USSA Ski Requirements:

• Athletes of all ages who compete in USSA races must use skis that conform to the USSA Ski Requirements
• The good news: All new race skis conform to these standards.
• Members do not need to have skis that comply with these requirements to participate in LMRT unless they plan to race in USSA events.
• Consult the USSA rules and requirements for skis and lifters before buying new skis!

LMRT Recommendations:

• One pair of professionally sized junior racing skis.
• Most beginning athletes start with one pair of skis.
• Many experienced athletes have one pair for GS and one pair for slalom.

Question for the Coach : "If I'm getting just one pair, should it be GS or Slalom?"
Answer:   When selecting skis to be an athlete's only pair, slalom skis are the way to go.   Slalom skis have more side-cut or shape, and help newer racers learn to carve faster.

LMRT Recommendations:

• Good fitting boots are the foundation of a ski racer. Boots need to be tight to transfer the energy to the ski and allow the athlete to feel the snow.
• Ideally, all athletes should have a pair of professionally-fit, four-buckle overlap boots designed for ski racing.
• However, beginning athletes can participate in LMRT with recreational level ski boots, but we recommend that their next pair be designed for ski racing.
• Boots should be fit to the athlete wearing only ONE pair of thin socks.
• Parents should avoid buying junior boots with too much room to grow. A better way to save money is to get used skis.

Recommended Boot Fitters:

• Not every shop devotes resources to having expert boot fitters.
• LMRT recommends the shops and professionals listed below first and foremost because of their extensive boot fitting expertise and knowledge of modern racing equipment:
  • Pro-Fit Ski & Skate : Contact Brian Deeley or Jeff Harper.
  • Mountainside Ski & Sports : Contact Dave Whitney.
  • The Ski Center : Contact Brian Eardley or Brian Beaumont.

Orthodics (Boot Footbeds):

• All athletes age nine and older should have some type of aftermarket footbeds designed for ski boots.
• Over-the-counter footbeds are inexpensive ($20-25.00) and provide much better support, edge control, and feel for the snow than the insoles that come with ski boots.
• Custom made ski orthodics are strongly recommended for experienced athletes once their feet have stopped growing.

Boot Canting (leveling) & Lifters:

• Athletes 14 and older should be examined for boot canting by a professional that specializes in boot canting. (See the list of recommended professional boot fitters above.)
• Serious competitors whose feet have stopped growing should consider custom made lifters under the sole of their boots.
• Lifters enable greater edge angles and allow the athlete to make better use of the ski shape.

• Experienced athletes are strongly encouraged to have pole guards for slalom practice and racing. However, these are not necessary for new racers.
• Shin and face guards for slalom are also recommended for experienced athletes.
• Ask your coach if you need any of this extra equipment.

• Train like you race; race like you train. Race skis need to be tuned properly and frequently to perform to their potential.
• Experienced athletes are encouraged to learn to tune their own skis.
• Maximize your training opportunities; make sure your edges are sharp.
• A light tune is easy to do. However, a professional should do base leveling and edge beveling.
• Expensive waxes are not necessary at most levels of competition.
• Occasionally, LMRT offers a tuning clinic to introduce athletes to the skills they need to keep their skis in race ready form. Ask your coach or check out the LMRT calendar for details.

Here are some suggested tuning supplies to get you started:

• Diamond stone to remove or smooth out burrs before filing.
• Edge sharpener or file and guide with adjustable angles to maintain proper edge bevels.
• Heavy duty rubber bands to hold breaks out of the way.
• Gummy stone to smooth edges after filing.
• P-tex and a lighter for minor base repairs.
• Metal scraper for smoothing base after P-texing.
• Base cleaner.
• Hot waxes for various temperatures.
• Iron (no, not your parent's good iron).
• Plastic scraper for removing excess wax.
• Brush for texturing bases after scraping.
• Vise for supporting skis.
• Drop cloth to prevent damage to hotel rooms.

A speed suit is not required for beginning athletes, however, the suit does give additional support for joints and body and also helps the posture of each individual skier.

• Learning to make carved turns can save more time than the small aerodynamic gains that a speed suit can provide on smaller hills and short courses.
• However, most serious competitors use a speed suit.  Athletes who qualify for the State Championships, might consider buying a speed suit.

• A number of ski shops and other vendors have contributed to LMRT in a variety of ways over the years.
• All of the shops listed below offer discounts to LMRT athletes. Some of these shops sponsor the club as well.
• Most shops can be very busy at peak times. For assistance with time consuming items, such as boot fitting, consider scheduling an appointment to receive the best service.
• Please plan in advance. Just because a shop offers an LMRT discount, doesn't mean they can help with your equipment the week before you need it.

Mountainside Ski & Sports:
Location(s): Mechanicsburg, PA
Suggested Contact(s): Dave Whitney or Chris Starner
Telephone: 1-800-834-4573
Web: www.mountainsideski-sports.com
Click here for more information on what they offer to LMRT junior athletes.

Ski Center:
Location: Washington, DC
Suggested Contact(s): Brian Eardley, or Brian Beaumont.
Telephone: (202) 966-4474
www.skicenter.com
Click here for more information on what they offer to LMRT junior athletes.