Winter is a great opportunity to have fun and benefit your health. fresh air: play snowballs, go sledding, skating or skiing.
Remember your childhood and agree that time spent on snow slides, on an ice rink, or just a small piece of a river cleared of snow is one of the most vivid childhood memories. And for some these winter fun turned into a lifelong hobby or even a profession.
Did you know that, according to statistics, out of 100 people who try skiing for the first time, 47 always return to this activity?
Last time I told you what items it consists of. Now let's talk about how to choose skis for a child.
Don’t rush to buy your child skis right away. If this is a one-time trip to a ski resort and you are not yet sure whether he will want to continue skiing, it may be better to get by with rented sports equipment at first. Besides small child grows quickly, and the next season you will have to buy new skis.
But if you still decide to buy children's skis, how to choose them correctly? This question is probably puzzled by many parents who dream of teaching their child to ski. To choose skis for a child, you first need to decide where and how you are going to ski. This determines whether you need alpine skiing or cross-country skiing. In addition, the choice of skis for a child depends on his age, weight, height and his ability to ski.
Alpine skiing
Children's alpine skis differ from adult models in size and lightness. For children and teenagers, the best skis are those designed for beginners, which are the softest (by “softness” we mean that such skis “work” as they should at low speeds and absorb the terrain well) and are suitable for a universal skiing style.
Skiing for children has its own characteristics, and here the correct selection of equipment plays a big role. The main factor when choosing alpine skis for children is their length. To ensure safe skiing, alpine skiing must fully comply with the physical capabilities and anthropometric data of the child.
If we are talking about small children, then experts recommend starting training on short skis with modern geometry (“fitted”). You can learn turns faster with them, and children will not get tired quickly.
For children weighing less than 40 kg, the length of children's skis directly depends on the child's weight:
- for a baby whose weight is 10-20 kg, skis 70 cm long are suitable;
- for children weighing more than 20 kg, the length of the skis should be 90 cm;
- for children whose weight is 30-40 kg, the length of the skis should be 100 cm (for more experienced skiers of this weight category, longer ski lengths are allowed).
For children weighing over 40 kg, skis are selected depending on height in the same way as skis for adults (vertically placed skis should reach the chin or nose). The difference in selection is determined by the level of experience of the skier. For beginners, it is recommended to take skis 5-10 cm less height, that is, approximately up to the chin. For a young skier with experience who knows how to coordinate his movements and moves confidently, the length of the skis should reach the nose.
Experts note: do not confuse adult shortened skis for adults (“skiboards”) with children’s alpine skis. They are characterized by great rigidity, they are not suitable for children's skating, and such an experience can discourage a child from skating for a long time.
Depending on such a parameter as “stiffness,” children's alpine skiing can be divided into three levels: beginner, advanced (improving) and expert. This factor also affects their cost.
For starters, you can get by with inexpensive “soft” skis. In addition, they are easier to operate, which is a big plus for beginners. True, develop higher speed it won't work on them.
But ski coaches note that children learn very quickly and skiing on very simple skis soon becomes uninteresting for them. Hence the advice - it’s better to overpay right away than to buy new, more “advanced” skis in a couple of weeks.
Professional skis and expert-level equipment are already for children who have achieved certain results and seriously decided to take up this sport.
Ski boots
For children, special children's shoe models are produced, which should not be confused with female models small size.
What to pay attention to:
- Boots should be warm, with reliable soles, soft enough and comfortable for the feet.
- Equipped with a convenient and simple fastener (on children's shoes, usually this is one clip).
- The size of the boots must correspond to the size of the foot (the “buy to grow” rule does not work at all in this case).
- When trying on boots in a store, it is best to try on thick ones. wool sock. When properly fitted, the shoe should fit snugly, but the toes should move freely and the heel should not sag.
- You shouldn’t get hung up on any particular manufacturer; it’s better to focus on sensations and convenience.
Ski poles
Very young children do not need sticks. For older children, the recommended length depends on height (they should not reach the armpits).
Ski bindings
There are special ski bindings for children. They differ from adults in having lower marks on the effort scale (please note that the lower the child’s level of physical fitness and his skiing experience, the lower the effort value should be on the scale).
