Equipment Information

Helmet

Probably the most important piece of body protection equipment is the helmet. Helmets are required for all Race Team participation (YOUTH DEVELOPMENT and COMPETITION TEAM).

For the YOUTH DEV Team, a soft-sided ear or hard-sided ear coverage is appropriate.

There are several USSA requirements for helmets used by the race team.  All racers are required to wear a helmet that bears a CE mark and conforms to appropriate standards.

Boots

Your athlete should have the ability to flex the ski boot.  It is important that racers have ski boots that are of the proper design and fit for racing.  Ski boots should be 3 or 4 buckle boots (smaller feet might have 2 buckles). Ski boots should be sized so that the fit is snug. In addition to length, ski boots tend to be designed to be low, medium or high volume fit. This designation is aimed at accommodating the width and mass of the skier’s foot. Certain manufacturers have certain fit characteristics.  Most junior skiers usually fit best in low to medium volume boots. Some ski shops have seasonal rentals. For Youth Development, this accommodates your child’s growth within a season.

Junior race boots also come in a variety of “flex indexes” which related to the stiffness of the boot. Most junior boots have flex indices between 60 and 100. In general, U12-U14 racers will want to have boots in the 60- 80 range of flex index with the stronger, heavier U16s in stiffer boots of 90-100.

Skis & Bindings

Skis should be an easy flex junior ski, race skis are not necessary.  Again, some ski shops have seasonal rentals and this is a great way to keep up with your child’s growth. Ask for a higher-end junior ski package.

If you intend to move onto the Competition Team, you should investigate a junior race ski.  These skis are specifically designed to be of the correct flex, torsion & rigidity appropriate for alpine racing. These skis will perform much better than a youth recreational ski. 

Most ski manufacturers make their skis to be used with their own brand of bindings.   Ski shops that sell skis generally either package skis and bindings together or will recommend the appropriate binding for the ski.

Take a piece of duct tape or a label and put some identifying information on the skis (between the bindings). There will be many similar looking skis.

Racing Ski Types for Your Knowledge

Slalom skis are relatively short skis with a fairly big “side cut”. The sidecut refers to how much difference there when comparing the width of the tip to the waist (section under the foot) and tail. Skis with a big sidecut tend to have a shorter turn radius meaning the ski can make sharper turns. In the SL discipline, gates are closer together necessitating tighter turns. The typical turn radius of a junior SL ski would be around 9-12 meters, with shorter skis having a smaller turn radius. The easiest way to determine the length of SL skis is to stand the skis on their tails. As a general, rule appropriately sized SL skis will be of a length that is between the chin and eyes of the racer. 

Giant Slalom, or GS skis, are skied longer than SL skis. As a guideline, GS skis should be of a length that is from mid-forehead to 2-3 inches above the racer’s head. The better the skier, the longer ski he/she can handle. These skis typically have less sidecut than SL skis, but their shape is still fairly pronounced. The typical turn radius of a junior GS ski would be from 14-18 meters, again depending on the length of the ski. 

Dual event skis fall between SL and GS in terms of sidecut.  These skis should be skied at a length that is eye level. 

Poles

 Dependent on age and abilities. Please check with your Coach or Program Director. It can get very tiring retrieving dropped poles. For those that have poles, a take a quick moment to label the poles with your child’s initials. There will be a lot of similar looking equipment.

Goggles, Gloves, Socks, Warmers

• Goggles –Should be a good fit with the helmet and have a good quality lens or lenses.
• Socks – thin to medium thickness compression socks
• Gloves – warm, high-quality gloves. Glove liners are a good investment. If you have multiple pairs, it is a good idea to swap them out if they get too wet.
• Neck/Face Warmer – as with anything that covers the mouth and nose on a cold windy day, have more than one.  You’ll find it simple to replace a face warmer after lunch rather than trying to put a wet/damp one back on.
• Hand and Toe Warmers – a key item on a cold day.  Try to buy in bulk as you’ll go through a lot.  You can use some warmers for more than one day by immediately removing the warmer at the end of the day, placing it in a ziplock bag, squeezing out the air and zip locking the bag.

