New skis for kids: when should I buy them and what to look out for?

Every child has various needs. And kids grow and learn at different speeds. As the right choice of skis depends in particular on ability and height, it is a highly individual decision. Even the style is crucial, as freeride, freestyle, touring and cross-country skis all have individual requirements in terms of material and length. With children in particular, it is worth questioning which ski is the right one. If the kid spends most of its time in the park, the carving ski should perhaps give way in favour of a twin tip model.

For all those who like to follow rules of thumb: a child should be on the same model for a maximum of two seasons. For kids, the length of the skis is the most important factor. In the following, we refer to carving skis, as these will be used most frequently.

Grab a tape measure and off you go. We have compiled the most important information on the right size for you below.

The following guidelines for the right ski length should be observed:

• Beginners: height minus 35 cm - chest to shoulder height
• Advanced: height minus 15 cm - chin to nose height
• Experts: height minus 5 cm - nose to forehead height and longer

Watch out: As you have already learnt, ski length is a very individual matter. For this reason, we have prepared more detailed information on sizing separately for you.

If you want to save money, you have several options. We have listed a few options for you:

• Children's skis on sale at the end of the season
• Ski and winter sports fairs or flea markets offer second-hand goods at a low price
• Online portals are also a good option for used skis
• Ski rentals are also a great alternative

If you decide to buy new ones, you also have the option of purchasing used rental equipment from some INTERSPORT Rent shops. Your advantage: The kids can test their new gear beforehand.

Tip: When buying, make sure the skis are in good condition: if possible, check the bases for any damage and the sharpness of the edges. If in doubt, it is advisable to have used skis checked and serviced by a ski expert if necessary.

When the new children's skis are ready, it's time to take a close look at the right accessories and outfit. After all, it's not just the skis themselves that need to keep pace with growth - equipment such as ski poles, helmets, protectors, ski socks and ski gloves or mittens also need to be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.

The right fit is crucial for a safe and comfortable day on the slopes. Especially for children who are still growing, just one season can make the difference between "fits perfectly" and "pinches everywhere".

Ski poles, for example, should be the right length for the child's height. If they are too long or too short, this can quickly lead to an incorrect posture and less control. Even helmets must be checked regularly. A ski helmet in the right size should not only fit well, but also comply with current safety standards. As soon as it wobbles or leaves pressure marks, a new model is required. This also applies to protectors such as back armour or padded waistcoats.

Conclusion: If you are buying new kids skis, you should not ignore the accessories. And with the right equipment, it's twice as much fun.

The right ski length for kids is determined by age, size, weight and ability. Generally speaking, skis for children are always shorter than their height. True beginner skiers for example usually go with a length of 40 cm minus their size while advanced kids can use models up to 15 cm below their height.

The most obvious one is the ski length according to a size chart. Another noticeable sign is a change in skiing behaviour: If the offspring loses stability, control or balance and feels unsafe as a result, even though the actual ski level was better, the skis are usually too small or too soft.

If you assume that the lifespan of a ski is between 5 and 10 years, you should look out for models that are 2 to 4 years old. In this case, pay attention to the condition of the bases and edges. Flexing the ski can also help to determine how soft the ski has gotten. An appropriate ski service can breathe new life into the used model.