Devo Programs Equipment Recommendations

Here are some GENERAL guidelines for our Devo athletes. Please understand we are not addressing specific needs for all athletes in all situations, it can vary widely.

For all Devo Athletes, the Snowbasin Ski Team requires the following:

  • Ski boots

  • Skis with bindings

  • Ski poles (for Devo and Devo+ athletes only)

  • Ski helmet

  • Ski goggles

  • Ski pants and gloves

Boots
The most important piece of gear is COMFORTABLE boots, which are snug like a firm handshake, but not too tight. Toes should lightly brush the front of the boot when standing straight up, but not touch the front of the boot when the ankle is flexed. Toes should freely wiggle up/down and the heel should sit firmly in place in the back of the boot when flexing and extending. Most children can wear a boot without modification. Sometimes it will be necessary to get your athlete a custom fit by a master boot fitter. Again, the most important thing is to make sure the boots are comfortable and will stay dry inside. Discern between a truly uncomfortable boot and a snug new pair of boots your athlete may not be used to wearing.

Skis
All‐Mountain Skis on the narrower side or Frontside Carvers work best for most athletes most of the time to develop new skills. GENERAL ski height for beginners is typically from sternum to collarbone. For skiers with some experience, height can be from collarbone to the nose and more advanced skiers between the chin and lower forehead. This can highly vary based on the type of ski, the ability level of the athlete, conditions, and intent. We recommend against rockered skis, twin tips, wide skis, or park-specific skis. These skis while fun are not the most conducive for learning new skills.

Poles
We recommend against using poles for any new skier under the age of 10. Your coach will recommend when it is time for your athlete to start using them. If your athlete is a confident skier, it is typically good to use poles with proper instruction.

Other Gear
The team jacket you will receive is 20,000 mm rated, the highest in the industry for youth jackets. This means the jacket is highly weather resistant. A pair of 10,000 to 20,000 mm rated snow pants is recommended. Insulated, weather-resistant mittens or gloves are advised. A helmet and goggles are REQUIRED. We recommend using layers of clothing for the upper and lower body, such as a base layer and a fleece or down mid-layer as one example. Use more layers on colder days and fewer on warmer days. We highly recommend against wearing two pairs of socks.

For more specific recommendations, please visit your local ski shop where gear experts can address your athlete’s specific needs. Local shops are Alpine Sports and Amer Sports in Ogden and Diamond Peak in Eden.

2023-24 NOTE: Alpine Sports is offering an exclusive season-long equipment rental package of skis, boots, and poles for $159. Alpine Sports is located at 1165 Patterson St., Ogden UT. Please let them know your child is a ski team member when renting the equipment. This is an exclusive offer for Snowbasin Ski Team members only.