Ski Equipment

Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of shaped skis for all our students. All major ski manufacturers offer shaped ski designs for youth.

Sizing recommendations for shaped skis:

• Beginner to intermediate skiers: Chin to mouth height

• Advanced intermediate to advanced skiers: Mouth to forehead height

When available, refer to specific manufacturers’ sizing charts. As a rule, it is better to size shorter rather than longer.

Skier weight is the critical factor in sizing children’s and junior skis. If a child is too light for the ski, only the tip and tail will engage when the ski is edged, which impedes skill development. Tall, lightweight youth need to be sized appropriately.

Flex recommendations (longitudinal and torsion, or twist) for shaped skis:

• Recreational skis: soft longitudinal, soft torsion

• High performance skis: soft to moderate longitudinal, moderate torsion

• Junior race skis: moderate longitudinal, moderate to stiff torsion

Athletic ability and skiing experience are also factors to consider when determining ski flex. For teen and adult ski recommendations, please consult our specialty shop partners at Joe’s Sporting Goods and HiTempo SnowSports.

Skier weight and ability level determine model selection. Bindings should be release-tested before the start of each season.

Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses the use of front entry ski boots with overlapping buckles. Front entry boots provide a fit proportional to a child’s leg to allow efficient ankle flex for skier balance.

Ankle flex recommendations for front entry boots:

• Recreational ski boots: soft flex

• Performance boots: soft to moderate flex

• Junior race boots: moderate to stiff flex

PLEASE NOTE: Junior race ski boots are designed with relatively stiff ankle flex. Recreation or performance ski boots are best suited for children. For teen and adult boot recommendations, please consult our specialty shop partners at Joe’s Sporting Goods and HiTempo SnowSports.

The use of aftermarket, ski boot footbeds increases comfort and help address skier alignment needs. Many children’s ski boots have no footbeds or defined arch support. Two types of footbeds are available:

• Trim to Fit: A generic arch support footbed to improve comfort and fit

• Custom molded: A custom-designed footbed that supports a skier’s foot in a neutral position when in a ski boot to provide comfort and optimum alignment and balance

Otto Hollaus Snowsports Academy endorses poles with a strap grip. To determine length, invert the pole and grasp it below the basket: Forearm should be parallel to floor. NOTE: When purchasing junior ski poles, have your child wear mittens to make sure that the ski pole grip and strap are large enough to accommodate their mittened hands.

Please label all equipment with name and phone number for easy identification. Colored tape helps younger children find their equipment.