Ski TEAM EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Arrowhead Ski Team - Equipment Seminar

Basics - Head to Snow
1) Helmets - Race Specific Helmet is required for both training and racing. No exceptions.  U14 and older must have a FIS Sticker on their helmets.
2) Goggles - Good pair of goggles go a long way. Multiple lens options especially for night training is critical
3) Jacket and layers - Come dressed to the conditions. No cotton.
4) Pants - Full Zip Off pants are strongly suggested
5) Race Suit - Strongly suggested but not mandatory. 
6) Thin pair of socks - never double layer or cotton
7) Boots - Most important piece of equipment, do not skimp, ‘grow in to’, or rent. • Must fit this criteria: Correct fit (they will be ‘tight’), not too stiff, not worn out (look at toes and heels and liner).

• Sizing - See demonstrations + for adult boots check width of toe box. Race boots and high-end free skiing boots will be a 93-98mm last (or forefoot width)
• Style - Doesn’t really matter as long as it fits the above criteria. • The only people allowed to fit your athletes boots are your coach and a professional boot fitter.
  If you need any boot fitting, custom liners, orthotics, etc. head to Saami's Ski Shop.

8) Bindings - must hold boot onto ski properly. Must not be built in 1982
9) Skis - Most important thing about skis? Must be tuned and waxed WEEKLY.

• Type - Slalom - Shorter, more parabolic (or shape),
• Giant Slalom - slightly longer, less turn shape (longer radius of turns) Highly suggested
• Multi Event or Comp Ski - A Mixture of GS and Slalom ski. Great for U8 and U10
• Park Ski - A “narrow” or mid-fat ski with twin tips. Designed for jumps, rails, and skiing backward (yes, we teach you how to ski switch)
• Fat Ski - A ski that is fat under the foot. Designed to ski powder and crud. Usually twin tip to land better off of jumps and ski switch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL TEAM MEMBERS in addition to a race ski. Check out our team sponsor Sammis Ski Shop for great deals.
• Super G - Much longer radius of turns and length
• Downhill - Basically straight skis designed to go 60 mph+ and cause extreme fun.

Why? A pair of slalom and GS skis are highly encouraged for Comp Hybrid athletes. Fat skis are also crucial to this as well since we spend the majority of our time free skiing powder, crud, moguls, trees, etc. This teaches the athletes all of the fundamentals required for racing, plus it’s way more fun than just drill after drill and course after course. As we continue to grow, this is going to be extremely important to meet our philosophy of creating strong skiers first, racers second, and competitor’s of all. Race Vs. Recreational - Get the race ski. Don’t get a ‘Recreational Carver’.
No rentals. Please.

So… what should my athlete get?

This is dependent on each athlete, but here are our suggestions:
These will apply to Mavericks as well.
Sizes will vary; consult with your coach for which size to get.
Not everyone will need the “All in Packages” those are there for those that do.
Used is often a GREAT way to go for park and fat skis, not always for race skis, but sometimes you can get lucky.

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