Equipment Guide

SKI RACING EQUIPMENT & PACKING GUIDE

BE PREPARED. STAY WARM. RACE YOUR BEST.

About This Guide

Successful race weekends begin long before athletes step into the starting gate.

Having the right equipment, clothing, and supplies helps racers stay comfortable, focused, and prepared for changing conditions.

This guide provides practical equipment checklists for young racers just starting out, experienced athletes competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom, and parents volunteering at races.

As athletes develop, their equipment needs will change. Younger racers can often train and compete with relatively simple equipment, while older racers may benefit from specialized skis, protective gear, and tuning supplies.

Remember: You don’t need to purchase everything on these lists when your child first joins SRT.

Coaches can help families determine which equipment is appropriate for each athlete’s age, ability, and racing goals.

1.0 Planning for an Away Race

Lift Tickets and Race Information

Before traveling to an away race, review the event information provided by WIJARA and the host ski area.

Race information may include:

  • Event schedules and race start times.
  • Lift ticket purchasing instructions.
  • Discounted racer and family lift tickets.
  • Required liability waivers.
  • Parking and check-in information.
  • Course inspection schedules.
  • Volunteer assignments and reporting locations.

Purchase lift tickets and complete required waivers in advance whenever possible.

Waiting until race morning can create unnecessary delays, particularly when several teams arrive at the same time.

When Should We Arrive?

For many WIJARA events, arriving around 7:30–7:45 AM provides time to park, organize equipment, meet teammates, and prepare for course inspection.

However, always follow the official schedule published for your particular race.

2.0 Prepare for the Weather

Plan for Colder Conditions Than Forecast

Ski racing involves periods of intense physical activity followed by extended periods of standing, waiting, or riding chairlifts.

An athlete who feels warm during a race run may become cold while waiting for the next start.

Our recommendation: Pack clothing for conditions approximately 10°F colder than the forecast.

This is a practical packing guideline, not a substitute for checking actual temperatures, wind chill, and weather alerts.

Bring Extra Dry Clothing

Wet clothing loses insulating effectiveness and can quickly become uncomfortable in cold weather.

For two-day race weekends, consider bringing:

  • Two or more sets of base layers.
  • Multiple pairs of ski socks.
  • Extra gloves or mittens.
  • Additional neck gaiters and face coverings.
  • Spare insulating layers.
  • Dry clothing for the trip home.

Dry gloves and socks can make an enormous difference during a long race weekend.

3.0 Goggles and Visibility

Most SRT training sessions take place in the evening under artificial lighting.

Proper goggle lenses are essential for visibility.

Night Skiing

Clear or appropriate low-light lenses are recommended for night training.

Dark, heavily tinted lenses can make it difficult to see changes in terrain and snow conditions.

Daytime Racing

For daytime competition, choose lenses appropriate for the available light.

Many experienced racers carry multiple lenses or a second pair of goggles.

All skiing goggles should provide appropriate UV protection.

4.0 Equipment Checklist — Young Racers

For Athletes Just Starting Out

Younger racers generally need the same basic equipment used for recreational skiing, along with a few race-specific items.

Ski Equipment

  • Skis
  • Ski boots
  • Ski poles
  • Properly fitted ski helmet
  • Goggles
  • Season pass or lift ticket confirmation
  • Race bib, when issued

Clothing

  • Waterproof ski gloves or mittens
  • Warm winter hat
  • Helmet-compatible balaclava or thin helmet liner
  • Neck gaiter or face covering
  • Thermal base layers
  • Ski socks
  • Insulating midlayer
  • Ski jacket
  • Waterproof ski pants

Recommended Extras

  • Spare gloves or mittens
  • Extra ski socks
  • Dry base layers
  • Hand warmers
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Small equipment bag

A Note for New Families

Young racers do not necessarily need separate Slalom and Giant Slalom skis when beginning their racing experience.

Before purchasing specialized racing equipment, speak with an SRT coach about what is appropriate for your athlete.

Good equipment should support skill development—not become a barrier to participation.

5.0 Equipment Checklist — Experienced Racers

For Athletes Competing in Slalom and Giant Slalom

As racers progress, specialized equipment becomes increasingly important.

Not every item is required for every age group or event.

Skis and Boots

  • Slalom (SL) skis
  • Giant Slalom (GS) skis
  • Recreational or inspection skis, if available
  • Properly fitted ski boots
  • SL poles with appropriate hand protection
  • GS poles

Helmets and Protective Equipment

  • Slalom helmet with appropriate chin protection
  • GS helmet meeting applicable race requirements
  • Shin guards for Slalom
  • Pole or forearm guards
  • Back protector, if appropriate
  • Additional protective padding, if appropriate

Important: Helmet construction, certification, and protective-equipment requirements vary by discipline, age group, and competition rules. Confirm current requirements with your coach before purchasing equipment.

Race Clothing

  • Race suit
  • Thermal base layers
  • Ski socks
  • Insulating midlayers
  • Warm training jacket
  • Warm training pants
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Winter hat
  • Balaclava or helmet-compatible liner
  • Neck gaiter or face covering

Goggles and Accessories

  • Daytime racing goggles
  • Clear or low-light lenses
  • Spare goggles or replacement lenses
  • Race bib
  • Season pass or lift ticket confirmation

Race-Day Extras

  • Spare gloves
  • Extra socks
  • Dry base layers
  • Water bottle or sports drink
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Ski straps
  • Equipment bag

6.0 Optional Ski Tuning Equipment

Families with experienced racers may choose to maintain and tune equipment between training sessions and competitions.

