How do I know the boot fits?

Have them stand up straight. Heel should sit snug at the back, toes just brushing the front when standing, pulling away when they bend their knees.

Do kids need wrist guards for snowboarding?

Yes. Wrist fractures are the #1 snowboard injury for kids. Non-negotiable for beginners.

Should I rent or buy ski gear for my kid?

For kids under 10, renting usually makes more sense. They grow fast — boots that fit in December won't fit in March. Seasonal rentals start at $179.

Their first turn is yours to remember.

A guide to gearing up little skiers and riders — by humans who fit boots for a living.

Learn the basicsAges, sizing & safety

Shop by categorySkis, boards & boots

Visit our shopBeaverton, OR

Non-Negotiable Safety Gear — these come first.

Learn Before You Shop

Everything you need to know — from a shop that fits 200+ kids every season.

Kid in full ski gear showing helmet, goggles, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots

Why the jacket matters

A ski jacket isn't a fashion statement — it's a weather barrier. Kids run hot when they're moving and cold when they stop, so the jacket needs to manage moisture, block wind, and shed snow. A wet, cold kid is a done-for-the-day kid. The right jacket keeps them out there for hours.

What to look for

•Waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm — 15,000mm or higher for heavy snow days
•Sealed seams and powder skirt to keep snow out during falls and deep days
•Pit zips or mesh-lined venting so they can dump heat without taking the jacket off

⚠️ Common Mistake

Overdressing. A massive puffy jacket over a thick hoodie is a recipe for sweat, then chill. A properly waterproof shell with smart layering underneath works better than one enormous coat.

Skiing

Most kids start skiing around age 3-4. The pizza-wedge stance is intuitive, and ski school programs are built for this age group. They'll be cruising greens by the end of their first weekend.

Why this age?

At three years old, kids have enough leg strength and coordination to snowplow. The equipment is lightweight, the learning curve is gentle on greens, and they can ride the magic carpet independently. Starting early builds balance and mountain awareness that pays off for years. Most resort ski schools accept kids from age 3, and group lessons at this age are more play than instruction — which is exactly the point.

The Gear Checklist

Helmet with MIPS— Certified protection, properly fitted
Goggles— UV400, anti-fog, helmet-compatible
Skis— Chin-height for beginners, nose-height as they progress
Ski Boots— Professionally fitted, correct flex for weight
Waterproof Mittens— Insulated, long cuff, leash clips
Layered Outerwear— Base + mid + waterproof shell

Shop kids skiing gear →

Your kid will outgrow this gear. That's the plan.

Boot Size by Age (Mondo)

Toddler

17.5

19.5

20.5

21.5

22.5

23.5

24.5

25.5

26.5

30-second decision: Rent or Buy?

1.Is your kid under 10?

The Parent Cheat Sheet

Quick answers to the questions every parent asks us.

Shop Kids Gear

Every piece picked for mountain kids. Fitted in-store, no guesswork.

AgeGender

Helmets

Non-negotiable protection for every run

View all 7 items →

-30%

ATOMIC

REVENT VISOR JR

Ages 7-10

$112$160

-15%Staff Pick

POC

POCito Obex MIPS

Ages 7-10

$136$160

-15%

POC

POCito Skull

Ages 11+

$162$190

-20%Staff Pick

Smith

Glide Jr. Mips/Snowday Combo

Ages 3-6

$104$130

-20%

Smith

SURVEY J MIPS

Ages 11+

$176$220

-32%

Smith

Glide Jr. Mips

Ages 3-6

$75$110

-20%

Smith

Glide Jr. Mips/Rascal Combo

Ages 3-6

$104$130

Goggles

Clear vision in every condition

View all 8 items →

Staff Pick

Smith

Rascal Jr.

Ages 3-6

$35

Smith

Snowday Jr.

Ages 7-10

$45

Staff Pick

POC

POCito Retina

Ages 7-10

$55

Anon

Tracker 2.0 Jr.

Ages 3-6

$50

Anon

Relapse Jr.

Ages 11+

$70

Oakley

Flight Tracker XS

Ages 11+

$89

-17%

Oakley

Line Miner Youth

Ages 7-10

$75$90

Smith

Gambler Jr.

