8 Best Kids’ Skis

Skiers come in all shapes and sizes. The sport is popular over the world, and becomes more so each and every year. The joy of skiing is something that you never forget once you’ve experienced it, and when you get started on skis as a young child, chances are you’ll be hooked for life.

My name is Christine. I have many fond memories of skiing when I was young. My parents put me on as soon as I could walk and I’m glad that they did. I might have not always wanted to go play in the snow when I was young, but it afforded me the opportunity to become a good skier early in life. I can’t imagine a life without skiing and my early days on the mountain instilled the spirit of the snow deep within.

If you are a skier and have kids, I’d recommend getting them started early as well. The sooner you pick up the basics of skiing, the more fun you can have and the better you will be in the long run. Kids may outgrow winter clothing and may sometimes throw a tantrum from time to time, but someday they will appreciate your efforts to help them ski.

This guide will look at some of the best kids skis available to encourage your little ones to get out there and get after it.

Who Should Get This

All of the skis in this guide are for children. The options come in smaller sizes that are better suited for smaller bodies and often feature different construction materials than adult skis to make them better-suited for lightweight skiers. If you have a kid who wants to learn how to ski, all of the choices here will help them get started.

If you have an older child who’s growing at a rapid rate, the options listed here might be a bit too small. The difference between kids skis and adult skis is the size, and most kids skis are quite small. If your child ends up taking to the sport or quickly growing in size, they might soon be ready for an adult ski instead.

Top Picks of Best Kids Skis

Here, you’ll see a list of my top recommendations along with a quick review of each ski. The goal is to help you get to know the pros and cons of each product so you can make a more informed purchase decision.

1. Best Overall: Volkl Mantra JR

If you have a kid who really loves to ski, the Volkl Mantra JR is a great way to go. This is a kids-specific version of the popular Mantra ski that has earned a hard-charging and reliable reputation. These skis are very versatile, and can handle just about any condition from powder to hardpack.

The Matra JR skis feature a wide shape that enables any child skier to float and slash across powder with ease. They also have a full rockered profile that enables them to hold up in changing conditions.

The kid’s version of the Mantra lacks the titanium layer that the adult model has, which is perfect for lighter skiers who want a responsive and flexible option.

Pros:

• Great option for advanced or intermediate kids
• Versatile
• Built for the needs of experienced kid skiers
• Full rocker profile
• Durable

Cons:

• Not for beginners
• Can be too much ski for some kids

==> You can also get it on Evo or Buckmans or Backcountry.

2. Best for Beginners: Salomon QST Max Jr

If you know a child who’s just learning how to ski, take a look at the Solomon QST Max Jr. These are another model based on a popular adult ski, and few companies have more clout than Solomon. The QST Max Jr has a versatile all-terrain rocker design that allows a young skier to adapt and learn on any condition that comes their way.

These skis are designed for beginners and use a monocoque construction for great maneuverability and easy edge control. They also feature a lightweight and flexible core that is specially designed for kids. These skis are light and forgiving, making them perfect for skiers going through their first days on the snow.

Pros:

• Great for new kid skiers
• Easy to maneuver
• Forgiving
• Lightweight
• All-terrain rocker

Cons:

• Not suited for big mountain conditions
• Strictly for beginners

3. Most Versatile: K2 Juvy

The K2 Juvy is a versatile and fun kids ski that will allow your little ripper to take on anything the resort can offer. K2 is well-known for making quality equipment and they have been putting out great kids skis for decades.

My first pair of skis were made by the brand and they have only improved upon their designs since then. The Juvy is an awesome ski that features a slight rocker on the tip and tail.

This rockered profile makes the Juvy able to handle a wide range of conditions. If your kid likes to get out there and ski all day long, these will keep them occupied. This all-mountain ski is a good option for all kid skiers, regardless of their ability or experience.

Pros:

• Versatile
• Slight rockered profile
• Reliable brand name
• Provides all-mountain fun

Cons:

• Not the best beginner ski, but can work for newbies
• Extra small sizes not available

==> You can also get it on Evo or Skis.

4. Best for Girls: Volkl Chica

The Volkl Chica is one of the best options available for girls. This is particularly great for young skiers who are just getting comfortable on the mountain because it will allow them