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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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 to expand their skiing skill-set with ease and grace. The shape of the Chica is designed to encourage wide turns. The skis are also easily maneuverable and quite versatile as well.
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 to expand their skiing skill-set with ease and grace. The shape of the Chica is designed to encourage wide turns. The skis are also easily maneuverable and quite versatile as well.The skis have a soft flex that makes them responsive while turning. It also makes them easy to keep under control at higher speeds. They have a tip rocker profile that makes them ski great on groomed runs and other resort conditions. Just note they aren’t intended for deep powder. These skis are also affordable and come with a solid warranty.
Pros:
- Great girls ski
- Easy to handle
- Rockered tip
- Soft flex
- Good Warranty
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not great in deep snow
- Better for beginner and intermediate skiers
5. Best All-Around: Rossignol Experience Pro
The Rossignol Experience Pro is another great girl’s ski. This all-around option is built to accommodate the needs and demands of kids out on the slopes.
The Rossignol Experience Pro is another great girl’s ski. This all-around option is built to accommodate the needs and demands of kids out on the slopes. They feature an all-terrain rocker profile that allows them to move through many conditions. That enables your girl to progress and have fun no matter where she likes to ski. They also have a very playful feel that makes them fun to use.
These skis are affordable, but still manage to deliver top quality control and design. An oversized sidecut gives them a powerful and easy to maneuver turning ability, while the sturdy construction is reliable without being too stiff.
The cap construction further reduces weight and makes for a comfortable ride in a variety of conditions. This is a solid, all-around performer that works well for girls of all abilities.
Pros:
- Versatile
- All-terrain rocker
- Easy to maneuver
- Nice flex
- Playful feel
Cons:
- Better suited to beginners
==> You can also get it on Curated or Public Lands.
6. Best for Junior Girls: Blizzard Sheeva Girls
For girls just getting started on the snow, the Blizzard Sheeva Girls ski is a great choice. These skis are fully designed in a way that makes them easy to use, maneuver, and handle. In addition, they have a traditional camber that generates great edge control for kids making their first turns.
For girls just getting started on the snow, the Blizzard Sheeva Girls ski is a great choice. These skis are fully designed in a way that makes them easy to use, maneuver, and handle. In addition, they have a traditional camber that generates great edge control for kids making their first turns.The Sheeva Girls are built with a composite core that makes them highly maneuverable and easy to control. Fast skis are a beginner’s nightmare because too much speed can quickly cause them to panic.
The Sheeva’s shape and design makes them fully capable and highly controlled. That combination is perfect for beginners. They also feature a soft flex that increases responsiveness.
Pros:
- Great girl’s beginner ski
- Traditional camber
- Easy to maneuver
- Built to stay in control
- Soft flex
Cons:
- Limited uses
- Only for beginners
==> You can also get it on Christy Sports or Sun & Ski Sports or SidelineSwap.
7. Best for Park: Armada ARV 84 Junior
If you have a child who dreams of big airs, technical maneuvers, and who wants to spend their days in the terrain park, the Armada ARV 84 Junior is a great option. This ski has a twin-tip shape that’s meant to meet all the needs of freestyle skiers.
If you have a child who dreams of big airs, technical maneuvers, and who wants to spend their days in the terrain These skis are better suited for intermediate to advanced kids who understand the basics of skiing and who want to tackle more difficult pursuits in the park. They have a medium flex, made possible by a strong poplar wood core, and have a cap construction on the sidewalls to increase durability, responsiveness, and control.
Pros:
- Great park ski for kids
- Twin-tip shape
- Strong and light poplar wood core
- Cap construction
Cons:
- Not a great beginner’s ski
==> You can also get it on Evo or Utah Ski Gear or PRFO Sports.
8. Best for All-Mountain: Armada ARW 84
If you want a park ski for your little girl, look no further than the Armada ARW 84. This model is capable in all-mountain situations, but its twin-tip shape and positive camber make for excellent performance in the terrain park as well.
If you want a park ski for your little girl, look no further than the Armada ARW 84. This model is capable in all-mountain situations, but its twin-tip shape and positive camber make for excellent performance in the terrain park as well. This ski is similar to the ARV above, but has a few different design elements that make it geared towards girl skiers. Not a great beginner’s option, but great for girls who want to rip.