Ages 3-6

$30

Jackets

Warm, waterproof, and ready for anything

View all 8 items →

Staff Pick

Helly Hansen

Stellar Jr. Insulated Jacket

Ages 7-10

$160

Helly Hansen

Traverse Jr. Ski Jacket

Ages 11+

$180

-22%

Burton

Elodie Jr. Jacket

Ages 7-10

$140$180

Burton

Dugout Jr. Jacket

Ages 7-10

$130

Staff Pick

Spyder

Impulse Jr. Synthetic Down Jacket

Ages 11+

$199

Spyder

Lola Jr. Insulated Jacket

Ages 7-10

$169

-21%

Columbia

Arctic Blast Jr. Jacket

Ages 3-6

$95$120

Columbia

Mighty Mogul II Jr. Jacket

Ages 3-6

$80

Gloves

Warm hands, happy kids

View all 7 items →

Staff Pick

Hestra

Army Leather Heli Ski Jr.

Ages 11+

$70

Staff Pick

Hestra

CZone Primaloft Jr. Mitt

Ages 3-6

$55

Hestra

My First Hestra

Ages 3-6

$35

-22%

Burton

Profile Jr. Under Glove

Ages 7-10

$35$45

Burton

Grabber Jr. Mitt

Ages 3-6

$25

Dakine

Tracker Jr. Glove

Ages 7-10

$40

-15%

Dakine

Rover Jr. Gore-Tex Mitt

Ages 11+

$55$65

Pants

Waterproof from first chair to last

View all 4 items →

Staff Pick

Helly Hansen

Legendary Jr. Insulated Pant

Ages 7-10

$130

-21%

Burton

Exile Cargo Jr. Pant

Ages 11+

$110$140

Spyder

Olympia Jr. Pant

Ages 7-10

$99

Staff Pick

Helly Hansen

Champ Jr. Bib Pant

Ages 3-6

$150

Ski Boots

The foundation of every great turn

View all 6 items →

Staff Pick

Atomic

Hawx Jr. 3

Ages 7-10

$150

Atomic

Hawx Girl 3

Ages 7-10

$150

-20%

Rossignol

Comp J4 Jr.

Ages 11+

$200$250

Staff Pick

Nordica

Speedmachine J3

Ages 7-10

$170

Salomon

T3 RT Jr.

Ages 11+

$180

Rossignol

Fun Girl J3

Ages 3-6

$100

Snowboard Boots

Comfort and control on the board

View all 5 items →

Staff Pick

Burton

Grom BOA Jr.

Ages 3-6

$130

Staff Pick

Burton

Zipline BOA Jr.

Ages 7-10

$160

-20%

Vandal Jr.

Ages 7-10

$120$150

Ride

Norris Jr.

Ages 7-10

$110

Burton

Concord Smalls

Ages 11+

$180

Shop by Story, Not Category

We grouped gear by situation — because “what do I actually need?” is more useful than “helmets page 3 of 12.”

The First-Timer Starter Kit

Their first day on snow should be about fun, not fussing with gear. We picked the essentials that keep them warm, safe, and smiling — so you can focus on cheering them on from the lodge.

-20%Staff Pick

Smith

Glide Jr. Mips/Snowday Combo

Ages 3-6

$104$130

Staff Pick

Smith

Rascal Jr.

Ages 3-6

$35

Staff Pick

Hestra

CZone Primaloft Jr. Mitt

Ages 3-6

$55

Columbia

Mighty Mogul II Jr. Jacket

Ages 3-6

$80

Staff Pick

Helly Hansen

Champ Jr. Bib Pant

Ages 3-6

$150

Rossignol

Fun Girl J3

Ages 3-6

$100

STILL NOT SURE?

Come see us.

Our instructors fit hundreds of kids every season. Bring yours in — we'll measure, recommend, and make sure everything fits right. No appointment needed.

Book a fitting Get directions

📍 5639 SW Arctic Dr, Beaverton, OR · 📞 971-263-2916 · 🕐 Open until 6:00 PM