What size ski's (in cm) do you use for a 3 year old?

I am also a ski instructor and have an 8 year old son who has skied since he was 4. Like the previous responses, I would say be patient and don't push them too hard. If it is fun, they (and you) will enjoy it a lot longer. At that age it is really hard to use all of the fancy formulas (height, weight, ability, etc.) to figure out the right size/type of ski. I used and still suggest a ski length that hits between mid chest and chin of the child when it stood on its tail. The shorter the ski, the easier it is to turn and control, especially at age 3 or so. My son is quite tall for his age and at 4 he was using 80cm skis. At 8 he is in 129cm skis and races me down the hill (very proud dad ginning...). A ski between 60-80cm is the shortest that you are likely to find new or used. You are however, starting in the right direction by doing some research BEFORE investing. Doing a 1 day rental at your local resort is a good way to go as most will allow you trade out the skis or boots if they don't fit and can get a fairly decent fitting up front. We have several good local shops here that cater to families like us and offer great deals on kids packages either for sale or seasonal rental. The equipment may not be the latest & greatest, but it is durable and well fitted by the shop staff. Otherwise, you can try eBay, garage/yard sales or even other skiing parents for their children's out grown eqiupment. Good luck & keep on skiing!

80 cm will probably be the smallest you'll find easily. I taught my twins at 18 months old. at 13 now they still love it. don't push, but don't be afraid because of the young age. I used to get a waterproof picnic tablecloth and put it slopeside. my husband and i would take turns sking while the other watched the kids. they'd sit and watch and laugh and play and ski a little. but they always wanted to go back. don't stress too much on the equipment. valid thoughts are in the above post, but at 3 there wont be a great deal of technique..the young legs just don't have the muscle tone. rent for the first year and go from there. find a shop that does a season long rental or a buy and swap program. do yourself a favor and, even if you teach sking professionally, buy her a private lesson if they offer them for that age. kids are too needy when they are with their parents. too much whining and crying going on. "mommy help me" will never be said to a paid instructor.

There are lots factors to consider. Please don't push a 3 year old too hard, I'm a ski instructor and 1 hour of skiing is a lot at that age. They are there really just to get used to the feeling of sliding on skis and have fun! If they can learn to stop and turn as well then perfect but don't expect that to happen as it may not until they are 4. Anyway, back to your question... Choose the correct length of ski by taking into account your child's height, weight and skiing ability. 67 cms may well be suitiable. Shorter skis are much easier for a beginner to control; however, a lightweight intermediate skier will also be more comfortable on shorter skis. Pick a shaped ski that's an all-mountain ski. Extra side cut and specialized skis, while available, are not necessary for skiing well. Look for a ski that bends slightly when pressure is applied to the center while holding the tip. A super-stiff ski is not ideal for a child. Check to see that the skis have camber. When you place the ski bases together, the skis should bow out in a convex shape, creating a space between each other, while the tips and tails are touching. Talk to the salesperson, since there are several variables unique to your child. Tip: Depending on how much your child skis, a pair of skis ought to last two seasons. The ski resort's rental shops usually have good deals on skis as the season comes to a close. Or you could find it is cheaper to rent in the resort (and hastle free). Hope this helps. Hope your child enjoys the skiing and you too!