How to choose the right size equipment

The right-sized equipment makes skiing safe and enjoyable. Equipment that is too large reduces control and increases the risk of falling. Below you’ll find tips on how to choose the right size gear

Ski boots - good fit is key

• Too big ski boots reduce control. Imagine riding a bike with a handlebar that doesn't respond: you turn the handlebars, but the wheels don't turn and you continue straight ahead. The same thing happens with boots that are too big – your feet don't transfer the movement to the skis or snowboard, and you can't make a turn.
• Boots that are too big can cause missteps in the ankle or knee when falling, increasing the risk of injury.
• One sock is enough – socks that are too thick take up space and alter the fit of the shoe. Choose long socks. Woollen socks are not essential for warmth.
• Approximately 1 cm of space ensures that the foot stays in place but does not slip.

Ski length – controlled skiing starts with the right size

• Beginners and intermediate skiers: skis at or slightly below chin level make turning and control easier.
• More experienced skiers: a slightly longer ski (nose-forehead) provides more stability even at higher speeds.

Tip! Shorter skis are easier to handle, and for very young children, skis that reach up to the chest are sufficient.

Always combine your choice of skis and snowboard with the right size boots and other equipment to ensure safe and enjoyable skiing.

Do you need poles when skiing?

The use of poles is not mandatory – some skiers consider them important, while others manage well without them.

The benefits of ski poles

• Helps keeping the balance
• Supports initiating turns and finding rhythm when skiing.
• Assists in controlling movement on flat or gentle slopes.

We recommend beginners to practice without poles.

Pole length

• The basic rule is that the arm forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the elbow when the pole is in an upright position.
• This ensures that the pole is the right length, supports the push, and is not too long for the wrists.

Snowboard length

• Recommendation for beginners: The length of the board should be approximately at chin and shoulder height (usually 15–20 cm shorter than the rider's height). Why: A shorter board is easier to control and turns more easily, making learning safer and more comfortable.
• For more experienced snowboarders, a longer board provides stability when riding downhill.

Measuring a child's foot before choosing boots

• Place your child's foot on the paper with the heel against the wall.
• Draw a line at the longest toe.
• Measure the distance from the heel to the tip of the toe in centimeters.
• Add approximately 0.5–1 cm of extra space so that the shoe fits snugly but does not feel tight.

Tip! Measure both feet – take the longer foot into account when choosing boots.

Tip for fitting shoes to a child

When a child says that the ski boot feels too small, it’s often because the foot hasn’t yet been able to bend properly inside the boot. A ski boot is much stiffer than a regular winter boot. With the tips below, you’ll make it easier for the foot to slide into the boot.

Here's how to make room:

1. Pull/push the flap of the shoe forward firmly before placing your foot in it.
2. Place the child's foot in the shoe and encourage them to push their foot firmly into the shoe. This is easiest to do when the shoe is on a stable surface and the child is standing.
3. Make sure that your heel stays in place and your foot does not slip too much.

Internal and external dimensions of the ski boot – check compatibility with bindings

Children's feet grow rapidly, and often all they need is larger boots to fit their existing skis. In such cases, even if the boots are the right size inside, their outer dimensions may no longer fit the bindings. The inner measurement of the boot indicates how the foot fits into the boot, while the outer measurement affects whether the boot fits the existing bindings. Please note that the outer measurements of boots may vary between manufacturers even if the inner measurements are the same.

When you are only buying new boots

• Make sure that the external dimensions fit your current bindings and that there is sufficient adjustment range. Bring your current skis with you when shopping.
• If the new boot does not fit to current settings, it is sometimes possible to move the bindings, but we do not do this at Joupiska. In such cases, it is best to take the matter to a local sports shop, where the necessary expertise and equipment are available.

Are you wondering whether your skiing equipment is suitable, or do you need help adjusting your bindings?

We are happy to help you ensure that your own or your child's boots and skis are the right size and safe for the slopes. Stop by the rental shop during opening hours, and we will get your equipment ready if that is possible. If there is nothing we can do, we can still give you tips on what to do next.

Fasten the buckles on your boots after the season

To make putting on ski boots easier next season, we recommend fastening the buckles loosely. This way, the plastic retains its curved shape and the buckles will be easier to use. Be sure to dry the boots thoroughly before storing them.