Packing extra underlayers, socks, neck warmers, and gloves are a great way to ensure your racer can focus during the day.  It is beneficial to mark the clothing AND SKIS with names/initials as not to confuse it with similar items.

Other Stuff

• Backpack/Ski Bag – A good ski backpack or Ski Boot bag is essential to carry water, snacks, and gear during training sessions and at races. The best type of packs have padded shoulder straps and a waist strap.
• Ski Storage – Jack Frost has a free ski drop-off location just outside our race room where your child can leave their skis, get a token band, and go in during the break.  Just don’t lose the token.
• Lock – Not all mountains have a ski check.  It is a good idea getting your racer accustomed to locking up their equipment early in life.

Additional Skier Protection

Back protection – Highly recommended.  Spine protectors are designed to protect the back against impact in the case of a high-speed fall. Spine protectors are recommended to be used by all racers. 

Mouthguard – Mouthguards are highly recommended for all racers engaging in gate training and competition activities. Not only have they been shown to minimize injury to teeth and mouth tissues during any kind of impact, but also relate to concussion issues from sudden acceleration of the lower jaw in the event of head trauma 

Helmets

U10 and 12 athletes must have a helmet that meets U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) rules to be eligible to enter Giant Slalom (GS) races.  The U10 and U12 GS helmet requirement is for the hard shell to cover the ears.  Unfortunately, coaches are not able to make exceptions.  

A helmet chin guard/bar is optional. Helmet chin guards are prohibited in GS, and must be removed for training and races. A sports mouth guard is a good alternative. 

Skis

• USSS does not require athletes to have both GS and slalom skis until the U14 level, so U12 and younger athletes can use a single pair of multi-event (combi) skis for both slalom and GS races.  
• USSS rules prohibit U12 and younger athletes from having two pairs of skiers in the race arena (e.g. 1 pair at the mountain during a race).   

Skis for U10s:

• The USSS Alpine Training System strongly recommends only one pair of multi-event (combi) skis rather than slalom- and/or GS-specific skis for this age group.  
• JFBBRT highly recommends one pair of wood-core combi skis that have only been used 1 season or a new pair.  JFBBRT highly discourages two pairs of skis for U10s.
• One pair of combi skis (used only 1 season or a new pair), will serve U10s better than two pairs of skis.  (Two pairs of skis are twice the tuning, etc.)
• At ‘Race Discount’ new combis & bindings cost about $400, and ~$200 is fair for a pair only used 1 season. 

Skis for U12s:

• USSS ski recommendations for U12s are more nuanced.  USSS recommendations for when an athlete should have slalom- and GS-specific skis depends on the number of years they have been in a competition program, their skills, and age.  
• U12s who are new the JFBB Comp Team should only have 1 pair of combi skis (not GS and slalom).   
• For U12s who have been in the JFBB Comp Team for two or more years (e.g. a 1^st year U12s who joined Comp as a U10), one might consider buying two pairs of skis.   
• Two pairs of skis is a commitment of more than just money.  A second pair requires more time and is more gear to for the athlete and the family to manage (e.g. bringing the correct pair to practice, drying them after practice, making sure they’re tuned for training and racing, etc.).  
• One pair of new combi will serve U12s better than slalom and GS skis which have been used two seasons.   Please note, USSS rules for U14s require two pairs of skis.  So 2^nd year U12s aiming to be competitive as U14s should consider having GS & slalom skis as a 2^nd year U12 (before GS skis need to be 17M radius).
• Skis Used Only 1 Season Can Be A Great Way Save Money Skis used 1 season usually have life left for racing. Ask the seller if they bought the skis new.  
  • If the seller can’t say they bought them new, you should find another option.
  • 50% of the “Sale Price” on new skis is a fair price for skis known to be used only 1 season. 
  • After two full seasons of use, a race ski’s wood core is usually worn out (even in PARA). o When this happens, the ski has less edge grip on ice, and is less responsive to the skier’s movements.  That makes it harder for the skier to learn and improve.

