I just bought my young 3 year old a pair of used downhill skis, they're shaped. I'm concerned now they might be too short, they come up to the center of his chest. The salesperson said they were good for him. I'm questioning them now because my other son's skis (age 4) come up to his forehead, he skied fine on them for his first time. I bought them elsewhere. I have heard that when in doubt, go shorter on the length. The salesperson actually told me I'd probably get 2 years out of the skis I bought for my 3 year old. Just looking for feedback from other sking parents on this. TIA!
Thanks
The shape of the shaped skis adds surface area that the nonshaped skis make up for in length, so with the shaped skis you always want to go shorter for more control...also, for beginners, shorter is always better.
Hi Tracey-
It has been a while since *I* have skied...much less with 'littlers'...but short to me = more control.
I'd opt for shorter.
Best Luck!
michele/cat
I think the rule is to either your armpit or your chin but shorter is easier so for a 3 year old I think your good. The 4 year old could stand to get a shorter pair. I just got snowboards for my 3 year old and my 5 year old. They are loving it!!
Those teeny short skis are in...for adults also. I would love to try them sometime to see what they feel like. They are supposedly a lot easier for learning and for kids. You have more control. The salesperson was right! My 3 year old and 8 year old both ski. The 3 year old is very proud she can ski by herself on the bunny slope. :) It's so cute.
For a 3 year old, it sounds right.
Start out with shorter skis. They are easier to learn and turn with. It'll be more fun for your 3 yo and he'll gain skill and confidence faster.
What? To his chest seems fine but his forehead? Those are too long. That is not safe. Whoever the salesperson is doesn't seem to know squat. His little legs will have a hard time maneuvering them, no matter how experienced he is. My son is 7 and has 4 yrs experience skiing and his skiis just started to come to his forehead (we rent because we live in Texas and I hate packing ski gear).
Now that I think about it, how tall is your son? The sales person might just be going on height. I think my son is up to 150cms right now and he's 48" (a little on the short side for his age).
Be safe and have fun skiing! We love it :)