To protect a child from injury, a helmet is required; in windy weather, it is a good idea to wear a balaclava and a mask.
Cross-country skiing
Children's cross-country skiing There are three types: skis for classic skiing, which is most often used by young skiers, skis for skating and universal skis. Without mastering the “classics”, there is no point in purchasing skate skis.
Classic skis are longer than skate skis, with a longer and sharper tip. The sliding surface of the skis has special notches that prevent them from rolling back. These skis are ideal for beginner skiers, especially if learning and skiing takes place off-piste. The disadvantage of skis of this type is that it will not be possible to develop high speed on these skis, and in warm weather, wet snow, sticking to the notch, can slow down the movement.
Skating skis are for more “advanced” skiers who dream of skiing down their favorite hill with the breeze. They are shorter in shape than the classic ones; there should be a sharp edge at the edges to prevent them from sliding to the side.
All-mountain skis are equally suitable for both styles of skiing.
The safety and reliability of modern children's skis is ensured by some design features: rounded toes and increased width of the ski surface make the skis more stable and safer when falling, “fitting” (side cutouts) helps to better take difficult turns.
Very young skiers can get by with the simplest, lightest skis. Indeed, in this case, the main task is to teach the baby to stand on skis and enjoy joint ski trips with his parents.
For children from 2 to 6 years old, experts advise buying skis that are slightly longer than the child’s height, simple, wide and safe models. Long skis are very difficult for small children to maneuver, especially on turns.
For older children, the following principle can serve as a guide: the child’s height is plus 15-20 cm.
Cross-country skiing for teenagers is similar in level to adult models, but is simplified technical characteristics, softness and lightness.
Selection table for cross-country skis and ski poles for children:
| Height,cm | Recommended ski lengthcm | Recommended pole lengthcm | Age, years |
| 100 | 100 | 75 | 3 |
| 110 | 110 | 80 | 4 |
| 115 | 120 | 85 | 5 |
| 120 | 130 | 90 | 6 |
| 125 | 140 | 95 | 7 |
| 130 | 150 | 100 | 8 |
| 125 | 150 / 160 | 105 | 9 |
| 140 | 165 | 110 | 10 |
| 145 | 170 | 115 | 11 |
Ski poles
Little skiers can do without ski poles altogether . Their task is to learn to stand firmly on their skis and at the same time maintain balance.
The length of the poles, like skis, depends on the child’s height, as well as on the skiing style. For classic style The poles should reach and rest against the armpit, for the skating style they should be just above the shoulder.
In addition, ski poles for children should be lightweight, with comfortable handles for gripping, and with straps (so that the child does not lose the pole while moving). The tips should not be sharp, with a strong and sufficiently large supporting element in the form of an asterisk or ring.
Ski bindings
Children who have just begun to master cross-country skiing will most likely not need special shoes. It is much more comfortable and warmer for them to ride in felt boots or their own warm boots. Therefore, for starters, you can purchase skis that are sold complete with bindings for regular children's winter shoes.
The cheapest and simplest fastenings are soft fastenings made from a belt made of cotton, elastic leather or rubber. Their disadvantage is the not very reliable fixation of the leg on the ski. In addition, such ribbons and elastic bands often get tangled and dislodged during skating.
Semi-rigid bindings (special shoes are also not required) - the design is more reliable and firmly fixes the skis to the shoes.
Rigid fastenings require the presence of special shoes - ski boots.
Bindings for cross-country children's skis, of course, must be safe, durable and moderately rigid (so as not to injure or pinch the child's leg with fasteners). They are usually equipped with a softer fastening mechanism and a large latch handle (so that the baby can take off and put on the skis independently, and it is convenient for him to grasp it with a mitten).
What materials are children's skis made from?
The service life of skis depends on the material from which they are made.
Wooden
Wooden skis are good in frosty weather, but already at zero temperatures they become practically unsuitable for skiing. In addition, they break quickly and require constant treatment of the sliding surface with special ski waxes, otherwise wet snow will not allow the child to move easily on skis.