A basic tuning kit can help keep skis in good condition throughout the season.

Suggested Tuning Supplies

  • Ski waxing iron
  • Appropriate ski waxes
  • Wax scrapers
  • Nylon and other appropriate ski brushes
  • Edge files
  • Edge guide
  • Diamond stones
  • Ski vises
  • Portable tuning bench
  • Ski straps or heavy-duty rubber bands
  • Clean towels or shop cloths

Always follow ski and equipment manufacturer recommendations when tuning.

Families new to ski racing should consult their coaches before investing in a complete tuning setup.

7.0 COLD-WEATHER GATE JUDGE BACKPACK

FOR PARENTS VOLUNTEERING ON THE RACECOURSE

Gate judging is one of the most important volunteer positions during WIJARA competitions.

It can also be one of the coldest!

Unlike racers, who generate heat while skiing, Gate Judges may spend extended periods standing in one location, observing racers and recording gate faults.

The key to staying comfortable is preparing for prolonged inactivity in cold, windy conditions.

A well-packed backpack can make your volunteer assignment considerably more enjoyable.

Essential Cold-Weather Gear

Extra Warmth

  • Extra insulated gloves or mittens
  • Thin glove liners for writing or handling paperwork
  • Warm hat that fits comfortably under a helmet, if skiing
  • Neck gaiter or balaclava
  • Spare insulating midlayer
  • Extra dry socks
  • Disposable hand warmers
  • Disposable toe warmers

Tip: Mittens generally provide better warmth than gloves, but thin glove liners make handling pencils and Gate Judge cards easier.

Food and Warm Drinks

  • Insulated thermos with hot coffee, tea, cocoa, or another warm beverage
  • Water bottle
  • Energy bars or other easy-to-eat snacks
  • Sandwich or packed lunch for longer assignments

Cold temperatures can make hydration easy to overlook.

Bring enough fluids and food to remain comfortable and alert throughout your assignment.

Gate Judging Supplies

Your Chief Gate Judge will normally provide the official materials required for the position.

However, a few personal supplies can be helpful:

  • Two or three pencils
  • Small notebook
  • Clipboard, if not provided
  • Waterproof document sleeve or plastic bag
  • Small towel for drying hands or equipment
  • Watch or phone for checking the time

Tip: Pencils are often more dependable than ordinary ink pens in freezing temperatures.

Always use the official Gate Judge cards and reporting procedures provided by race officials.

Personal Protection

  • Sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • UV-protective sunglasses or goggles
  • Personal medications, if needed
  • Fully charged phone
  • Portable phone battery

Cold temperatures can reduce phone battery performance. Keep your phone in an inside pocket when possible.

Helpful Extras

  • Small foam sitting pad for use during breaks
  • Compact backpack rain cover
  • Spare plastic bags for wet clothing
  • Small roll of athletic tape
  • Tissues
  • Extra neck gaiter or face covering

What About Ski Equipment?

If your Gate Judge assignment requires skiing to your designated location, bring:

  • Skis, boots, and poles
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Appropriate ski clothing
  • Lift ticket or volunteer credential

Your Volunteer Coordinator or Chief Gate Judge will explain whether skis are required.

Important: Gate Judges should remain in designated safe locations and follow the instructions of race officials. Personal equipment must not obstruct the course or interfere with racers.

8.0 Coaches and Race-Day Support Equipment

Coaches and designated race support personnel may need additional equipment when working at the top of the racecourse.

These items are generally not necessary for parent Gate Judges.

Suggested Coach and Race Support Backpack

  • Water and warm beverages
  • Extra gloves and insulating layers
  • Spare goggles or lenses
  • Ski scraper
  • Diamond stone or small edge tool
  • Ski straps
  • Heavy-duty rubber bands
  • Multitool
  • Duct tape
  • Athletic tape
  • Zip ties
  • Spare bib ties
  • Approved rub-on ski wax
  • Small ski brush
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Snacks
  • Fully charged phone or designated communication equipment

Coaches should coordinate with race officials regarding course access, equipment placement, and race-day communication procedures.

9.0 Final Race-Day Checklist

BEFORE LEAVING HOME

For Racers

  • Skis, boots, poles, and helmet
  • Goggles and protective equipment
  • Race suit and warm outerwear
  • Gloves, socks, and base layers
  • Lift ticket or season pass
  • Race information and schedule
  • Food and water
  • Spare dry clothing

For Parents and Volunteers

  • Volunteer assignment confirmed
  • Reporting time and location confirmed
  • Lift ticket or volunteer credential arranged
  • Warm clothing and appropriate footwear
  • Backpack with personal essentials
  • Phone charged
  • Weather forecast checked

QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUIPMENT?

If you’re unsure what your racer needs, please ask an SRT coach before making a major equipment purchase.

We’re happy to help families understand the differences between recreational ski equipment, introductory racing equipment, and specialized competition gear.

Our goal is to help every racer arrive prepared, stay comfortable, and enjoy the experience.

LEARN TO SKI. TRAIN TO RACE. SKI FOR LIFE.

Coach Mya
Sundown Race Team