Equipment

Helmet: Hard Shell (no soft eared) CE approved or equivalent helmet required.

Skis. Free Skiing, GS & SL skis recommended, DH/SG skis if applicable

Pass: BSF Membership & Bridger Bowl ski pass required

USSA License: NOT REQUIRED unless you intend to attend USSA/Masters Sanctioned Races

Where to Buy Equipment

Since skiing is not an inexpensive sport to participate in, we make every effort to help athletes secure gear in a variety of ways. BSF coaches will be available at all swaps to help answer questions.

• The Alpine Team holds an intra-club gear swap each October (before the big BSF Ski Swap at the Fairgrounds). This is a great time to source (and sell) used equipment among fellow teammates.
• Local retailers or online. (Your BSF membership gets you discounts at several local shops.) Also, keep your eyes out for the team BSF emails—occasionally retailers will sponsor team nights with discounts.
  
• The Ski Swap (http://www.bridgerskifoundation.org/events/skiswap), held each November at the Fairgrounds. Thousands of items. (It’s also one of BSF’s biggest fundraisers.) BSF members get in an hour early. If you volunteer at the event, you get in even earlier!

Skis

Skis 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Skis/buying-guide-1-12-2012,default,pg.html

Race skis 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Race-Skis/buying-guide-1-24-2012,default,pg.html

Boots 

Some people say that the three most important things when it comes to ski equipment are boots, boots and boots. 

A proper fit is key because boots are your connection to the snow.  A proper fitting boot gives you feedback, lets you know what your skis are doing, and helps the athlete determine what they want their skis to do.  A sloppy fitting boot equates to sloppy or less precise skiing and can encourage bad skiing technique.  

A quick way to find the proper boot size is by “shell fitting.” Take the liner out of the boot. Put the (socked) foot into the shell. Have them move their toes forward till they hit the front of the boot. Toes should touch without scrunching! Have them bend their knee forward. You should be able to fit a finger between their heel and the back of the shell. One finger is a “race fit.”It may be tempting to go a bit larger but keep in mind that boots are the link between the pilot and the snow.

Boots 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Ski-Boots/buying-guide-3-17-2012,default,pg.html

Race boots 101 http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Race-Ski-Boots/buying-guide-2-9-2012,default,pg.html

Bindings http://www.skis.com/Buying-Guide-for-Ski-Bindings/buying-guide-4-4-2012,default,pg.html

POLES

GS-standard length. SL-pole guards for blocking and protection. SL pole may be slightly shorter.

To size poles, turn the pole upside down and grab it under the basket. Your elbow should be bent to or just past 90 degrees.  Take into consideration binding and boot height.  Grips should have straps. In sizing poles, longer is better (they can be cut if too long).  They are great for getting out of a start and will remind you to keep your hands up. 

COMMUNICATION

When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will communicate weekly details to you through email, as well as any last-minute changes. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from us, let us know!