Plastic
Plastic skis are more durable and have increased sliding properties, which in this case can rather be considered a disadvantage than an advantage. To prevent skis from moving apart in different directions, plastic skis must have a high-quality anti-slip notch that is large enough in area. The presence of notches is especially important if the child is skiing for the first time.
Plastic skis are durable, glide easily on snow, do not get wet or crack when in contact with wet snow.
- Never buy boots and skis for children to grow into. Saving money can easily turn your vacation into a complete misery or even lead to injury.
- You need to select skis and boots taking into account the height, weight and foot size of the child at the time of purchase.
- When choosing ski equipment, it is better to take the advice of an instructor or an experienced sales consultant.
- When going on a trip, check your skis in advance and carry out the necessary preparation: prevent the edges and sliding surface, check and adjust the ski bindings (they should come unfastened when falling). In a dangerous situation, these measures will serve you well.
- When purchasing skis, pay attention to the absence of mechanical damage and the symmetry of the pair of skis in width, length, weight and thickness.
- You should not buy ski poles longer than required for the child’s height.
Winter is a great opportunity to have fun and benefit your health by spending time outdoors: playing in the snow, sledding, skating or skiing.
Remember your childhood and agree that time spent on snow slides, on an ice rink, or just a small piece of a river cleared of snow is one of the most vivid childhood memories. And for some, these winter activities have turned into a lifelong hobby or even become a profession.
Did you know that, according to statistics, out of 100 people who try skiing for the first time, 47 always return to this activity?
Cross-country skiing
Children's cross-country skis come in three types: skis for classic skiing, which is most often used by young skiers, skis for skating and all-around skis. Without mastering the “classics”, there is no point in purchasing skate skis.
Classic skis are longer than skate skis, with a longer and sharper tip. The sliding surface of the skis has special notches that prevent them from rolling back. These skis are ideal for beginner skiers, especially if learning and skiing takes place off-piste. The disadvantage of skis of this type is that it will not be possible to develop high speed on these skis, and in warm weather, wet snow, sticking to the notch, can slow down the movement.
Skating skis are for more “advanced” skiers who dream of skiing down their favorite hill with the breeze. They are shorter in shape than the classic ones; there should be a sharp edge at the edges to prevent them from sliding to the side.
All-mountain skis are equally suitable for both styles of skiing.
The safety and reliability of modern children's skis is ensured by some design features: rounded toes and increased width of the ski surface make the skis more stable and safer when falling, “fitting” (side cutouts) helps to better take difficult turns.
Very young skiers can get by with the simplest, lightest skis. Indeed, in this case, the main task is to teach the baby to stand on skis and enjoy joint ski trips with his parents.
For children from 2 to 6 years old, experts advise buying skis that are slightly longer than the child’s height, simple, wide and safe models. Long skis are very difficult for small children to maneuver, especially on turns.
For older children, the following principle can serve as a guide: the child’s height is plus 15-20 cm.
Cross-country skis for teenagers are similar in level to adult models, but are distinguished by simplified technical characteristics, softness and lightness.
Selection table for cross-country skis and ski poles for children:
|
Height, cm |
Age, years |
||
|
150 / 160 |
|||
Ski poles
Little skiers can do without ski poles altogether . Their task is to learn to stand firmly on skis and at the same time maintain balance.
The length of the poles, like skis, depends on the child’s height, as well as on the skiing style. For the classic style, the poles should reach and rest against the armpit; for the skating style, they should be just above the shoulder.
In addition, ski poles for children should be lightweight, with comfortable handles for gripping, and with straps (so that the child does not lose the pole while moving). The tips should not be sharp, with a strong and sufficiently large supporting element in the form of an asterisk or ring.
Ski bindings
The cheapest and simplest fastenings are soft fastenings made from a belt made of cotton, elastic leather or rubber. Their disadvantage is the not very reliable fixation of the leg on the ski. In addition, such ribbons and elastic bands often get tangled and dislodged during skating.
Semi-rigid bindings (special shoes are also optional) - the design is more reliable and firmly fixes the skis to the shoes.
Rigid fastenings require the presence of special shoes - ski boots.
Bindings for cross-country children's skis, of course, must be safe, durable and moderately rigid (so as not to injure or pinch the child's leg with fasteners). They are usually equipped with a softer fastening mechanism and a large latch handle (so that the baby can take off and put on the skis independently, and it is convenient for him to grasp it with a mitten).
