The Best Skis for Parents Skiing With Kids

Skiing with kids can be fun - but managing gear, helping little ones, and navigating crowded slopes can make it stressful. The solution? Shorter, lighter skis designed for parents. Snowfeet's compact skis (ranging from 44 cm to 120 cm) are portable, easy to control, and perfect for staying close to your kids. Here's the breakdown:

44 cm Skiskates: Ultra-portable, fit in a backpack, great for tight turns. Perfect for beginners but less stable at higher speeds. Price: $490.
65 cm Skiblades: Lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offer moderate stability. A versatile choice for most parents. Price: $550.
99 cm Skiblades: More stable and great for carving, but slightly less nimble. Ideal for intermediate slopes. Price: $590.
120 cm Short Skis: Closest to regular skis, offering maximum stability and control. Best for experienced skiers with older kids. Price: $775.

These skis make family trips easier by reducing fatigue and helping you stay agile on the slopes. Whether you're chasing after a beginner or tackling intermediate runs, there's a Snowfeet model for you.

1. Snowfeet* Skiskates (44 cm)

Snowfeet

At just 17 inches long, the Snowfeet* Skiskates are a game-changer for parents tackling the slopes with their kids. Blending the glide of skating with the control of skiing, these skiskates offer a fresh, fun way to navigate beginner areas.

Portability

The 44 cm Skiskates fit right into a standard backpack, making them a breeze to carry. No more struggling with roof racks or awkward gear - just toss them in with your essentials. Plus, you can choose bindings that work with snowboard boots instead of bulky ski boots, making it easier to move around the lodge, climb stairs, or even carry your little one when needed.

Maneuverability

Thanks to their short length, these skiskates offer incredible maneuverability. You can even skate uphill to help a child who’s fallen or stopped - something you just can’t do with traditional skis. Daniil Khaitov, a snowboarder who tried them, shared:

I'm a snowboarder but felt like it would be easier to teach my kids with these and it is perfect! Very easy to learn and maneuvering has been a breeze.

The best part? You can get the hang of them in just about 5 minutes. With quick stops, sharp turns, and easy spins, navigating crowded beginner areas becomes a lot less stressful.

Perfect for Family Skiing

Snowfeet* designed these skiskates with family skiing in mind. Their agility allows for tight turns and quick adjustments, so you can stay close to your kids and react instantly when needed. The wood core construction ensures stability, while metal edges provide solid stopping power. Starting at $490, they’re a smart investment, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional ski packages just can’t match.

Up next, we’ll take a look at the Snowfeet* Skiblades and how they can further enhance your family skiing experience.

2. Snowfeet* Skiblades (65 cm)

At just 26 inches long, the Snowfeet* Skiblades strike a balance between compact skiskates and full-length skis. They're lightweight, stable, and ideal for parents who want to stay agile on the slopes.

Portability

These skiblades weigh only 3.79 lbs per pair with ski bindings (or 5.89 lbs with snowboard bindings), making them easy to pack into standard travel bags. Michael Hirsch, a parent who uses them, shared:

In a couple of descents I had them mastered and their short length helped me better control my daughters who were learning to ski.

One standout feature is the option to use snowboard bindings. This means you can wear comfortable snowboard boots instead of stiff ski boots - perfect for walking around the lodge, carrying gear, or helping your child get set up. It’s a practical touch that makes a big difference for parents.

Maneuverability

The 65 cm length provides excellent control. With a 4-meter turning radius and a slim 9.5 cm waist, these skiblades handle tight turns with ease. Their twin-tip design even lets you ski backward, which comes in handy when assisting your child. Evan Cook noted:

Riding backwards was surprisingly easy, which was very nice when looking back uphill to help friends/kids who are learning to ride.

At busy, family-friendly resorts like Park City, with its sprawling 7,300 acres, or Smugglers' Notch, this responsiveness makes navigating crowded beginner areas much less stressful. The precision these skiblades offer helps ensure safer skiing with kids.

Stability

Compared to traditional skis, these skiblades offer better balance while staying highly maneuverable. The sustainable wood core and metal edges deliver solid stability and reliable stopping power. With an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from 66 reviewers - 97% of whom gave top marks - they’re a trusted choice for parents. Starting at $550, they offer a mix of control and safety that’s hard to beat.

Suitability for Family Skiing

Designed with family skiing in mind, these skiblades make teaching kids easier. Their short length reduces the risk of crossing tips with your child, and it’s simple to step out and offer hands-on help when needed. They’re perfect for family-friendly resorts like Okemo, which offers ski programs tailored for young children. Handmade from sustainable wood, they’re suitable for anyone aged 5 to 105, making them a versatile option for all generations on the slopes.

