The following are some quick general guidelines to assist you in determining what kinds of equipment your children actually needs. Please be aware that this is a multi-year progressive skill development program and your children may quickly outgrow their equipment. It is very important that children have skis, boot and poles that fit well and are appropriate for their skill level. We will help fit your children and will work with you to make sure all our team's children have equipment that is of good quality and appropriate for their skill level. Rentals will be adequate for the first two years for developing classic skills but skating will be introduced in the third year for all skiers.

HILLHOPPERS

Bunnyrabbits & Jackrabbits (Level 1-2)
- No-wax classic skis
- Classic length poles (Bunnyrabbits won't use poles very much)
- On-snow play does not require long skis (skis ~ child's height)
- Bindings should be easy to operate

Advanced Jackrabbits Levels (3-5)
- Skating technique is introduced (shorter waxable classic skis work best)
- Skiers should have both skating and classic length poles
- Having both classic and skating skis is preferable (less time changing wax)

HILLTOPPERS

Team Track Attack & Hilltoppers XC Ski Team
- All Hilltoppers should have a pair of properly fit classic and skating racing skis
- Advanced skiers will build their own wax kits
- Some older advanced skiers may also want to purchase rollerskis for training

Challenge Team
- One pair of properly fit classic skis (waxable preferred)
- Skating will be introduced in the 3rd year if starting as a beginner
- Waxless touring skis are fine if not planning to race

SKI TYPES
Classic skis should reach just below the wrist of the skier's outstretched arm. The camber (flex) should be suitable for classic skiing. Skating skis should be 3-4 cm above the head of the skier and the camber should be suitable for skating. It is preferable that children learn to skate on waxable classic skis that are sized for skating. Thus dual-purpose waxable classic skis are fine but "combi" skis are not recommended. Dual purpose skis (waxable classic) should be a length mid-way between the length of a classic and skating ski, but the camber should be based on what is suitable for classic.

POLES
Poles should have adjustable straps. Classic poles should reach the underarm when the skier is standing on the floor. Skating poles should be the same height as the chin. Tips should be made of metal. Bunnyrabbits will not use use poles during sessions but may want to have a pair to feel like part of the group.

BOOTS/BINDINGS
Salomon (Profil) and NNN are the commonly used suitable boot/binding systems. Both are good and equally functional but boots must match the bindings. The Salomon system offers more variety and is preferred. Boots must be comfortable and should never be "grown" into.