Race Suits
Whether you need a certified suit depends on the level you race, not the discipline. FIS certification — the air-permeability test, marked by a conformity label printed on the lower left leg above the boot cuff — applies to athletes competing at FIS level and above. U14 and U16 racing at club, state and regional level does not require a certified suit, so most junior racers do not need one until they age into FIS events. If that is coming up next season, buy certified now.
The practical split is padding. Padded suits are the norm in slalom, where the body contacts gates directly. Unpadded suits are usual for GS and speed, worn with separate shin, arm and back protection underneath. FIS recommends a correctly sized back protector certified to EN 1621-2, and recommends it specifically for U14 and U16 — it is a recommendation rather than a start-list requirement, but most coaches treat one as standard for speed events.
Fit is tight by design — a suit that is loose costs time and may not pass inspection — but a racer still has to be able to get into a full tuck. For juniors, buy for this season rather than next; a suit two sizes large is slower and less comfortable.
Shop adult race suits and junior race suits, and layer with base layers underneath and training apparel over the top between runs.
