Junior Race Ski Size Chart: U10 to U16
Posted by Ryan Ebbers on 19th Oct 2026
Junior race skis are sized by the racer's weight and age class first, and height second. Too long and a young racer cannot bend the ski into a turn; too short and it feels nervous at speed. This guide gives the official U.S. Ski & Snowboard length and radius rules, then starting-point lengths by weight for U10 through U16 racers.
The short answer
- U10: one multi-event ski, roughly chin to nose height. Stronger or bigger skiers can go to forehead height.
- U12: two pairs, slalom and GS. Size by weight from the table below.
- U14 and U16: size by weight, and check the length and radius rules. Every U14 and U16 GS ski must have at least a 17 m radius.
- When in doubt, ask the racer's coach. Club rules and coach preferences come first.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard ski rules for juniors
These are the 2025 U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine equipment regulations (unchanged from 2024). "National" applies to most club and regional races; "FIS" applies to FIS-sanctioned races.
| Age class and event | National races | FIS races |
|---|---|---|
| U14 slalom | 130 cm minimum length | 130 cm minimum length |
| U14 GS | 17 m minimum radius | 188 cm maximum length, 17 m minimum radius |
| U14 super G | 17 m minimum radius | No rule |
| U16 slalom | 130 cm minimum length | 130 cm minimum length |
| U16 GS | 17 m minimum radius | 188 cm maximum length, 17 m minimum radius |
| U16 super G | 183 cm minimum length, 30 m minimum radius | 183 cm minimum length, 30 m minimum radius |
- U12: two pairs (slalom and GS), sized to the athlete. Only one pair is allowed in the race arena.
- U10: one pair for all events, sized to the athlete.
- U14 and U16: stand height (ski, plate and binding) is limited to 50 mm, and boot height to 43 mm.
Source: U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Equipment Regulations 2025. Check for an updated edition each season.
Junior race ski size chart by weight
These lengths are starting points drawn from club and manufacturer guidelines, which vary by a few centimeters. Each model also runs a little differently, so check the maker's chart for the exact ski.
U12
| Racer weight | Slalom | GS |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 75 lb | 120 to 125 cm | about 140 cm |
| 75 to 85 lb | about 130 cm | about 150 cm |
| 85 to 100 lb | about 135 cm | about 155 cm |
| 100 to 115 lb | about 140 cm | about 160 cm |
| 115 lb and up | 145 to 150 cm | about 165 cm |
U14
| Racer weight | Slalom | GS (17 m radius minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| 85 to 100 lb | about 135 cm | 155 to 160 cm |
| 100 to 115 lb | about 140 cm | 160 to 165 cm |
| 115 to 135 lb | 145 to 150 cm | 165 to 170 cm |
| 135 lb and up | 150 to 155 cm | 170 to 175 cm |
U16
| Racer weight | Slalom | GS (17 m radius minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 115 lb | about 145 cm | 160 to 165 cm |
| 115 to 130 lb | about 150 cm | about 170 cm |
| 130 to 150 lb | about 155 cm | 175 to 185 cm |
| Over 150 lb | 155 to 157 cm | 185 to 188 cm |
U16 super G skis must be at least 183 cm with a 30 m radius, whatever the racer's size.
When to size up or down
- Size up for a strong, aggressive skier, a second-year athlete in the age class, or a program that runs fast, open courses.
- Size down for a lighter or newer racer, or one still learning to pressure the ski. A ski the racer can bend is faster than a longer one they cannot.
- Do not buy to grow into. A ski that is too long now holds back technique all season. Juniors usually need new skis every season or two.
- Match the boots and bindings. A race ski needs a binding with the right DIN range for the racer's weight, and a boot flex they can actually bend.
Junior race skis in stock
We carry junior slalom and GS race skis from Head and Nordica, including the Head WCR e.SL Team, Head e.GS Rebel Team, Nordica Dobermann Junior GSJ and Nordica Dobermann GS Race Plate U14 U16. Sizes sell through fast in the fall, so see all junior race skis for current lengths.
Finish the setup with race helmets, slalom poles and shin guards, and see our junior ski racing gear checklist and race pole size guide.
Get sized in Boise
Not sure between two lengths? Bring the racer into our Boise shop to get sized, or call us at 1-800-741-3985 with their age class, height, weight and how they ski. We will help you pick a length that fits the rules and the racer.