At MM Race we pride ourselves on a high level of professionalism which is reflected in the way we look on the mountain or glacier while training. Hence why you won't miss us in bright orange and black!

We believe it is great to get used to the necessary attire for ski racing so that you are completely comfortable and confident on race days. However, everyone starts somewhere and kids grow out of things quickly so please do not feel like everything here is mandatory, or to be bought brand new.

Helmet:

Ski helmets with hard ears for Giant Slalom/Slalom are COMPULSORY for our race training. These helmets don't have to meet the relevant FIS specifications, but this is recommended and is usually a sign of a good quality helmet. This will be shown with a sticker demonstrating that compliance. When it comes to Slalom, those who are old enough and have the necessary skills to get close enough to the gates, a chin guard may be required when skiing Slalom. This is attached to certain compatible hard eared helmets, OR you can have a seperate helmet for Slalom with a chin guard attached to it. It is mandatory that you DO NOT use a chin guard for Giant Slalom. We also do not reccomend purchasing second hand or recycled helmets for safety reasons. 

Goggles are required when ski racing, not sunglasses. It is advised to have a range of lenses for varying light conditions and to keep them dry when not using them if it is snowing (avoid putting them on your helmet,) so that they do not steam up when you step into the start gate. We recommend carrying a spare pair for this reason. This is something to bare in mind as children do love to throw snowballs!

Skis

It is not essential to own your own skis, as kids grow so quickly! However if you do intend on purchasing kids skis, it is recommended to have a pair for Giant Slalom and another for Slalom. This is because the relevant radius required for each dicipline is very different. There are lots of second hand kids skis constantly in circulation.

Size guides:

Remember these are just guides and there may be external reasons for selecting a different size of ski.

Ski Boots:

It is NOT essential for kids to have their own boots, as kids feet are constantly growing! However if you do intend on purchasing kids ski boots, it is recommended to have a race boot. There are plenty of used kids ski boots in circulation.

Catsuit:

It is great to introduce kids to the idea of racing in a catsuit early so that as they get older it's no issue for them.
Catsuits can be expensive to purchase brand new, so please note that they are much more cost effective to purchase second hand.
Catsuits ultimately make you faster so lets get used to wearing one in the right enviroment together!

Training Clothing:

Ski pants with full length leg zips or overshorts are recommended over the top of your catsuit for training. Again, these can be purchased second hand rather than purchased brand new. The idea is that these can be easily removed at the top of the race course, and put on again easily. We have full length zipped ski pants in our uniform that can be purchased in advance.

Gilets/Down Jacket/Ski Jacket can be worn over the top of your catsuit for extra warmth and then easily removed. The MM Race Team uniform features a gilet with zip-off arms.

Protection:

Back protectors are COMPULSORY for kids racing. They should lie flat against the body with the top edge not extending above the 7th cervical vertibrae. (The bump at the base of your neck.) These can also be expensive so explore getting one second hand.

Forearm Guards are worn in order to to take the impact of Giant Slalom gates. These are not required for skiing Slalom. Alternatively you can also purchase race vests that have similar built into the sleeves.

Slalom Shin Guards are used to avoid impact with the gates or stubbies used in training/races. These can also be purchased second hand as they need to be the correct size for the childs legs.

Slalom Pole Guards are used to fit over your ski pole grip as an added layer of hand protection from race gate impact when kids get to such a level where they are gaining speed and technically advancing in their Slalom skills.

Giant Slalom poles are curved rather than straight, this design is to bend around the skiiers body while in a tuck position at speed to minimise drag. These are not mandatory but can help enhance performance when you reach higher levels.

Kit bags
Most companies provide larger kit bags which are ideal for race training. They are necessary as you will have a lot of kit. Something that allows you to fit such items as; extra layers, food/drink, boots etc. These bags are more relevant for race day events rather than training days on the race piste in Val d'Isere.

Race Gloves are much more heavily padded and are specifically designed to increase grip, as well as prevent injury with impact to gates. They are not mandatory but are a great addition to your kit when you begin to reach higher speeds and levels of accuracy. They will also last a lot longer against wear and tear.

Dynastar:
Skis and Boots - we have a Hardware deal with Dynastar/Lange

Some of this equipment listed can be purchased at discounted rates here thanks to our partners. However, if you have any questions on other pieces of equipment or where else they can be purchased - Please reach out to a member of the team and we can assist you.