The 10 Best Kids' Skis of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Sunshine: Ski Buyer | September 22, 2022
Buying kids' skis presents a unique challenge. Every parent wants to see their child fall in love with the activities that they enjoy, so good gear that makes skiing fun is essential. But kids grow fast, so investing in expensive skis that might not even fit them for a full season is a real concern. And kids have their own style preferences, so it can be challenging to find skis that they think are “cool.” Luckily, this list of the best kids' skis makes that easy.
New This Year:
Kids' skis are better than ever before. More and more brands are realizing that many kids are skiing at a very high level, even at a young age. So they’re giving them the tools to do that with skis that mimic their adult counterparts in construction and design. No more flimsy foam cores and generic shapes. This crop of the best kids' skis features wood cores and rocker profiles that mimic their longer counterparts. And, as the cherry on top, more and more kids' skis feature the same graphic sensibilities as the adult versions. So your kid doesn’t have to feel pandered to, instead, they can ride the same skis you do!
Atomic Bent Chetler Mini
When they start asking to follow you out the backcountry gate, you know it's time to look into the best kid's freeride tool available: the Atomic Bent Chetler Mini Skis. The 90mm waist and Powder Rocker profile provide plenty of surface area to float growing bodies, while lightweight Dura Cap construction keeps the weight down and the maneuverability high. Dial up a few Kai Jones videos and get your kid ready for the time of their life.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Composite | 90 mm | $299.95 - $349.95 |
Black Crows Junius
The Black Crows Junius Skis are the perfect learning tools for new skiers. These little, lightweight skis feature a soft flex, plenty of catch-free rocker in the tip and tails, and a nice short turn radius for easy carving. They encourage having fun, trying new things, falling and getting back up, and trying and having fun all over again. Also available with a pink topsheet under the name Junius Birdie. Black Crows' design and ride feel are legendary for good reason, and now your kids can experience the same magic.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Foam | 85 mm | $259.95 |
K2 Mindbender Team Jr
For the junior senders who like to roll with the big dogs, the K2 Mindbender Team Jr Skis are your ticket to shred town. With a responsive Aspen Veneer core and versatile All-Terrain Rocker, they are made to last through rugged freeride terrain. Coming in at 98mm underfoot, these skis are geared up to be the do-it-all, smack the lip, carve through crud kind of ski that fosters progression from opening day till the end of the season. Time to bust it down and tear it up. These skis are perfect for kids who love to go fast and take chances.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Aspen | 98 mm | $399.95 |
Atomic Backland Girl
When progression becomes the main focus, have her click into the Atomic Backland Girl Skis + L 6 GW Bindings for a ski that's easy to manage and well versed in all-terrain maneuvers. Combining All Mountain Rocker with a lightweight Densolite Core, you can count on reliable performance in a wide variety of conditions all season long.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Foam | 75 mm | $279.95 - $359.95 |
Atomic Bent Jr
Shred in style with the Atomic Bent Jr Skis + L 6 GW Bindings. Made with a lightweight Densolite foam core and a partial twin tip design, your kiddo will be progressing from bunny hill to baby park in no time. Teach them to ski switch, carve like a pro, and grow into the best skier on the mountain. Bright graphics and easy maneuverability make the Atomic Bent Jr. an obvious choice for young riders with big dreams. They’re a great first step into a lifetime of skiing.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Foam | 82 mm | $279.95 |
Faction Prodigy 0X Jr
A light and forgiving way to get your grom up and skiing in a hurry, the Faction Prodigy 0X JR Skis are a beginner's treat with their light Polyfly Core and 82mm waist. There's nothing like a cool ski that makes learning easy to keep it fun. These playful skis are perfect for aspiring park rats.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Foam | 82 mm | $279.00 |
Völkl Flair Jr
Repetition is the key to a mastery of skiing, and having your own gear is part of the program. Set your kids up right with the Völkl Flair Jr Skis + vMotion 4.5 GW Bindings and watch them thrive. Easy to turn and forgiving even when you forget whether to pizza pie or french fry, the Flair Jr will set the stage for bigger, faster and more epic days on the hill.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Composite | 69 mm | $249.99 |
Elan Maxx
Get your kiddos stoked to learn the ropes with the learner-oriented and super cool Elan Starr Skis + EL 4.5 Bindings. Now with a softer flex and specialized kids binding plate, learning to turn has never been so easy. Early rise rocker makes it a breeze to master the basics, and a lightweight foam core makes them easy to maneuver. Whether they're pizza-ing all the way down or just practicing their upright position, the Elan Starr skis are sure to earn their place in any kiddo's quiver. From first turns to first black diamonds, these skis can handle it all.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Composite | 69 mm | $239.99 |
K2 Luv Bug
The K2 Luv Bug Skis + FDT 7.0 Bindings are designed to be a young rider's very first pair of skis. Sized down and super forgiving for small humans, these skis make progression a breeze. They're soft, lightweight, and shaped with a catch-free rocker profile that makes learning and turning easy as (pizza) pie. These skis make those first few days on the bunny hill so much fun, and then hold up as your kid progresses.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Composite | 70 mm | $249.95 |
Volkl Deacon Jr
The Völkl Deacon Junior Skis + 4.5 vMotion Jr Bindings are a great way to introduce your young ripper to the slopes and save yourself the hassle of standing in the rental line week after week. Fun, forgiving, and durable are keywords that are all appropriate ways to describe this composite cored ski with Power Shell construction. These skis rip, just like your kid will after a season on them.
| Core | Waist Width | Original Price |
| Composite | 69 mm | $249.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:
Skis - Kids' Size Chart and Buyer's Guide
Skis - Rocker Technology Explained
Ski Bindings – How to Choose & DIN Setting Chart
Ski Boots - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Ski Boots - Boot Sole & Ski Binding Compatibility
Ski Boots – How to Make Your Boots Fit Better
Ski Poles - Size Chart
Skiing - Beginner Skiing Tips
Skiing - How to Fly With Skis
Skiing - How to Get in Shape
Ski Maintenance - Base Repair
Ski Maintenance – How to Store for the Summer
Ski Maintenance – How to Tune
Ski Maintenance – How to Wax
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Ski & Snowboard Guide
Ski Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - Dynafit / Tech Binding Basics
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Bindings
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Ski Boots
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
Discover Our Favorite Gear:
The Best Women's Skis
The Best Beginner Skis
The Best All Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Touring Skis
The Best Carving Skis
The Best Park Skis
The Best Intermediate Skis
The Best Freeride Skis
The Best Ski Bindings
The Best Touring Ski Bindings
The Best Men's Ski Boots
The Best Women's Ski Boots
The Best Touring Boots
The Best Ski Socks
The Best Beginner Ski Boots
The Best Value Skis
The Best Ski Poles
The Best Kids' Skis
The Best Kids' Ski Boots
The Best Cross Country Ski Boots
The Best Ski Boot Liners
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Sunshine
I was born and raised in northern Vermont and moved west as soon as I turned 18. I bounced around the PNW for a while eventually following evo’s store openings to Denver where I have called home since and although I will always take even the wettest of pow days, have come to appreciate any day skiing in the sun, be it with friends or my kids.I have been skiing since I was 2 and started working in a ski shop when I was 14, which was way more fun than washing dishes. Over the years I have worked as a ski tech, boot fitter, liftie, product copywriter, and eventually came to manage evo’s Portland and Denver stores. Now I am the Ski Buyer, overseeing ski hardgoods and backcountry accessories.