What materials are children's skis made from?
The service life of skis depends on the material from which they are made.
Wooden
Wooden skis are good in frosty weather, but already at zero temperatures they become practically unsuitable for skiing. In addition, they break quickly and require constant treatment of the sliding surface with special ski waxes, otherwise wet snow will not allow the child to move easily on skis.
Plastic
Plastic skis are more durable and have increased sliding properties, which in this case can rather be considered a disadvantage than an advantage. To prevent skis from moving apart in different directions, plastic skis must have a high-quality anti-slip notch that is large enough in area. The presence of notches is especially important if the child is skiing for the first time.
Plastic skis are durable, glide easily on snow, do not get wet or crack when in contact with wet snow.
Some tips
From the age of three, children already have normal coordination of movements and can therefore ski. But you need to be able to choose the right skis for children, which will allow you to avoid various types of injuries.
We choose skis, taking into account the height and weight of the child
For children aged three years, choose short and wide skis (length 36-40 cm; width 7.5-8 cm). Just keep in mind that the child will grow out of them in a couple of months. Therefore, you can rent skis.
For children under 7 years old, it is necessary to choose skis with a length that matches their height (from 40 to 90 cm).
For older children, choose skis according to the following formula: height + 10-15 cm.
If you decide to teach your children to ski down the mountains, then the choice will fall on alpine skis, which should be selected taking into account the child’s weight.
The table shows that skis will “grow” with your child. The main thing is not to buy skis “in reserve”. Firstly, they will be uncomfortable for the child, and secondly, he may be injured.
Choosing skis based on material
Skis for children come in plastic and wooden versions.
Wooden skis are resistant and are not afraid of frost. But they break easily, and for good glide they must be constantly lubricated with special ointments.
Plastic skis- the complete opposite of wooden ones. They are durable, do not require lubrication, and develop high speed.
Please note that the skis weigh approximately the same, have no scratches on the sliding side and their center of gravity is located at the attachment point.
Which skis are better: with or without notches?
They are good on climbs and do not need to be lubricated. But there is also a minus: they slow down when driving on the plain and on descents from the mountain.
Skis without knurling faster and suitable for skating style. Disadvantage: they require increased pushing with sticks.
Choosing skis based on your riding style
This rule applies to children who have already grown up and can independently decide what style of riding they are interested in.
Skate skis(running), without notches, with sharp sides at the edges so as not to slide to the side, without curved noses. They should be 10 cm higher than the child’s height.
Classic skis suitable for beginners. They can be either plastic or wood. The price level also varies. These skis have a sharp point and notches that prevent them from rolling back. But this type of ski is not capable of developing high speed. They should be 20 cm higher than the child’s height.
Fastening
For kids younger age It's better not to buy ski boots. You can choose cheap soft fastenings with elastic bands or leather, which are suitable for any shoes. But be aware that they constantly slip and get tangled.
It is better to opt for semi-rigid metal mounts that have rubber straps and also do not require special shoes.
Children starting from 7 years old can already purchase skis with a rigid binding, which requires the presence of special boots. These boots can be insulated or not. When choosing the latter, please note that they need to be worn on a thick sock (or a special thermal sock).
Winter is a great time for sports. Many parents in winter try to leave their child at home once again so that he does not catch a cold in the cold. And in vain! Skiing is very good for your health, it is an excellent workout for all muscle groups, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system, you just need to dress correctly and choose the equipment.
It often happens that children do not want to get on skis, and this is not a whim - the kids feel uncomfortable: the skis are too short, very slippery or, on the contrary, do not want to slide, uncomfortable poles, boots popping out of the binding - to list maybe for a long time. There is only one reason - the skis were chosen incorrectly. It's actually easy to choose if you know what to look for.
Material
Children's skis are made of wood and plastic. Wooden heavier and require special care: they must be lubricated with ointment for better glide. The disadvantage of wooden skis is their fragility. If they fall unsuccessfully, they break.