Boots

• Boots are the most important equipment for ski racers after the helmet.  
• Properly sized high-performance (4-buckle) junior boots are highly recommended for U10s, as well as U12s that are new to the Comp Program.  
• The athlete needs to be able to flex them in cold temperatures (and easily at room temps).  
• Boots also need to be snug.  Boots that are not snug hinder a skier’s ability to learn and improve as they generally are too stiff and reduce the skier’s ability to control the ski and their ability adapt to (or ‘feel’) the snow surface. 
• For U12s who have been in the JFBB Comp program for two or more years (and those aiming for State Championships), junior race boots are strongly recommended.  
• For those U12s, the boots shell material should be made of either: polyether, polyurethane (PU or Race PU), or the same material used the manufacturer’s adult race boots.

Guards

Back protection – Highly recommended.  Spine protectors are designed to protect the back against impact in the case of a high-speed fall. Spine protectors are recommended to be used by all racers. 

Pole Guards And Shin Guards –

• Pole and shin guards are not necessary for U10s, and JFBB discourages pole guards for U10s.
• For U12s, pole and shin guards should be purchased when the athlete begins to regularly ski a line through the course where their body would run into the gate/pole.
• Pole guards and shin guards can easily be purchased mid-season, so there’s no harm in waiting until after the first few weeks of gate training to make that decision.  

At the U14 Age Group, athletes are starting to and MUST abide by USSS rules. U14s athletes must have equipment that meets USSS rules to be eligible to race.  Below is information about USSS equipment rules as well as other helpful recommendations.

Although one can participate in the JFBB U14 program with equipment that does not meet USSS rules, the requirements for racing are firm.  Unfortunately, coaches are not able to make exceptions on race-day. 

U14 Rules For GS Races:

• A FIS-compliant helmet is required. The helmet must have a specific FIS sticker.
  • 
• Skis must have a minimum radius of 17 meters.  The radius must be printed on the skis by the manufacturer (e.g. “R>=17”).
  • 
• Greater than 17 meter radius is fine, and may be desirable for taller, heavier, or more skilled athletes. 
• Helmet chin bars are PROHIBITED in GS racing and training.

U14 Rules For Slalom Races:

• Skis must be 130 cm or longer.

Recommended But Not Required:

• Slalom pole guards & shin guards are highly recommended. 
• A helmet chin guard/bar is optional. Helmet chin guards are prohibited in GS, and must be removed for training and races.
• A sports mouth guard is a good alternative.

Boots:

• Boots are the most important equipment for ski racers after the helmet. 
• Properly sized, race boots, which the athlete can easily flex are strongly recommended for all U14s. 
• The athlete needs to be able to flex the boots in cold temperatures (and very easily at room temps).  Your local boot fitter may need to soften the model that fits your athlete the best.  
• The boot shell material really matters given U14 ski rules and the precision those skis require.
• Make sure the shell is either: polyether, polyurethane (PU or Race PU), or the same material used the manufacturer’s adult race boots. (Ask your local boot fitter or check the manufacturer website.)
• JFFBB recommends U14s avoid shells made of either DB Hyperlite, polyolefin, or any material not used in the brand’s adult race boots.  These materials are more pliable, and do not offer the precision and energy transfer needed for U14s to properly control 17 meter GS skis.

Skis Used Only 1 Season Can Be A Great Way Save Money:

• Skis used 1 season usually have life left for racing.
  • Ask the seller if they bought the skis new.
  • If the seller can’t say they bought them new, you should find another option.
• 50% of the “Sale Price” on new skis is a fair price for skis known to be used only 1 season.
• After two full seasons of use, a race ski’s wood core is usually worn out (even in PARA).
  • When this happens, the ski has less edge grip on ice, and is less responsive to the skier’s movements.  That makes it harder for the skier to learn and improve.
  • This matters even for kids not aiming for State Championships or “the podium.”

Completely Optional:

Speed suits and team uniforms are completely optional.  When looking to save money, these are the things to skip or buy second-hand.   JFBB families often sell these items on our FaceBook group.

U16 and U18 athletes must have equipment that meets USSS rules to be eligible to race. Below is information about USSS equipment rules as well as other helpful recommendations.

