Equipment
Is extremely important in ski racing that you take the time to research and ask questions before purchasing any equipment.
The gear you need to participate is expensive but buying quality items will help to ensure your skier's safety!
The gear you need to participate is expensive but buying quality items will help to ensure your skier's safety!
- Skis----There are two types of racing skis; Slalom which typically have a turn radius between 10 and 14 meters, and GS that have a turn radius between 17 and 23 meters.
- Which to buy? If you are just starting out skiing, you will want to purchase a pair of Slalom skis that are approximately as long as the distance from the ground to your chin or nose. Slalom skis are made to turn quickly and are a perfect ski for racing in our area if you are only going to have one pair. It is difficult to recommend one particular brand over the other. For example, Head Skis tend to be a stiffer ski that is the perfect fit for an aggressive, forward skier, while Nordica & Blizzard skis tend to work better for more neutral stance skiers. If you have questions about a brand or length of slalom please contact Coach Petrosky.
- Slalom skis for Girls are generally 150cm or shorter depending on the height and their style of skiing. The exception to this would be girls that are planning to also ski USSA/FIS, in which case they are required to ski on 155cm skis.
- Slalom skis for Guys are generally 150cm to 160cm depending on the height and their skiing style. The exception to this would be guys that are planning to also ski USSA/FIS, in which case they are required to ski on 165cm skis.
- GS Skis----Once your skier had fallen in love with the sport it is time to add GS skis to their equipment repertoire. GS skis come in a variety of turn radiuses. Since we race primarily on small hills with tight courses you should look for GS skis with a turn radius of under 20 meters. The length should be 10 to 20 cm longer than the Slalom length that they are skiing. For example, many skiers who have 150 slaloms have 165 or 170 GS skis. Since we are on short hills, our courses tend to be a little tighter than a regulation USSA/FIS course so the tighter turn radius skis are an advantage.
- Boots are the most important piece of equipment that you have! Since your boots control how your skis interact with the snow, they make the ultimate difference with how well you can control turning at high speeds. Be sure to get boots that fit VERY SNUG!! There are several local stores that can do a nice job helping you select and fit your boots. Here they are in no particular order----Bill and Paul's, Norm's Ski Shop (in Greenville), and the Cannonsburg Ski Shop.
- Helmet and Chin Guard-----Earlier it was mentioned that boots were the most important piece of skiing equipment, (which is true) but the helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment. Skiers are required to have a hard side helmet with a properly fit chin guard. There are several brands that make excellent helmets and it is important that you are able to buy the chin guard for the helmet that you purchased. The same places that you can get your boots also fit and sell helmets. There are also internet dealers that can provide this safety equipment.
- Poles/Pole Guards ----Properly fitted poles with full hand guards are needed for slalom, since the skier will hit the gates in order to make it down the course in the most direct and fast line.
- Shin Guards---These are needed once a skier is able to start hitting gates in a slalom course. Some beginning racers do not need these for their first season since they are not hitting gates, but once they begin making contact with the poles they will want them.
Ski Bag & Boot Bag---A good boot bag helps you to keep your gear organized and dry on our trips. Our team travels by bus and van so a bag will protect your skis from damage under the bus. ALWAYS TAKE YOUR EQUIPMENT OUT OF YOUR SKI BAG AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME AND DRY THE OFF TO PREVENT RUST!!!