FCRC Equipment and Uniform Information

Skis 

Holiday Program skiers need one set of skis only. A GS ski is preferred to help overall skill development. See table below for correct length recommendations.

A simple rule of thumb, especially for the Under 10s; get a length that is equal to at least nose height and no higher than head height. However, as kids improve technically and become physically stronger they ski on GS skis much longer than their actual height.

Twin Tips are not advised. If you can get a second-hand pair that is the best option.

The table below is broken into the Age Category as of this year (2023). For example, if you son was born in 2009, he should be on GS ski 182cm to 177cm. You would select the longer ski or shorter ski dependant on your height, weight and skill level.

Seasonal Part and Full Time Alpine Skiers (U12/14/16)  require a set of Slalom and GS skis. U14/U16 also require shin guards, pole guards and a chin guard attachment for the helmet. 

Free-ride skiers require GS or all-mountain skis. Twin tips are option for specific park sessions. Mogul skis are option for specific mogul sessions.

Free-ride snowboarders require an all-mountain snowboard.

Ski Length Guide

Ski Boots

For ski boots, please get them properly fitted. Boots that are too large make skill development more difficult. I have provided below a guide on what boots to purchase. Quite simply kids all need race specific boots for their age, weight and skiing ability. All the ski companies have a race boots line that cater for the U10 and up. For example, here is the link to Lange Junior Race Range.

Lange, Head, Rossignol and Atomic are reputable brands For the Lange Junior Race Range, you have the Junior collection that is targeted for the U16/14 and potentially U12 athletes. For the smaller and younger athletes look at something similar like the Lange RSJ Junior range.

Other boot fitting tips:

• Small chldren should not be fitted for "growth". This can lead to lack of ski control, soreness, feet issues and risk of injury particularly in the lower leg.

• Toes and heels of boots should be in good condition. Worn toes and heels can lead to movement in the binding, making the skiers efforts less effective, or lead to issues in binding release.

• As the ability and age increase, the boot flex and fit should head towards higher performance. However, if the boot is too stiff for the skier then their progression will be hindered. A boot fitter can advise on the appropriate flex.

• After each day the liners should be removed and place in the drying room.  The shells should be buckled and left in a normal temperature room.

• All athletes beginning to achieve a higher level of performance should be skiing and boarding with foot beds in their boots. It is important to have a comprehensive boot fitting consultation to check that they are not missing a link in their performance through fit, flex, canting or lack of neutrality in the boot.

Uniforms

It is preferred that all kids wear a club jacket as this makes them identifiable and allows them ease of access through the ski school priority lift lines. Black ski pants are also preferred. 

Club jackets are available for sale. We have limited stock that is available for purchase on the FCRC website.

Other equipment

All athletes

• Helmet (see specific requirements for Alpine programs below)
• Poles (see specific requirements for Alpine programs below)
• Gloves, goggles, pants, neck warmer/faceprotection
• Ski socks (correctly fitting thin merina recommended)
• Sunscreen
• Raincoat and wet weather gloves
• All apparel items should be of good quality and in good repair. Wear several thin laters under jackets and pants, not think laters.

Alpine programs

• FIS compliant hard ear helmet. Get a helmet that you can attach a chin guard to for slalom.
• Mouth guard
• Slalom (U14/U16): slalom ski poles, pole guards, shin guards, detachable chin guard. 
• Back protector
• Alpine racing suit (U14/U16, not mandatory for U12)

• Rock ski - an older pair of SL or GS skis for free skiing in thin snow conditions, particularly in the early/late season. 

Freeride programs

• Back protector 
• Wrist guards optional