Race Clothing & Equipment - Seniors
At MM Race we pride ourselves on a high level of professionalism which is reflected in the way we look on the mountain/glacier while training.
It's important to get used to the necessary attire for ski racing so that you are completely comfortable and confident on race days. If you turn up to a race for the first time wearing a catsuit when, during training, you have only been wearing a regular ski jacket and ski pants - that psychologically could distract you from the more important aspects of your runs as you may not be comfortable.
With this in mind, we recommend the following equipment in our training sessions for anyone looking to compete or take Speed Tests:
Hard Ear Helmet
Ski helmets with hard ears for GS/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. We don't recommend purchasing race helmets that are second hand or recycled for safety reasons.
Goggles
Goggles are required when ski racing, not sunglasses. Be sure to have a range of lenses for varying light conditions and keep them dry when not using them if it is snowing (avoid putting them on your helmet,) so they are not fogged up when you step into the start gate. We recommend carrying a spare pair for this reason in your kit bag.
Skis (recommended ski sizes for Giant Slalom)
Eurotest specific:
Men - minimum 179cm/19m radius, maximum 188cm/27m.
Women - minimum 175cm/17m radius, maximum 185cm/25m.
(We DO NOT recommend a 30m FIS GS ski for Eurotest.)
ISIA Speed Test specific:
Men - minimum 179cm/19m radius, maximum 185cm/25m.
Women - minimum 175cm/17m radius, maximum 183cm/23m.
(We DO NOT recommend a 30m FIS GS ski for the ISIA Speed Test.)
New to GS training specific:
Men - minimum 175cm/15m radius, maximum 185cm/23m.
Women - minimum 170cm/15m radius, maximum 183cm/21m.
Skis (recommended ski sizes Slalom)
Slalom:
Men - 165cm/12.5-13m radius.
Women - 157cm/12.5-13m radius.
(Unlike GS, we DO recommend a FIS Slalom ski for both men and women.)
Ski Boots:
Boots are your most important piece of equipment. A proper race boot, that is correctly fitted and aligned will make a big difference to your performance. A decent alpine piste boot is a good start, but there is no substitute for the narrow last, low volume and flat sole that a race boot offers. (Minimum 130 flex.) Most boot maufacturers will make a boot like this, but they are not always available in the shops. Please contact us if you would like some advice on where to get yourself properly fitted.
Our head coach, Rupert Tildesley is highly experienced in helping athletes find the correct boot and can help with alignment of your boots. This is an area which is often over looked so we recommend taking him up on this advice.
Catsuit:
Most races require you to wear a catsuit. If you have not worn one before, we understand that it can be nerve wracking. We believe that in knowing that you are not alone and everyone else is in the same position, makes this new experience much easier to manage.
Catsuits can be expensive to purchase brand new, so please note that they are much more cost effective to purchase second hand. Please contact any of our coaches for advice on this as there are plenty of second hand catsuits in circulation.
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 required over the top of your catsuit for training. Again, these can be purchased second hand rather than being purchased brand new. The idea is that these can be easily removed at the top of the course, and put on again easily so you don't get cold.
Gilets/Down Jacket/Ski Jacket can be worn over the top of your catsuit for extra warmth and then easily removed.
Other equipment to consider...
Back protectors:
These are not mandatory but are recommended by our coaches as they may be required at Eurotest level. 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.)
Forearm guards:
These are worn in order to to take the impact of GS gates. Alternatively you can also purchase race vests that have similar built into the sleeves. Please contact one of the coaches if you have questions on these or need advice.
GS poles:
These are curved rather than straight, this design is to bend around the skiiers body while in a tuck position at speed to minimize drag. These are not mandatory but can help enhance performance when you reach high levels.
Kit bags:
Most companies provide larger kit bags which are ideal for race training. They are necessary as you will have a lot with you for a full day on the course. Something that allows you to fit such items as; extra layers, food/drink, boots etc.
Race Gloves:
These 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 in racing.
Dynastar/Lange & SHRED deal:
Skis and Boots - we have a Hardware deal with Dynastar/Lange & SHRED
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.