racing should be sufficient. Some race suits will be labeled as “FIS Approved” which would be required for racing in FIS, but not for national level races.

Other Protective Gear

Back Protector

• Back protectors are armour/padding device that is worn on the back in GS and Super G races. It is designed to protect the athlete from impacts to the back in the event of a crash. It does not prevent twisting injuries.
• Back protectors are not mandatory from a national rules standpoint, but may be mandatory within the rules of a given race. All Super-G races on the Atlantic circuit require the use of a back protector, and many athletes will use them for all of their GS races as-well.
• From a perspective other than safety, back protectors help keep you warm! Win Win.

Shin Guards

• Shin guards are used in slalom in conjunction with pole guards to deflect the plastic gates while skiing through them.
• Shin guards are required for SRT athletes. Athletes will have sore shins without them.

Pole Guards

• Pole guards are to be fitted to slalom poles to deflect gates when cross-blocking.
• Pole guards are required for SRT athletes.
• It is recommended to purchase the “full height” pole guards that will protect the entire hand, and specifically the thumb.

Arm Guards

• Arm guards are not required, and only occasionally necessary. These guards fit on the athletes forearms for use in deflecting gates in Giant Slalom. There are benefits to using these guards, but it is a more advanced technique and can actually hinder an athletes skiing if theyare focused on contorting their body to use then instead of focusing on their skiing. Athletes should have a discussion with their coach if they are interested in using arm guards.

Ski Tuning Kit

• Well prepared skis will help athletes get the most out of training as they will be better able to control their skis on different conditions, and thus focus more on improvement. For SRT athletes of tuning gear will become more important as athletes ski technique improves. SRT Athletes shoud be working towards being able to fully tune their own skis. Coaches will provide additional information and clinics on ski tuning throughout the season.
• A SRT tuning kit should (eventaully) contain:
  • A set of sturdy ski vices
  • Waxing Iron
  • Training and/or Racing Ski Wax
  • Plastic Wax Scraper
  • Copper, nylon and/or horsehair bristle ski brush
  • Side Edge File Guides for Sharpening (87 and 88 Degree)
  • Ski File(s)
  • Diamond stone of various grits for polishing
  • Sidewall removal tool