Ski Boots – should be well-fitted, flexible, front entry buckle type boots (no rear-entry boots!)
Skis – all racers should have one pair of soft-flex
skis. Skis should be race-ready: bottoms flat filed, edges sharpened,
tips and tails de-tuned and waxed for snow conditions and snow
temperature. A ski tune-up clinic may be held during the early part of
the season. Coaches will also provide advice on ski preparation
throughout the season.
Goggles – are Strongly Recommended for all practices
and races. They help protect racers’ eyes from the gate poles and the
keep out the elements. Clear goggles are strongly recommended for
evening practices. Tinted goggles are beneficial on sunny race days.
Helmets (with hard ear flaps) – Eastern
Massachusetts Buddy Werner League REQUIRES the use of helmets at all
League Sponsored events. All racers are required to wear an appropriate
alpine ski helmet. Helmets for racers 8 and up MUST have hard ear flaps.
(Note, this is a feature that is specific to race helmets, and is for
the safety of the racers who will encounter gates.) Helmets for racers
12+ must be FIS approved. Look for a sticker such as this one:
Clothing – Weather appropriate clothing should be
worn to all practices and races. Please remember that the temperatures
on the chair lift and on the hill are colder than in your backyard.
Layering works best. A sports bag with extra layers and a second pair of
gloves, ski socks, etc. is most helpful. Hand and foot warmers often
come in handy (for racers and spectators!) Many SWRT racers choose to
wear G-Suits for racing. This is not a requirement. For those who do
wear G-suits, side-zip snow pants are recommended for warmth pre- and
post-race.
SWRT-branded jackets and G-Suits are typically ordered in the spring for
the following season, however many used items are traded and sold among
team members at the start of the season.