Boots
Boots are probably the most important piece of equipment with respect to a racer’s comfort, safety and performance. Unfortunately, you can’t buy oversized boots for younger racers so they’ll fit for a few years; they need to fit properly. (Proper fit is the inner liner removed, put foot into the empty shell, toe to the front of the shell, NO MORE THAN TWO FINGERS BEHIND THE HEEL! Most kids can get one or sometimes two years out of a pair of boots depending on their growth rate. Used boots are fine as long as they fit properly. If you’re unsure about proper fit ask one of the parents or coaches or go to a ski shop. One last word on proper fit the racer must be able to flex both ankles and the boot while buckled in.
Boot Warmers
One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear during the season is about cold toes. The first defense is properly fitting boots. You should also consider an electric boot dryer/warmer to use in between wearing. All boots get wet either through perspiration or snow getting in them. Wet boots are cold boots! A boot dryer will be among the best $10 you ever spend.
Poles
No need to spend more than the minimum here. Just get poles the right size with wrist straps and you are set. To properly size a ski pole, turn it upside-down (with the hand grip on the ground) and the tip of the pole pointer upward. The proper "fit" of the pole is when the elbow is bent 90 degrees, the forearm is parallel with the ground, and the persons hand is just on the grip side of the basket.
Hand guards are after market plastic devices that are screwed to the top of the pole grip and clamp around the pole below the grip to protect the racers hands when they hit a gate. These are not necessary until racing slalom.
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