Which snow skis for kids are best? If you ski regularly, it makes financial sense for you and your family members to own your own skis — and that includes your kids. Perhaps you’re an avid skier, or maybe you live near some slopes and your child has caught the skiing bug. Whatever the reason, they need skis to get them started. The trouble is picking the right skis for your child. Read on to learn more and see our recommendations — Madshus’ Kids’ Snowpup Ski is our favorite option. These kids’ snow skis are perfect for teaching Nordic or cross-country skiing to young children. What to know before you buy snow skis for kids Ski length The correct ski length depends on your child’s weight and height. If skis are too long, they’re hard for children to control, but if they’re too short, they sink into the snow and make it difficult to move. Most manufacturers provide a size chart to help you find skis of the right length or tell you the recommended age or weight range for a certain pair of skis. However, there’s a simple way of finding skis of the correct length — for beginners, skis should reach around chin level when held upright. For more experienced skiers, eyebrow-height skis are best. Ski type Many kids’ skis are best suited for cross-country use, especially those designed for very young children who are too little to hit the bunny slopes. This means they slide smoothly and easily on flat areas of snow but don’t do well on slopes. You can find some junior downhill skis, usually designed for kids six to eight and over who have mastered cross-country basics and want to start riding pistes. Materials The best kids’ snow skis are lightweight and flexible, which is why most are made from some form of plastic, such as PE or ABS. The inner core is often less dense than the outer layer for additional flexibility. This lets the skis bend without extra exertion from the child using them. Although plastic skis are the best option for kids just starting to ski, they aren’t the most durable. What to look for in quality snow skis for kids Bindings Bindings are what attach the ski boots to the skis. Most kids’ snow skis have universal bindings, which should fit most (if not all) children’s ski boots. Poles It’s fairly common for kids’ skis to come with child-sized poles included. That said, we’d recommend that kids under four not use poles — just shuffle along instead — since coordinating skis and poles can be too much for little ones to handle. Design It might not affect the performance, but kids are more likely to be enthusiastic about a pair of skis featuring a design they love. How much you can expect to spend on snow skis for kids Kids’ snow skis aren’t terribly expensive since they’re likely to grow out of them within a year or two. Most pairs of children’s skis cost between $40 and $100. Snow skis for kids FAQ Is skiing safe for kids? A. Like most sports and activities, there’s some inherent risk of injury. However, there should be very little chance of anything more than the odd bump or scrape if you use your common sense, teach your child how to ski sensibly and safely (or hire an instructor to do so), and make sure they stick to cross-country skiing or kids’ slopes until they’re ready to progress. Will my child need anything else to start skiing? A. Ideally, your child should have a warm snowsuit, waterproof snow gloves, a ski hat, and ski goggles. Some kids don’t do well in the cold, but with all the right gear, they should stay warm enough to keep skiing for a few hours without complaint. What are the best snow skis for kids to buy? Top snow ski for kids Madshus’ Kids’ Snowpup Ski What you need to know: These high-quality Nordic skis are designed for children ages 3 to 6. What you’ll love: The universal bindings adjust to fit most kids’ shoe sizes. The skis are stable enough to use without poles. They are made from strong yet flexible ABS. What you should consider: No poles are included. Top snow ski for kids for money Odoland’s Kids’ Beginner Snow Skis and Poles What you need to know: These tiny skis and poles are suited to kids ages 4 and under, making them ideal first skis for your littlest family members. What you’ll love: The short length and lightweight design make them easy for kids to handle. Bindings and poles are included. What you should consider: They are not the most durable skis. Worth checking out SOLA’s Winter Sports Kids’ Beginner Snow Skis What you need to know: These basic kids’ snow skis measure just 27.5 inches long and are perfect for little kids from ages 3 to 4. What you’ll love: There are four cute designs to choose from. The skis come with bindings and poles. They’re slow-moving, which is best for beginner skiers. What you should consider: They are not suitable for downhill use, even bunny slopes. 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