The ARW 84 comes equipped with a nice medium flex that makes it poppy, playful, and responsive. A poplar wood core further enhances that playful feel while also making the skis lightweight and flexible.
Cap construction increases the durability of the sidewalls and generates great feel and control. Another solid all-around kid’s ski that’s perfect for girls who want to explore the park.
Pros:
- Great park ski for kids
- Twin-tip shape
- Strong and light poplar wood core
- Cap construction
Cons:
- Not a great beginner’s ski
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated.
How to Choose The Best Skis for Kids
Not sure how to narrow down the choices from the crowd? Take the factors below into account during your ski buying journey.
Size
All kids skis, regardless of weight, are quite small. In fact, they are all tiny when it comes to length, width, and weight. That is perfect for smaller skiers because they simply don’t have the size to maneuver a large ski. Most of the options listed here will still be available in a couple of different sizes to match a young skier’s height and abilities.
The exact length of a kid’s ski should be determined by their height and ability in the same way it is with adults. Kids who are just starting out will want a small ski, maybe 70-90cm in length, that can then grow as they age.
Construction
Kids skis tend to be constructed differently than adult skis. That is important to note when shopping for a pair. As children are lighter in weight, their skis do not need to be as strong as adult skis.
In fact, you wouldn’t want a kid’s ski to be constructed with the same high-end materials because that would restrict the ski’s ability to flex and limit the general response. Kids simply don’t have the weight to control an adult ski.
By eliminating some of the strong metals typically included in adult skis, kid’s skis become better suited to the lighter weight of a child skier. That easier-to-flex design allows a child to better control the ski in a variety of conditions.
Shape/Profile
Just as in adult skis, shape and profile come into play with kids skis. All of the skis listed here have a parabolic type of shape that comes with a wider tip and tail alongside a more narrow waist. Some options are more of a symmetrical, twin-tip design and others have less of a rocker on the tail that caters more towards race and traditional ski styles.
Rocker and camber should be considered with kids skis as well. The camber is the amount of flex that’s offered directly underfoot of the skier. It allows good edge and turning control when weight is placed on the ski. Camber can provide a spring and a bounce, even for kids, and that’s important when it comes to maintaining proper control.
Rocker refers to the upturned tip and tail that’s common in modern ski design. Rocker helps the skis float above deep snow and gives an easier and softer turning radius in the tail.
If your kid likes to ski all over the mountain, a rockered profile is nice to have. If they prefer to stay on groomed runs or want to try ski racing, a focus should be placed on the camber.
Useful Tips & Resources
Teaching kids how to ski can be a rewarding and fun experience. The joy and excitement that this activity can bring is unmatched and watching your little ones pick up the basics and start to make their first turns is often unforgettable. However, it’s not always the easiest thing to get them started. The snow and the cold can be very intimidating at first glance.
The best way to keep any kid encouraged and engaged while learning to ski is to keep them warm. Nobody likes to be cold when they’re on the mountain, and smaller children unfamiliar with winter conditions might get scared when the big flakes start to fall. It’s important to keep your kids warm as they learn how to ski, which is why layering is so important.
Just as you layer yourself when heading out into the snow for any winter activity, you want to do the same for your kids. Make sure they have warm socks on, good base layers, fully water-proof ski pants, and a jacket. You want to keep them dry and happy. Goggles, gloves, and a helmet are also essential for warmth.
If you want a few more tips and tricks on how to ski with kids while encouraging them to have fun and improve their abilities, check out this video.
One thing I also like to do when skiing with a kid is to turn it into a game. If they see how much fun you’re having, they will want to do the same.
Final Thoughts
Getting kids into skiing early in their life is a sure way to continue the tradition and excitement that you love so much. If they learn the essential skills when they’re young, they have the potential to become a truly great skier.
As I said at the beginning of this article, I’m very thankful I learned how to ski at an early age as it gave me a lifelong love that continues today.
Share the gift of skiing with any children in your life. All of the skis listed here are sure to help them improve. In fact, they may soon ski even better than you can.
Have you ever taught a child how to ski? At what age did you begin to ski? Let us know in the comments below!