Plastic skis are lighter and more durable, glide better, but for kids this is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. For comfortable skiing, manufacturers of plastic skis began to make notches in the pad area to provide better grip on the snow surface and prevent the ski from rolling back.
Fastenings
There are three types of fastenings: soft, semi-rigid and hard. Soft ones are a construction made of straps that fit around a regular winter boot. They are suitable for very young skiers while they are learning to move and not fall. The only drawback is that the leg often flies out of such a mount, so the design has to be modified at home. Semi-rigid bindings are much more reliable, they secure the foot better. For children who already have skiing experience and teenagers, you can purchase skis with a rigid binding and, accordingly, with ski boots. For fastenings of the 75 mm standards (with spikes, GOST USSR), NNN and SNS, your own boots are required.
Ski length
The length is determined by the growth of the child. Very young children should buy short skis - slightly taller than the baby. For those who are already good at skiing, it works general rule: height + 10-20 cm. Experts recommend that teenagers choose skis depending on their skiing style: skating - 10 cm longer than height, classic - 15-25 cm.
When choosing, you should consider rigidity. The child’s weight is not enough to push through the ski, thereby ensuring good grip on the surface, so you need to choose equipment of low or medium hardness. Then the baby will be able to push off and roll without difficulty.
Length of poles
Experts strongly recommend teaching your child to ride without poles so that he can master sliding. This accessory You can give it when your baby has experience in riding. Poles for the classic move should be armpit height. If the child prefers the skating style, then you will have to purchase higher poles - up to the shoulder. Experts warn that children should not buy ski equipment “for growth”: this will complicate the process of skiing.
| Child's age, years | Child's height, cm | Ski length, cm |
| 3 | 100 | 100 |
| 4 | 110 | 110 |
| 5 | 115 | 120 |
| 6 | 120 | 130 |
| 7 | 125 | 140 |
| 8 | 130 | 150 |
| 9 | 135 | 150-160 |
| 10 | 140 | 165 |
| 11 | 145 | 170 |
Choosing the length of children's skis. Table No. 1.
It is possible to learn skiing at any age. Such walks are especially useful for children. Thanks to active recreation, they become healthy and strong. Therefore, you need to teach your child to ski and take up skiing early. To do this, you need to choose the right sports equipment. If you pay little attention, the consequences can be tragic. The child will begin to experience discomfort or get injured.
When choosing sports equipment, adhere to the following recommendations:
- For a child learning to ride, buy wooden ones. They are more convenient than others. Wooden sports equipment is non-slip and allows you to drive carefully, avoiding too high a speed. Allows you to better manage them. They are easier to care for - you can find the lubricating composition if you visit any sports store.
- For a baby, it is better to choose wide, more stable ones. When you start to feel confident, pick up lightweight, narrow plastic sports equipment. Such models have their own advantages: they are durable and glide well in the snow.
- To confirm high quality skis, compare the mass of the left and right pair: pick them up at the same time. Of course, they should weigh the same. The attachment point should be the center of gravity. You cannot buy cracked or scratched models. The recesses provided for by the design of the sliding surface are necessarily level in the normal condition of the sports equipment.
- Be careful when purchasing equipment. The ideal length is considered to be ski poles that reach the armpits. It is possible to buy a slightly longer length. If the poles are short, this places an excessive load on the young athlete’s spine.
Look at the shape of the tip of the ski pole. Children's ones are usually made in the shape of a ring - they allow you to rest securely when skiing. It is better for a beginner “skier” to ski without poles at all. This way you will learn to keep your balance.
We take into account the riding style
When purchasing, for example, from Decathlon, it is important to take into account your riding style. Sports equipment is available for classic and skating. Beginners choose the first option.
In “Classic” the skier glides along two parallel tracks. The style has been used for a long time by beginners and experienced athletes. It is the classic stroke that young athletes ride.
The skating style is considered more free. Recently borrowed from speed skating. With this style of skiing, they develop high speed if they push off from the snow with the inner surface.
Skating models help to cover significant distances thanks to gliding. The sole is covered with special accelerators, paraffins. This helps improve gliding.
Skates are shorter than classic ones and have less curved noses. In addition, the models have cropped toes, making them lightweight and comfortable. In addition, they have a more rigid base. This allows you to push off quite strongly and run quickly.