The GS and slalom equipment rules for USSS races (versus FIS) are the same for U14s and older athletes. The equipment rule that starts at U16s is for Super-G skis, and the USSS rule for U16 Super-G is the same at the U18 level. So U16s can use the same Super-G ski when they become a U18 (provided they don’t outgrow it, over-tune it, or wear it out).
Although one can participate in the JFBB practices with equipment that does not meet USSS rules, the requirements for race events are firm. Unfortunately, coaches are not able to make exceptions at races.

Helmet:

• A FIS-compliant helmet is required. The helmet must have this FIS sticker.

U16/U18 Rules For GS Races:

• Skis must have a minimum radius of 17 meters. The radius must be printed on the skis by the manufacturer (e.g. “R>=17”)
  • 
• Greater than 17 meter radius is fine, and may be desirable for taller, heavier, or more skilled athletes.
• Helmet chin bars are prohibited in GS racing and training.

U16/U18 Rules for Slalom Races:

• Skis must be 130 cm or longer

U16/U18 Rules for Super-G (SG) Races:

• Super-G skis must have a minimum radius of 30 meters and minimum length of 183 cm. The radius and size must be printed on the skis by the manufacturer (e.g. “R>=30”).
• Although some GS skis meet the above rule, JFBB does not recommend U16s or U18s use 30 meter GS skis for Super-G.
• 30 meter GS skis are built for fully grown adult men and women competing at the national level (e.g. FIS, NorAms, etc.), and therefore 30 meter GS skis are generally much stiffer and harder to turn than a 30 meter Super-G ski.
• For SG ski sizing, the sizes closer to 183 cm are built for lighter, USSS level U16 and U18 athletes. SG Skis closer to 190 cm are built for skiers with a higher more mass, strength, and/or skills.
• SG races are optional, and may not be suitable for all JFBB U16s & U18s due to the speeds involved and the skills required.
• JFBB recommends you talk to your athlete’s coach before purchasing Super-G skis.

Boots, Footbeds, & Boot Alignment:

• Boots are the most important equipment for ski racers after the helmet.
• Properly sized, race boots with shells made of race level plastic are highly recommended for all U16 and older JFBB athletes.
• Make sure the shell is either: polyether, polyurethane (PU or Race PU), or the same material used the manufacturer’s adult race boots. (Ask your local boot fitter or check the manufacturer website.)
• JFFBB strongly recommends all U14 and older athletes avoid boot shells made of either DB Hyperlite, polyolefin, or any material not used in the brand’s adult race boots. These materials are more pliable, and do not offer the precision and energy transfer needed for U14 and older athletes to properly control 17 meter GS skis.
• The athlete needs to be able to flex the boots in cold temperatures (and very easily at room temps). Your local boot fitter may need to soften the boot model that fits your athlete the best.
• JFBB recommends that U16 and older athletes aiming for post-season events also: 1) have custom footbeds, 2) be in boots that are very snug (i.e. a ‘race-level fit’), and 3) get their alignment checked by a professional boot-fitter.
• Frequently, custom footbeds and canting under the boot sole can achieve a flatter ski stance on the snow. Canting also properly aligns the knee over the toe for more precise edge control and ski initiation.

Skis Used a Season or Two Can be a Great Way to Save Money:

• Skis used 1 season usually have life left for racing.
  • Ask the seller if they bought the skis new.
  • If the seller can’t say they bought them new, you should find another option.
• 50% of the “Sale Price” on new skis is a fair price for skis known to be used only 1 season.
• After two full seasons of use, a race ski’s wood core is usually worn out (even in PARA).
  • When this happens, the ski has less edge grip on ice, and is less responsive to the skier’s movements. That makes it harder for the skier to learn and improve.
  • This matters even for kids not aiming for State Championships or “the podium.”
• SG skis can be an exception to the above. SG skis are typically used a few days a year, so a SG ski can have significant life for racing after two seasons.

Highly Recommended:

• Slalom pole and shin guards
• Helmet chin guard/bar for Slalom. A sports mouth guard is a good alternative and addition.