The 8 Best Kids Skis
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in December of 2016. If you plan to take your children to the slopes, help them learn the sport confidently and safely on a reliable pair of kids’ skis. Designed to be lightweight and easy to control, they are available for everyone from beginners to little experts. No matter their ability, for safety’s sake, be sure youngsters are equipped with helmets, boots, and bindings fitted by a trained professional. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Elan Maxx 4.5
2. Volkl Chica Jr.
3. Odoland Snowflake
Editor's Notes
January 08, 2020:
There’s a good chance you’re here looking for a first pair of skis for your child, and the newly added Elan Maxx 4.5 -- our current number one pick -- fit the bill nicely for beginners. They’re lightweight and forgiving, with award-winning, patented U-Flex technology that ensures they’ll flex easily, even under slight pressure. Sturdy bindings are included that are easy to adjust to fit kid-sized boots.
Another model that’s new to our list and well suited for young learners are the Volkl Chica Jr. Their innovative design combines both a camber underfoot and a tip rocker, so they’re sure to provide easy handling, responsive turning, and stability. Like the Elan Maxx, they’re also highly flexible, thanks to their synthetic polyurethane core. You can buy them with confidence, thanks to their one-year warranty.
Parents of very young beginners -- aged four and under -- should check out the Odoland Snowflake, which come with poles for balance and support. They’re made for safety, featuring plastic with rounded tips and no metal edges. Your tot can pick from among three fun themes that depict snowflakes, reindeer, or outer space.
On the other end of the spectrum are the Atomic Punx Jr., which come from an Austrian company that makes skis and an array of related gear and apparel. These are geared toward young skiers who are intermediate to advanced. They’re easy to handle when you’re practicing spins, thanks to their full-cap construction. The combination of a foam core and a structured top sheet makes them both agile and sturdy. They replace the Atomic Vantage Jr. on our list, which are unavailable at this time.
Also leaving the list are the Faction Youth Ski Idiom JR, the Rossignol Experience Pro Jr., and the Volkl RTM Jr, all of which are not currently available.
While you’re looking at skis, if you’re also shopping for related accessories, check out our lists of best ski bags and best ski goggles.
On a safety related note, both kids and adults should be equipped with helmets, goggles, boots, and bindings fitted by a trained professional. Children can also be outfitted with back protectors, which can help protect against spine injuries in the event of a collision. And last but not least, everyone should always be sure to ski within their personal capabilities.
October 19, 2018:
Removed Yuki Limited because of availability concerns and replaced with the Atomic Vantage due to excellent brand reputation Updated the Volkl and Rossignol brands to more recent models
Special Honors
Romp Custom Kids Skis Designed for kids who are experienced skiers, these skis incorporate all of the features of adult models, but in a smaller size suitable for youngsters. They’re available in an array of fun, colorful patterns in sizes in the 100s, 120s, and 140s. They’re handcrafted and custom made to your specifications, and are available for order during the spring and summer months. They come from a company that’s based in Crested Butte, Colorado. rompskis.com
4. Skiweb Plastic
5. Whitewoods Snowman Nordic
6. Atomic Punx Jr.
7. K2 Juvy Fastrack2
8. Lucky Bums Beginner
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.