By: Jordan Sunshine: Ski Buyer | October 15, 2023
Buying kids' skis presents a unique challenge. Every parent wants to see their child fall in love with the activities that they enjoy, so good gear that makes skiing fun is essential. But kids grow fast, so investing in expensive skis that might not even fit them for a full season is a real concern. And kids have their own style preferences, so it can be challenging to find skis that they think are “cool.” Luckily, this list of the best kids' skis makes that easy.
2024 is marking a progressive shift in the realm of kids' skis, with a strong emphasis on embracing inclusivity in design. Moving away from traditional gender-specific palettes, brands are now offering more gender-neutral color options. This not only broadens the spectrum of choices available but also allows young skiers to select gear that truly resonates with their personal style, irrespective of gender norms. This fresh approach to design ensures that the next generation of skiers is introduced to a sport where individuality is celebrated, and the slopes become a canvas for self-expression.
You know they're ready when they start chasing you around the backcountry, only flailing when the snow gets deep. Give the kid a break and buy them a pair of the Atomic Bent Chetler Mini Skis, the right tool for soft snow freeriding for the short set. With Powder Rocker to tame the freshies and the same awesome Chris Benchetler artwork on the topsheets as the adult versions, the "Mini" will reinforce the notion that parents are the good guys and skiing is all it's cracked up to be.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
90 | No | $349.95 - $399.95 |
The Völkl Revolt 86 Scorpion is that unicorn ride that lets you have it all - a viable all-mountain ride for those mandatory laps with the fam and a true twin tip rocker profile for sending it in the park with your buds. Völkl puts their stamp of quality on this ski, laying it up with a real Mulitlayer Woodcore for pop and performance and a Cap Sidewall for durability. When you're looking for all-mountain freestyle versatility for a smaller human, this ski has no equal and rocks the "stinger" to prove it.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
86 | No | $399.99 |
The Völkl Deacon Junior Skis + 4.5 vMotion Jr Bindings are a great way to introduce your young ripper to the slopes and save yourself the hassle of standing in the rental line week after week. This setup is easy for smaller skiers to get along with and built with tough, durable materials.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
68 | Yes | $269.99 |
The freshly constructed Black Crows Junius Skis now features ABS sidewalls and a woodcore to get your small person up and running seamlessly, with a classic double rocker profile and easy-turning flex. Make the most of your ski day and let the kids know how much fun this sport is with the Junius under their feet.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
80 | No | $285.95 |
Get the little ones stoked early and keep 'em that way with the Elan Sky Skis + EL 4.5 GW Bindings. These puppies have a classic foam core and cap construction, but with the added benefit of U-Flex Technology which allows the ski to flex more easily and consistently for easier turns and reliable pizzas.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
69 | Yes | $249.99 |
The Salomon QST Jr M Skis + L6 GW Bindings are a tool for junior-sized progression that won't break the bank. With Salomon's long record of quality and safety, you can be assured the QST junior skis and bindings are the perfect match for those closest to you, and the best way to ensure they'll wind up loving the sport.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
68 | Yes | $289.95 |
The K2 Luv Bug Skis + FDT 4.5 Bindings are the perfect introduction to a lifetime of skiing fun for kids just starting out or working their way through the "pizza to french fry" progression. Light, easy to maneuver composite core construction with a cap topsheet for better durability and softer torsional flex make it easy to make the leap to skiing mastery.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
70 | Yes | $279.95 |
Growing kids deserve fun skis that help them learn, good thing you're looking at the The Atomic Maven Girl Skis + L6 GW Bindings. Made with a lightweight foam core for easy maneuverability, tough Duracap sidewalls that stand up to anything, and fun swirly graphics that any vibrant kiddo will love, these are two planks that won't have them thinking twice about trying new runs and ripping it up.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
68 | Yes | $309.95 |
A genuine wood core pow ski for those of shorter stature, the Line Skis Bacon Shorty Skis are our recommended solution for deep days for charging juniors and small women who can't find an appropriate length in an adult ski. The 107mm waist in a 155 is like a 120mm waist in a 180, so there's plenty of float and plenty of guts for shorties who want to line it up and go big.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
107 | No | $419.95 |
The Völkl Mantra Jr Skis have been at the top of the heap for junior rippers for years, if not decades, and the latest version still stands tall in a world full of dumbed-down foam core shorties. You get a genuine Full Sensor Woodcore and Full Sidewall construction just like Völkl's premier adult skis, and the power and precision you know Völkl delivers across the board. When Junior is ready to step up and ski like a boss, this is the plank to put him or her on.
Waist Width (mm) | Bindings Included | Original Price |
86 | No | $349.99 |
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.