Renting Ski Gear for Kids: A Parent's Guide

Skiing with children is wonderful, but dealing with a cold, bored child who won't put their boots on in the rental shop is not. The good news: with a little preparation, renting kids' gear is quick and painless. Because children grow so fast, renting usually makes more sense than buying for kids.

Before you go: have the measurements ready

Most time in the shop is spent measuring and trying things on. Note these down at home:

• Height and weight — up to date; children grow a lot in a season.
• Foot length (cm) — stand your child on a sheet of paper with their heel against a wall and measure to the tip of the longest toe.
• Head circumference (cm) — measured just above the eyebrows; the helmet size is based on it.
• Level — first time on skis, or have they done a week of ski school?

Calling the shop with these details in advance — especially at smaller resorts such as Ilgaz and Sarıkamış — reduces the risk of small sizes running out at peak times.

Kids' ski length

For a beginner child, the ski tip, stood upright, should reach roughly between the chest and chin. A short ski makes it easier for the child to hold a snowplough ("pizza") and turn. As they improve, the length can go up towards the chin. As with adults, choosing a long ski "to grow into" is a mistake — and with rentals there's no need.

Kids' boots: the "one size up" mistake

The most common mistake with kids' gear is boots a size too big. In a loose boot the foot slides, the child can't control the ski and gets tired and cold quickly. A correct boot:

• Toes lightly touch the front when standing, and pull back when the knees bend.
• The heel doesn't lift.
• The child doesn't say "it hurts" after walking around for a few minutes.

Children can't always describe discomfort accurately. Once the boots are on, have your child walk around the shop for a few minutes, bend their knees, and watch their face. See our ski boot guide for detailed fit rules.

Helmet: non-negotiable

A helmet is essential for children, and many ski schools won't take a child without one. The helmet should:

• Sit down to just above the eyebrows and not slip when the head turns in any direction.
• Have a chin strap tight enough to fit one finger underneath.
• Be tried with goggles; there should be no gap between helmet and goggles leaving the forehead exposed.

Read our helmet and goggles guide for choosing both.

Clothing and gloves

Children get cold and wet much faster than adults. A waterproof jacket and trousers, a one-piece snowsuit, or at least waterproof bottoms are essential. Mittens are warmer than gloves for small children. Some shops rent kids' ski clothing, but bring your own mittens and neck warmer. See our what to wear skiing guide for layering.

Make the shop visit easier

• Arrive with your child already in ski socks and layers.
• Get your child's gear sorted first, then your own, so they don't get bored waiting.
• Bring snacks and water; a rental queue plus hunger is a bad start to the day.
• If the ski school and rental shop are in the same place, ask about a package. At resorts with lots of beginners, such as Davraz, these packages are common.

See which shops at your resort rent kids' gear under "Services" in our list of rental shops.