3. Snowfeet* Skiblades (99 cm)

At 39 inches long, the Snowfeet* Skiblades strike a balance between compact and longer ski options. They’re a great pick for parents who want a mix of speed and control while still being nimble enough to keep up with their kids on the slopes.

Portability

These skiblades are so lightweight you can toss them in a backpack, making them super easy to carry. Unlike traditional long skis that need roof racks, you can just sling these over your shoulder and head straight to the lodge without any hassle. Their portability perfectly complements their quick and agile performance on the mountain.

Maneuverability

Thanks to their 99 cm length, these skiblades are incredibly responsive. They feature a deep parabolic sidecut and a narrow waist, which makes carving smooth and easy. Metal edges ensure solid stopping power, which is a must for quick adjustments on crowded slopes. Plus, the twin-tip design lets you ride backward effortlessly - perfect for keeping an eye on your kids while skiing. With a glowing 5.0 out of 5 rating from 34 verified reviews, parents love how these skiblades make skiing with kids both fun and manageable.

Stability

While shorter than traditional skis, the 99 cm model offers more stability than the ultra-compact 44 cm or 65 cm versions. They’re a great fit for intermediate terrain at family-friendly spots like Deer Valley or Steamboat [7, 20]. The sustainable wood core and a well-designed camber shape make carving feel smooth and natural, and users report less knee strain compared to heavier, longer skis. They’re a dream on groomed runs and handle quick turns with ease.

Perfect for Family Skiing

These skiblades combine stability with agility, making them a hit for family outings. They’re especially useful for adults teaching kids to ski, allowing you to move freely and react quickly to your child’s needs. For example, in early 2024, Karen Pierson bought a pair for her daughter-in-law, who struggled with traditional long skis. After switching to these shorter blades, she confidently tackled blue intermediate trails with her kids, transforming their family skiing experience. Starting at $590, they come with snowboard boot bindings for all-day comfort - a welcome change from the stiff plastic of traditional ski boots.

Next up: check out how Snowfeet* Short Skis (120 cm) take family skiing to the next level with even more stability for advanced runs.

4. Snowfeet* Short Skis (120 cm)

The Snowfeet* Short Skis (120 cm/47 inches) pack the carving power of traditional skis into a compact, lightweight design. They’re perfect for parents looking for the stability of full-length skis without the hassle of extra bulk.

Portability

Weighing under 10 lbs per pair, these skis are about 60% lighter than standard 170 cm all-mountain models. Despite their 120 cm length, they’re easy to handle and take just around 20 minutes to set up. Their compact size means they’ll fit neatly in your car trunk alongside your kids’ gear. Convenience like this is a game-changer for family ski trips.

Maneuverability

With a length of 120 cm, these skis offer a tight turn radius of 10–12 meters, making quick pivots and precise control a breeze. This is especially handy when keeping pace with your kids on beginner slopes, where speeds typically range from 15 to 25 mph. The twin-tip design adds even more flexibility, enabling swift direction changes and full 360° turns. You’ll have no trouble staying close and keeping an eye on your little ones.

Stability

A wider waist (90–100 mm) and a rocker-camber profile give these skis excellent edge hold and stability, even at speeds up to 30 mph on groomed trails. This stability is a lifesaver when navigating unpredictable snow conditions or making quick adjustments. The professional-grade release ski bindings add another layer of safety and control, which might explain why these skis consistently receive 5.0-star ratings from users.

Perfect for Family Skiing

Thanks to their portability, maneuverability, and stability, the Snowfeet* Short Skis are a fantastic choice for family outings. They’re especially suited for parents between 5'6" and 6'0", making it easier to ski alongside kids aged 8 to 14 without leaving them behind. Family ski instructors, like those at Smugglers' Notch, highlight that short skis perform well in 6–12 inches of powder, helping everyone progress together. Surveys show that 85% of parents prefer short skis because they reduce fatigue on long ski days. In fact, this model allows for up to 20% more vertical feet skied compared to traditional long skis. Priced at $775, they come with pro ski bindings that deliver both performance and safety.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each Snowfeet* model when it comes to family skiing.

The 44 cm Skiskates are all about convenience. They’re super portable - small enough to fit in a backpack - and incredibly nimble, making them perfect for quick turns on the slopes. The downside? Their short length means they require precise balance and don’t offer much stability at higher speeds.

The 65 cm Skiblades are a solid middle ground. They’re easy to carry, highly maneuverable, and provide moderate stability, making them a versatile choice for a variety of family skiing scenarios.

If you’re looking for more stability, the 99 cm Skiblades step up. They excel in carving on groomed runs and offer better stability, though they lose some of the skate-like agility of the shorter models. They’re still easier to manage than traditional skis but aren’t as portable.

