Equipment Recommendations
Official TAS guidelines for skis, boots, and safety gear — helping every athlete train and race safely at their best.
Protection Requirements
Helmet
A hard-ear helmet is required for all athletes at all times during TAS on-hill activities. A Jr. race helmet is preferred for U12 and under. An RH FIS-rated ski racing helmet with an official FIS sticker is required for U14 and older.
Mouthguard
We recommend U16 and older athletes have a mouthguard.
Protective Gear
U14 and older — we recommend arm guards and back protectors. A chin bar and shin guards are also recommended for Slalom.
Beacon, Shovel & Probe
Recommended for Freeski, freeride, and off-piste all-mountain training. Not required for standard alpine gate training.
Ski Sizing Guide
For skiers ages 7–11, we recommend an SL race ski or all-mountain (MT) ski. Twin tips and powder skis are not appropriate for race training.
General guideline: Slalom skis reach chin to forehead height. GS skis are over the head.
We recommend using an SL ski over a GS ski until U14 (ages 12–13). At U14, athletes should have both SL and GS skis. U14s may also use GS skis for SG.
| Skier Height | All-MT or SL Ski Length |
|---|---|
| 4' or smaller | 125 cm |
| 4' 4" | 130 cm |
| 4'7" | 135 cm |
| 4' 8" | 140 cm |
| 4'10" | 145 cm |
| 5' or taller | 150 cm |
| More aggressive skier | Add 5–10 cm |
| Less aggressive skier | Subtract 5 cm |
Recommendations by Age Group
FIS and USSA have additional equipment regulations. Refer to the official links below for the most current rules.
| Age Group | Slalom (SL) | Giant Slalom (GS) | Super-G / Downhill |
|---|---|---|---|
| U14 Women | 135–145 cm · 9–13 m radius | 165–175 cm · 17–24 m radius | 175–185 cm · 17–30 m radius |
| U14 Men | 140–150 cm · 10–14 m radius | 165–175 cm · 17–25 m radius | 175–190 cm · 17–30 m radius |
| U16 Women | 145–155 cm · 11–14 m radius | 175–185 cm · 17–25 m radius | 180–200 cm · 30/40 m radius |
| U16 Men | 155–165 cm · 11–14 m | 180–190 cm · 18–25 m radius | 180–200 cm · 40/50 m radius |
| FIS Women | 155 cm | 183+ cm · 30 m radius | 200+ cm · 40 m radius / DH 205+ cm · 50 m radius |
| FIS Men | 165 cm | 188+ cm · 30 m radius | 205+ cm · 45 m radius / DH 213+ cm · 50 m radius |
Boot Flex Guide
You should be able to flex the ankle with the boot fully buckled. Boots will always be softer in the shop than on snow.
For junior racers, athletes between 75 lb and 150 lb typically ski boots between a 75 and 90 flex. Ages 14 and up may progress to 100 flex or higher with coach approval, and athletes ages 16+ may be ready for up to 130 flex.
You can move up or down the flex index depending on your mobility and strength. Removing and adding pins to the back of boots can also adjust the flex. Note that flex indexes are not equal across brands.
Key Tips
75 lb – 150 lb skiers typically use 75–90 flex boots
Ages 14+ may progress to 100+ flex with coach approval
Ages 16+ may be ready for 130 flex for advanced / FIS racing
Boots feel stiffer on snow than in the shop
Adjust flex based on mobility, strength, and coach input
Pin removal/addition can fine-tune flex
Flex ratings vary between brands
This guide is general — individual needs differ
| Skier Weight / Age Group | Recommended Boot Flex |
|---|---|
| Under 60 lb | 50–60 |
| 60–75 lb | 60–75 |
| 75–115 lb | 75–80 |
| 115–150 lb | 80–90 |
| Ages 14+ (Coach Approval) | 100+ Flex |
| Ages 16+ (Advanced / FIS) | Up to 130 Flex |
Additional Equipment & Team Uniforms
Skis & Bindings
Race skis appropriate for age and ability level
Properly tuned edges and bases
Bindings adjusted by a certified technician
Boots & Orthotics
Properly fitted race boots matching flex guide
Professional boot fitting strongly recommended
Custom footbeds / orthotics if needed
Protection & Safety
Hard-ear helmet required for all athletes at all times on-hill
Jr. race helmet for U12; RH FIS-rated with sticker required for U14+
Chin guard & shin guards for Slalom training
Back protector recommended (required U14+)
Beacon, shovel, and probe recommended for Freeski / off-piste
Apparel & Uniforms
TAS team race suit / official uniform
Warm technical base layers and outerwear
Goggles with multiple lens options for low light and sun
Race mittens / ski gloves
Still Have Questions?
If you need further assistance or have other equipment questions, please reach out to us — our coaches are happy to help.
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