Stylin'

Growth happens—just at different times for different kids. That’s why ski companies take differing approaches to building skis for young teens. Some models are extra rugged “junior” skis, available in lengths as short as 120 cm. Others are essentially adult skis built to be affordable and to take the beating of aggressive park skiing. What all the skis featured here (boys' skis followed by girls' skis and then unisex models) have in common are two tips. (Only racers want “directional” skis anymore.) None of them are flimsy foam-injected skis built for grade-schoolers. Find a model that’s available in your size (somewhere between your chin and forehead, ideally). Decide whether you want it center-mounted (park-specific) or aft of center (all-mountain ripping). After that, the most important consideration is style: If a cool-looking ride gets you fired up to ski, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Above: Whether or not you pound the park, twin-tips are an expression of your personal style.

Photo: Niall Bouzon