The Best Skis for Intermediate Kids

Encourage ski progression by replacing the outgrown, novice skis of junior skiers. Skis made for intermediate levels are better suited for trick learners and emerging terrain park riders. Aside from ski level, other factors come into ski gear selection, including, height, weight, terrain preferences and personal style. Select gender-specific skis designed for kids to ensure proper fit and ease of use.

  1. Girls

    • K2 Jr. Girl's Luv Bug skis and Rossignol Fun Girl skis are some of the best-selling and top-rated intermediate skis for kids. K2 Jr. Girl's Luv Bug is an all-mountain junior ski with a torsion box cap construction and core foam. The skier weight for this pair ranges from 29 to 125 pounds.

      Rossignol Fun Girl is made for novice to intermediate skiers who tread groomed trails at low to medium speeds. The pair provides plenty of stability with a microcell-foam core responsive enough for skill progression.

    Boys

    • Top-rated and popular skis for boy skiers include Rossignol Avenger Pro X1 Skis Kids and Volkl Unlimited Junior. Rossignol Avenger Pro X1 skis are designed for progressing intermediate skiers. This pair is ideal for skiing on groomed trails at low to medium speeds with a cap construction that keeps skis lightweight.

      Volkl Unlimited Jr. is ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers; the pair comes with marker motion binding that allows juniors to grow without having to remount the binding. Features include composite core, 2.2mm edges, power shell, motion binding and DIN 7.

    Size

    • Length is an important factor when determining skis for all skill levels, including the intermediate kid. For youth skiers under the age of 12, ski tips should reach a part of the middle or upper face. Check specific ski styles for sizing guidelines, as sizing may very depending on the manufacturer. Opt for a size in the shorter range. A shorter size allows learning to turn and do other tricks easier, which boosts the intermediate child skier to test and build even more skills.

    Deutsche Industrie Norm or DIN Settings

    • Choose bindings that fit to the immediate level of skiing for kids. While it should fit the current level, it should also offer the skier room to grow and develop more advanced skills. Intermediate bindings have higher and more tolerant DIN settings while still being able to release quickly in sudden motions. According to ABC-of-skiing.com, DIN is the internationally agreed scale of all ski bindings. This ensures that all ski bindings worldwide abide by a single scale that releases under the same force. Obtain the DIN scale of your old bindings and discuss the appropriate higher settings with your local ski specialist to accommodate an intermediate skier.