INTERSPORT Rent – Skiing with Children

• Ski length
• Ski boots
• Ski poles
• Ski helmet

• The right clothing
• Rent or buy?
• The best Swiss ski resorts for the whole family

Ski Length
Just like for adults, the right ski length for children is determined by their height and skill level.

There is a simple rule of thumb:
Shorter skis are best for children, as they make learning easier.

Beginners
Ski length from the ground to the chest. This allows optimal control of the skis and makes turns easier.

Young skiers with some experience
Ski length from the ground to the mouth or nose.

Racers
Ski length from the ground to eye level.

As a general rule: the younger the child, the shorter the skis. Short skis are not a permanent solution. As children grow older, their skis should also get longer. From a height of 120 centimeters or more, the ski may reach body length; from a height of 160 centimeters and a weight of 55 kilos, it’s time for adult skis.

A detailed size chart for the correct ski length can be found here.

Ski Boots
Ski boots can be a real winter fun killer. That’s why not only protection and support are important, but also comfort. Here you’ll find the most important criteria for a good children’s ski boot.

The Right Size
Ski boots must fit and provide support. They should never be too large, otherwise the feet slip inside and the child loses control over the skis. There are now “growing” children’s ski boots that cover up to 4 sizes.

Common children’s shoe sizes do not apply to ski boots. Ski boot sizes are determined using the Mondopoint system, a globally standardized sizing system.

Lightweight
Small children’s feet need lightweight ski boots. There are children’s ski boots that weigh less than one kilo and still offer stability.

Easy Entry
Putting on and taking off ski boots should be as easy as possible. Self-adjusting tongues are helpful.

Sufficient Ventilation
The inner boot should be removable to allow the material to air out and dry.

Children’s ski boots for growing kids offer a softer flex and a shorter cuff than adult models. This increases comfort and fun on the slopes!

A size chart according to Mondopoint can be found here. You can find your shoe size here.

Ski Poles
Does a child need poles right from their first day on the slopes? If not, at what age should you start using ski poles? Here is some useful information for a successful start for little skiers.

Although ski poles are quite fascinating and the adults have them too, they can often be more of a hindrance than a help at the beginning. Standing stably on the skis in the correct position and focusing on leg movements usually works better without poles.

The Right Length
Once the child is standing securely on the slopes, the poles should be the correct length. Just like for adults, the length of the poles for children is determined by their height. The rule of thumb is:

Ski pole length = height × 0.7

Tip: If the child holds the upside-down ski pole below the basket and the forearm is parallel to the ground, the length is correct.

Ski Helmets
When it comes to safety while skiing with children, there are no compromises. That’s why a properly fitting ski helmet is essential. If the adjustment system and buckle are easy to use, the weight is low, and the design is great, nothing stands in the way of a safe descent.

The Right Size
The most important criterion is size. Even if the child is still growing, the helmet should never be too large, because only a perfect fit provides reliable protection.

Fit
The head circumference determines the fit of the ski helmet. Measure around the largest part of the head, usually above the ears and eyebrows.

The helmet should not slip when the child shakes their head with the chin strap open.

Too Tight or Too Loose?
The padding of ski helmets adjusts over time to the shape of the head. When trying it on, the helmet should fit slightly tighter rather than too loose.

Hat Underneath
Children often wear a thin hat under the helmet, so bring it along when testing the helmet.

Weight
During falls, the neck muscles of the child are additionally stressed by the weight of the ski helmet. For younger children, lighter models are recommended.

Safety Standard
If you find the number 1077:2007 on the helmet or in the product description, it meets the European standard for ski and snowboard helmets.

Visor or Ski Goggles?
For children, INTERSPORT Rent recommends a Class A full-shell helmet that covers the ears and temples and makes ski goggles unnecessary.

Here is the size chart for the correct ski helmet.