Selecting proper equipment plays a key role in the development of athletes. Parents and racers are encouraged to discuss equipment selection with the racer’s coach to ensure that athlete has the appropriate items. Below are some guidelines to assist in determining your racer’s equipment requirements; your local ski shop will assist in determining appropriate sizing of equipment.
Helmets
Hard ear helmets are mandatory for all participants in MHRC programs. Helmets conforming to FIS specifications for participation in Alpine Ontario Association (AOA) sanctioned events (i.e., races, camps, etc.) are age category dependent.
For U14/16/19/Masters athletes it is mandatory to wear FIS compliant helmets at all race and camp events, signified by the logo below. It is recommended, but not mandatory, for athletes in the U8/10/12 age categories to wear FIS compliant helmets.
Current FIS helmet standards require a FIS label incorporated into the back of the helmet as per manufacturer’s directions. Many brand name helmets meet these standards and have the appropriate markings. Your local ski shops will be able to provide you with a conforming helmet.
Back Protectors & Mouth Guards
It is strongly recommended by MHRC and AOA that back protectors and mouth guards are used by participants for any racing discipline (i.e. SL, GS, SG, DH).
- Helmet: hard ear cover is mandatory without equipment mounts (i.e., GoPro, etc.)
- Ski goggles: properly fit properly to face and helmet
- Skis: size appropriate junior Kombi recreational skis for intermediate/advanced skill level (racing skis are not required)
- Boots: proper fitting junior recreational skiboot with soft flex (rated 70 flex and below) and with at least 2 buckles (racing boots are not required)
- Poles: appropriately sized recreational ski poles
- Misc.: shin/face/pole guards, racing suits are not required
Clothing: Layers, no cotton, no hoodies (too bulky), ski socks, face and neck protectors
- Helmet: hard ear cover helmet is mandatory, recommended with FIS RH 2013 label, and without equipment mounts (i.e., GoPro, etc.)
- Ski goggles: properly fit to face and helmet
- Skis: size appropriate junior Kombi recreational skis for intermediate/advanced skill level (racing skis are not required)
- Boots: proper fitting junior recreational skiboot with soft flex (rated 70 flex and below) with at least 2 buckles (racing boots are not required)
- Poles: appropriately sized recreational ski poles
- Misc.: shin/face/pole guards, racing suits are not required
Clothing: Layers, no cotton, no hoodies (too bulky), ski socks, face and neck protectors
- Helmet: hard ear cover helmet is mandatory, recommended with FIS RH 2013 label, and without equipment mounts (i.e., GoPro, etc.)
- Ski goggles: properly fit to face and helmet
- Skis: size appropriate junior SL racing skis or Kombi recreational skis for advanced skill level
- Boots: proper fitting junior recreational skiboot with soft flex (rated 80 flex and below) with at least 2 buckles (racing boots are not required)
- Poles: appropriately sized recreational ski poles
- Misc: shin/face/pole guards are required, racing suits not required, back protector and mouth guard are advisable
Clothing: layers, no cotton, no hoodies (too bulky), ski socks, face and neck protectors
- Helmet: hard ear cover with FIS RH 2013 label and without equipment mounts (i.e., GoPro, etc.) is mandatory
- Ski goggles that properly fit to face and helmet
- Skis: size appropriate SL and GS racing skis
- Boots: proper fitting racing skiboot with soft/medium flex (rated 80 flex and below, “plug” racing boots are not recommended)
- Poles: appropriately sized ski poles
- Racing suit is suggested
- Misc.: shin/face/pole guards are mandatory, racing suits are advisable, back protector and mouth guard are highly recommended
Clothing: layers, no cotton, no hoodies (too bulky), ski socks, face and neck protectors when necessary
- Helmet: hard ear cover with FIS RH 2013 label and without equipment mounts (i.e., GoPro, etc.) is mandatory
- Ski goggles that properly fit to face and helmet
- Skis: size appropriate SL and GS racing skis
- Boots: proper fitting racing skiboot with flex appropriate to the participant weight and height
- Poles: appropriately sized racing ski poles
- Racing suit is highly recommended
- Misc.: shin/face/pole guards are mandatory; racing suits, back protector and mouth guard are highly recommended
Clothing: layers, no cotton, no hoodies (too bulky), ski socks, face and neck protectors when necessary