Kids' Ski and Snowboard Sizing: How Much Room to Grow

Size kids’ ski and snowboard gear for this season, with only a little room to grow: up to about one Mondo size (1 cm) in boots, a few centimetres in skis or boards for confident kids only, and none in helmets. Gear bought two sizes up makes learning harder, colder and less safe. Here is how much room each piece can take.

Why “buy big” backfires

A boot that is too big lets the heel lift, so the child cannot steer the ski or board. A ski or board that is too long is hard to turn and slows progress. A loose helmet slides and leaves the forehead exposed. Kids who are comfortable and in control ski more and want to go back, so fit for now and plan to size up next season.

Boots: up to about 1 cm of growing room

Kids’ ski and snowboard boots use Mondo sizing, the foot length in centimetres. Measure both feet standing, take the longer one, and round up to the next half size.

• Room to grow: no more than about one Mondo size (1 cm) above the measured foot.
• Shell check: with the liner out, about one finger of space behind the heel is right for a growing child.
• Flex: kids need soft boots they can bend forward. A boot that is too stiff for a light child keeps them sitting back.
• Socks: one thin ski sock. Thick or doubled socks make feet colder, not warmer.

Kids’ boot fitting is free with boots bought from us. Bring last season’s boots and the socks your child skis in. How boot fitting works.

Skis: height first, then ability

For kids, ski length starts from height. Beginners ski short, around chin height or a little below; once a child links turns confidently, a ski toward nose height gives more stability.

Add growing room only for a confident skier, and only a few centimetres. For a child still learning, a longer ski is harder to turn. Many junior skis come with bindings, which we mount and set free before pickup.

Snowboards: chest to chin

A kids’ snowboard should stand between the chest and the chin. The ranges below come from our length finder and sit around chin height; first-time and lighter riders go toward the short end, heavier or confident riders toward the long end. Weight matters as much as height, so check the brand’s rider weight range too.

Kids’ snowboard boots follow the same rule as ski boots: about 1 cm of room at most. Bindings should fit the boot snugly with the straps centred.

Helmets: no room to grow

Buy the helmet that fits today. Measure around the head just above the eyebrows; most kids fit XS or S, about 49–55 cm. A rear dial adjusts the fit by a couple of centimetres, which covers some growth within the season. See the helmet sizing guide.

Jackets and pants: one size up can work

Outerwear is the one place where a little extra room makes sense. One size up usually works if the sleeves do not cover the hands, the pant hems do not drag under the boots, and the child can move freely. Many kids’ jackets and pants are sized by height in centimetres; see our kids’ size charts.

Quick checklist

• Measure feet and head at home, in centimetres.
• Bring last season’s gear to compare.
• Fit boots first, then set bindings to the boots.
• Try the helmet with the goggles.
• Exchanges for another size are free within 14 days at any of our stores, for unused items.

Shop kids’ ski and snowboard gear and kids’ outerwear.

Kids’ sizing questions

Can my child wear ski boots one size too big?

About one Mondo size (1 cm) of room is the limit. Bigger than that, the heel lifts and the child loses control of the skis.

How long should my child’s first skis be?

Around chin height or a little below for a beginner. Our size chart and the Find my length tool give a range from height.

Should I buy a kids’ helmet to grow into?

No. A helmet must fit snugly now to protect properly. Use the fit dial for small changes and buy the next size when it no longer fits.

Photo: Jan Ekmark / Fischer Sports.