Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club

Recommended Clothing and Equipment Guidelines

Clothing: Comfort in the outdoors almost guarantees the enjoyment of the outdoors. Discomfort absolutely guarantees misery. Every outdoor activity has its own requirements and Nordic skiing is no exception. Layering is the key. Some of our recommended clothing is not available for children in regular stores. We strongly recommend the Mountain Equipment Coop. A lifetime membership costs $5 and you can shop online (www.mec.ca) or by catalogue. Starting at the bottom then:

Wool socks – cotton gets wet and cold, frost bite is a risk.

Young children can wear snow pants with light pants or long johns underneath. Long johns should be polyester or wool, not cotton.

Older children can graduate to long johns under polar fleece pants or tights.

Breathable water proof rain pants are ideal but nylon is OK too, breathable is the key.

Polyester long sleeved under shirts are ideal for the bottom layer.

Turtle neck shirt (60/40 polyester/cotton works fine).

Warm Sweater – wool or acrylic is good, polar fleece is better.  2 sweaters will be needed if the temperature is below -5.

Fleece Vest is great too – find what works for you.

Wind breaker shell – breathable water proof is ideal but a nylon shell is OK.

Tuque or ear warmers and/or a baseball cap if you really hate rain on your face.

Mitts – 2 pairs – water proof for younger children.

Gloves – 2 pairs – for older children – 1 size fits all works fine to about -5 degrees, below that they need mitts.

Back pack or fanny pack to hold extra mitts, snacks, small water bottle, and clothing.

Children are expected, and taught, to take layers off as they heat up and put them back on as they cool down.

Adults who are skiing with younger children should dress more warmly as they will not be moving fast enough to stay as warm as the children do.

Equipment:

Do not use skis or boots that have 3 pin bindings!

Poles should fit snugly in the child's armpit when they're standing on the floor for classic skiing, and be the same height as their chin for skating.

Skis should be waxless (“fish-scales”) for children ages 0 – 5 and reach the top of the child's head. Ages 6 and up children need skis that reach the child's wrist when the arm is stretched straight up.

Boots should fit but have plenty of comfortable room. Better a little big than a bit tight.

Bindings come in 2 acceptable kinds.

NNN bindings have 2 small ridges down the length of the binding and the boot must match it.

SNS Profil bindings have 1 large ridge down the middle and the boot must match it.

Both bindings offer great control and hence great success in skiing. We would like to encourage everyone to buy Profil boots and bindings so that you can then resell them to other families who can mix and match boots and skis.

Skating is the newest and coolest style of Nordic skiing. Skating skis are shorter, reaching 3-4 cm above the skier's head. You can buy a separate pair of skating skis for your child if you wish. If not, children can learn to skate on regular, classic length skis without much difficulty.

If you have any questions, please ask your child's coach.  Think Snow!