Parent guide
Things we wish we had known.
Written by returning Team Gilboa families for the ones just starting: practice basics, gear and tuning, the Swap, where to stay, and the organizations we race with.
Practice at Hyland
Night one, made easy.
Come to as many practices as your family's schedule allows. We usually recommend at least two nights a week.
Come to as many practices as your family's schedule allows. We usually recommend at least two nights a week.
- Rope-tow-proof gloves. Mittens or guards that can take the rope tow. Inexpensive chopper mitts work.
- Clear goggle lenses for night practice.
- Dress and boot up before you arrive, especially younger racers, and allow time to pick up a lift ticket at the ticket office with the season pass.
- Early drop-off means on their own. Racers dropped off early are responsible for themselves until practice starts.
- Carpool. Drop-off and pickup can be tricky. Please be patient and kind to our partners at Hyland Hills.
- Label everything. Skis, poles, goggles, helmet, coat, pants, training shorts, mittens.
- Lost and found lives in the Comp Center, the club's building at the bottom of North.
- Ask a parent captain. They have been where you are and are glad to help.
Gear and tuning
Gear that fits your racer's stage.
Gear needs grow with your racer. Start simple, size carefully, and add as the racing does.
Jr. Race
One pair of skis, roughly head height, varying with height, weight and skill. Boots with a soft forward flex. A helmet is required; older athletes may want shin guards.
U10 and U12
Slalom and GS skis. Proper boot fit and flex are critical. Head, hand and shin protection recommended by event.
U14 and up
Slalom and GS skis that meet US Ski and FIS rules. Head, arm, hand, back, teeth and shin protection by event, and pole guards for slalom. As racers move up, boot flex, cant and footbeds matter more.
Tuning makes a world of difference
Look for tuning clinics from Pierce Skate and Ski and sessions run by the club and other parents. For season-long or one-off tuning, families use Pierce Skate and Ski, Gear West Alpine and Tonka Cycle and Ski.
Frequently asked questions
Equipment by age group: From the club's ski racing FAQ
U10: race slalom skis and boots, helmet, speed suit, pole guards and shin guards. A chin guard or mouth guard is recommended. U12: slalom skis (GS skis recommended, not required), helmet, speed suit, poles and GS poles, pole guards, shin guards. Chin guard or mouth guard recommended. U14: GS and slalom skis, helmet, speed suit, poles and GS poles, pole guards, shin guards, a back protector for speed events. Chin guard or mouth guard recommended. U10 to U14: no dual-purpose race skis (some junior skis are multi-discipline). Soft-ear helmets are allowed only in slalom; GS, super G and kombi need full ear protection. Helmets, U14 and older: FIS-approved helmets are required in GS, super G and downhill. Look for the FIS RH 2013 label before winter; a racer without one will not be allowed to start. U16 to U21, standard: slalom: helmet, speed suit, poles, pole guards, shin guards, chin bar or mouth guard recommended. GS: a CE-certified helmet for FIS, poles without guards, speed suit. Speed: as GS, with a back protector recommended. U16 men: slalom 145 to 160 cm, GS 175 to 185, super G 195 to 205, downhill 195 to 210; boots 80 to 120 flex. U16 women: slalom 145 to 155 cm, GS 170 to 182, super G 190 to 200, downhill 195 to 210; boots 80 to 120 flex. U18 and U21 men: slalom 165 cm (FIS 165); GS 180 to 190 for US Ski, or 190 cm with a 35 m radius for FIS; boots 90 to 130 flex. U18 and U21 women: slalom 155 cm; GS 175 to 185 for US Ski, or 183 cm with a 30 m radius for FIS; boots 90 to 130 flex. The club's full list is in the equipment recommendations (PDF).
Hyland Ski and Snowboard Swap
October 23 to 25. Come early.
New and used alpine, nordic and snowboard gear at Hyland Hills Ski Area, 8800 Chalet Road, Bloomington. Open to the public, and you don't need to bring gear to shop. Race equipment goes fast. Know your racer's sizes, and ask a coach or experienced parent to help you choose.
Fri October 23
Early access 4:00 to 5:00 PM: $5 a person or $10 a family, cash or card. Sale 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Sat October 24
Sale 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No ticket needed during regular hours.
Sun October 25
Sale 10:00 AM to noon. Unsold gear pickup 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
Selling gear
Good to know
Where to stay
Book hotels early.
Many hotels fill before the season starts. Book as far ahead as you can and keep an eye on cancellation policies; it is better to book early and cancel than to be left without a room. Families also share condos at Giants Ridge and Lutsen.
Giants Ridge
Biwabik, Minnesota
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, Minnesota
Mt. La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Granite Peak
Wausau, Wisconsin
Lutsen
Lutsen, Minnesota
Snowriver and Marquette
Wakefield and Marquette, Michigan
Drive times and venue tips are in the race day venue guide.
Questions parents ask
Answers from Gilboa parents.
We asked Gilboa parent ambassadors what they wondered as new parents, and what veterans still ask.
Frequently asked questions
How important is it to be at every practice?
The more practices your racer makes, the more confident and better they become. Practice is gates without race pressure, and it's team-building time with coaches and teammates. Attend as many as your family's schedule allows; we usually recommend at least two nights a week.
How important is it to be at every race?
Races run from mid-December to mid-March. Race weekends teach discipline and time management, from early alarms to happy thoughts in the start gate. Attend as many as work for your family. Some race only within an hour of the Twin Cities; some pick one weekend away with friends.
Why do parents have to volunteer?
Ski racing depends on parent volunteers. Skiing would cost even more if every job were paid. Outside jobs come with a free lift ticket, and inside jobs keep the race office running. Experienced parents are glad to train new ones.
Does my racer need a US Ski membership?
Yes. Every US Ski racer needs a U.S. Ski and Snowboard membership and a Central Region 1 membership. Buy the US Ski license by October 15, 2026. FIS racers add a FIS license.
Equipment is expensive. Where should we start?
The Swap. Used race equipment at good prices, and coaches and experienced parents around to help you choose. You can also drop off outgrown family gear to sell or donate.
How important is dry land?
Dry land is a great way to bond with teammates and coaches and get in shape for ski season. U10 to U14 fall dry land runs eight weeks at Hyland, Monday and Wednesday, 5:00 to 6:00 PM, included in tuition. Tough Tuesdays is the U16 and U18+ program, June into November. Training Haus fall dry land is an add-on in Edina.
Why race US Ski?
US Ski is the circuit Team Gilboa races in. The races are competitive and well run, against teams across the metro, like Buck Hill, Team Afton and Three Rivers, and from northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Racers love the friends they make on other teams and the experience of racing at many hills.
Are there extra fees to race?
Yes. A U.S. Ski and Snowboard membership, a Central Region 1 membership, a FIS license for FIS racers, and an entry fee for each race.
Documents and links
Every form and guide, one shelf.
The code of conduct, this season's program sheets, the welcome packet, safety policies, and the organizations we race with.
Athlete protection comes first
U.S. Ski and Snowboard asks every member club to share its SafeSport guidelines, which safeguard young athletes and promote sportsmanship and integrity in our sport. At Team Gilboa athlete protection is paramount, and we follow all recommended U.S. Ski and Snowboard best practices in youth athletics. Questions go to president@teamgilboa.com.
Next up
Gear up at the Swap.
October 23 to 25 at Hyland Hills. Race equipment goes fast.