Finally, the 120 cm Short Skis are the closest you’ll get to a traditional skiing experience. They provide the most stability and control, making them great for those who prioritize smooth, controlled runs. However, they’re the least portable and not as easy to maneuver.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make things clearer:

Feature	Skiskates (44 cm)	Skiblades (65 cm)	Skiblades (99 cm)	Short Skis (120 cm)
Portability	Excellent (Backpack)	Very Good (Small Bag)	Good (Car Trunk)	Fair (Standard Rack)
Maneuverability	Highest (Skate-like)	Very High	High	Moderate
Stability	Low (Balance needed)	Moderate	High	Very High
Family Suitability	Optimal	Optimal	Optimal	Optimal

One of the standout benefits of Snowfeet* products is their lightweight design compared to traditional skis. This means less fatigue during long days on the slopes - a huge plus for parents trying to keep up with their kids. Plus, models with snowboard bindings make it easier to walk around lodges or parking lots, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling gear and keeping track of little ones.

That said, there are a couple of challenges. These models can take some getting used to, especially since they rely on precise balance. Models under 100 cm also use non-release bindings, which might not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, all models struggle in deep powder over 4 inches, though the 99 cm and 120 cm versions handle light powder better.

Overall, Snowfeet* products bring a fresh approach to family skiing, blending fun with practicality, and helping parents and kids enjoy the slopes together.

Conclusion

Skiing with kids doesn’t have to mean lugging around heavy, awkward gear. Snowfeet* products tackle the key challenges parents face on the slopes - like managing equipment and keeping an eye on little ones in busy beginner areas.

Choosing the right Snowfeet* model can make all the difference. For families just starting out or with young kids in ski school, the 44 cm Skiskates or 65 cm Skiblades are great options. Their shorter length makes them easy to handle, perfect for navigating crowded beginner zones at family-friendly resorts. If you’re a seasoned skier with older kids, the 99 cm Skiblades offer a balance of control and versatility, letting you explore more varied terrain. And for those who prefer a more traditional skiing experience but want to skip the hassle of full-length skis, the 120 cm Short Skis deliver stability with the added bonus of portability.

What’s the big takeaway? Snowfeet* products let you focus on what really matters - having fun with your family. The lighter, more agile design means less fatigue, better control, and more time together on the slopes. While traditional skis have their place, they just don’t offer the same level of convenience and adaptability, especially when you’re juggling kids, gear, and a full day on the mountain.

Pick your Snowfeet* model based on what works best for your family’s needs and your comfort level. These shorter skis are designed to keep things simple and stress-free, making family ski trips something everyone can enjoy.

FAQs

Why are Snowfeet skis a better choice than traditional skis for parents skiing with kids?

Snowfeet skis are a game-changer for families looking to make skiing trips easier and more fun. Unlike traditional skis, which can be long, heavy, and require special boots and bindings, Snowfeet skis are compact - ranging from 17 to 47 inches - lightweight, and work with regular winter or snowboard boots. This means you can toss them in a backpack without breaking a sweat, making them ideal for family adventures.

Their shorter length isn’t just about convenience - it’s about control. These skis are super easy to maneuver, which is perfect for parents navigating beginner slopes or even backyard hills while keeping up with their kids. And here’s the best part: Snowfeet skis are much easier on your wallet. Starting at around $150, they’re a fraction of the cost of a traditional ski setup, which can easily run you $1,200 or more. With Snowfeet, you get an affordable, portable, and hassle-free way to enjoy skiing with your family.

Can I use Snowfeet skiblades in deep powder snow?

Snowfeet skiblades aren’t built for deep powder. Their compact size and lightweight design make them ideal for groomed runs, packed snow, and versatile all-mountain use. However, they might struggle to give you the float you’d need in deep powder. To get the most out of them, stick to terrain where their agility and control stand out - especially if you’re hitting the slopes with kids.

What makes snowboard bindings a good fit for Snowfeet skis?

Snowfeet skis are crafted to pair perfectly with standard snowboard bindings, offering a lightweight and easy-to-use alternative to traditional ski gear. These bindings attach directly to most winter or snowboard boots, so you can skip the bulky ski boots and complicated setups. For parents, this means saving time, effort, and money while keeping things straightforward.

The compact snowboard-style bindings are easy to adjust, giving a snug fit that ensures solid control and stability on the slopes. With lengths ranging from 38 cm to 120 cm, Snowfeet’s shorter, portable designs make skiing with kids a breeze. They’re easier to handle, quicker to learn on, and much simpler to carry around. Say goodbye to the hassle of heavy gear and hello to a more relaxed, fun family adventure on the snow!