Ski Equipment Guide for Beginners

Equipment is as important as clothing when it comes to having a good day skiing. Properly fitted boots, skis, poles and snowboards can make the difference between an OK day, and a great day.

Weight (lbs)	Ski Length (cm)
<100	140
110-125	145
125-136	150
136-150	155
151-165	160
165-180	165
180-190	175
190-200	185

A ski or rental shop will be able to make recommendations based upon your ability level as well as your height and weight. Usually a ski should be as tall as your nose for a man and up to your chin for women and children. This chart shows the length of ski for an “average” skier according weight:

When renting or buying, make sure you get parabolic shaped skis. They are easier to turn. Rental skis should be in good shape with no big gouges in their bases or metal edges.

We recommend putting your boots on at your car as soon as you arrive, Leave the buckles unbuckled until you’re ready to ski. It will save you a lot of time and hassle when carrying poles and skis.

With your boots on, you can focus on your skis and poles. Slide-and-clip the skis together by latching the brake arms (the rental shop can demonstrate) and throw them over your shoulder. Be careful of those around you. In crowded areas, carry your skis vertically in one hand. Poles in the other hand.

First, ensure the bindings are open by cocking the heels ready to accept the heels of your boots.

Place your skis parallel to each other on a flat area of snow. If you are on the hill place your skis across the fall-line and start with the downhill foot.

Clean the snow off your one boot by scraping it on the top of your bindings or knocking your boots with your poles. Once your sure there is no snow stuck on the bottom, place the tip of the clean boot into the front of its binding and firmly step down with your boot heel until the binding snaps the boot heel in place.

Repeat the process on your other boot.

Poles help to balance yourself when putting on skis, make climbing and maneuvering easier, and later on form an essential part of advanced skiing technique.

The rental or ski shop should be able to give you the correct length poles. Here’s how to check.

With your ski boots on, flip the pole upside down, and grab it just beneath the basket with the grip of the pole on the ground. In this position your elbow should be square with your forearm parallel to the ground. Some ski pole grips have flex away plastic straps that open in the event of a fall.

To prevent injury, it's extremely important to wear your poles correctly. Here’s how. Put your hand through the ski pole strap, from the bottom. Then tilt your hand downward with the strap will be inside the palm of your hand and grasp the grip.

Spend a few minutes walking around a flat area with your skis on to get a feel for controlling the skis. Start walking around with just one ski, then try both. keep all your leg joints slightly bent, that will help you stay in control. Your skis become an extension of your feet, point the ski tips as your toes.