It is important to know that you can use skates when skating on hard surfaces. If the ski track is covered with a snow mound, this will cause falls and injuries.
Classic models are long. This allows you to avoid leaving the ski track. The ski equipment is soft and elastic. Thanks to the raised toes, they have good contact with the snow surface. This means that they can also go quite fast.
Age, height
A three-year-old child needs short (40 centimeters), wide (8 centimeters) children's plastic skis with rounded ends, as he learns to ski and develop speed. It is important that the baby maintains balance and learns to slide on the surface. When he starts skiing confidently, they buy him ski poles that are equal in length.
Buy ski boots if the child is so early age, is not recommended because the size of a child's foot often changes. It is better to choose children's skis with rubber straps attached to shoes. Conveniently attaches to winter boots. Kids don't need sticks - they must learn to keep their balance.
For children from 4 to 10, buy sports ones, narrow (5 centimeters), long. The child's height must be taken into account when choosing a model. Buy skis that are about 15 centimeters larger than the skier's height.
Teenagers from 11 to 15 understand between skiing styles - classic, skating or combined. Therefore, when choosing sports equipment, take into account height and weight, and also pay close attention to your riding style.
There is no need to buy sports equipment “for growth.” The longer it is, the stiffer it is, making it difficult to control.
Brand analysis, assessment of pros and cons
Russian-made sports equipment is not yet capable of competing with foreign brands. The latter produce sports equipment at special enterprises. First, computer modeling is carried out, then, using expensive high-quality materials, the production of sports equipment begins. They are tested by professional athletes.
If a child begins to learn to ride, domestic ones are suitable: high quality, low cost.
Product overview
Children's plastic skis Virazh
These children's skis are suitable for junior skiers from 3 years old and preschoolers. They can be used to arrange winter walk or ride down a small hill. The fastenings are semi-rigid. They are worn on felt boots or winter boots, which allows you to securely secure sports equipment. The set contains ski poles with plastic tips. It allows you to protect your baby from injury.
Children's cross-country ski boots Karjala 75 mm
Children's skis with boots are what young and older skiers need. Karjala is a ski shoe from a Korean manufacturer that has been manufacturing sports equipment for more than half a century.
These boots are designed for cross-country skiing for children 7 years old, for example, Fischer, can be used in temperatures down to -30°C. Made of genuine leather, the sole is made of two-component rubber. The boots have lacing with plastic loops. Equipped with capro-velor insulation, equipped with a tongue-valve that retains heat and prevents the boots from getting wet from the inside.
Children's skis Pushkin
In Pushkin there is a large assortment of similar products; it is possible to purchase any kind by selecting sports equipment according to the required characteristics: material, travel pattern, weight, length.
Children's cross-country ski boots Nordway
Warm boots with a last of medium fullness, which allows you to wear them with a woolen sock. Equipped with Velcro fasteners. Therefore, they fasten easily and quickly. The boots have a tight-fitting “flap tongue”. This means you won’t have to shake out the snow after your walk.
The boots have thick walls. The top is covered with frost-resistant, waterproof material. They have a faux fur lining inside. Reliably protects your feet from the cold.
The sole of the NNN system combined with the fastening is made of thermoplastic. There are 2 slots that will allow the child to control the ski.
There are metal loops on the socks. They allow the boots to fit tightly to the bindings, which eliminates the situation when the shoes fly out of the fastenings during a ski trip.
Children's plastic skis
Children's sports plastic skis are suitable for boys and girls, equipped with comfortable bindings and an SLR2 rail interface. With their help, it is possible to adjust the fastenings to any shoe size. They are convenient for passing school standards.
Children's alpine skis Head Supershape Team 97 new
Beginners should not buy them. Designed for teenagers who ride at good speed and are not afraid sharp turns. Suitable for classes in sports school, for example, freeride.
Children's skis 93 with boots 31
TEAM SPEED is a lightweight, comfortable youth ski designed for seven-year-olds who are good skiers. They are easy to use thanks to the Cap design, which distributes the level of rigidity. Thanks to this, the child will master basic riding skills. Equipped with integrated LOOK Xpress Kid B69 mounts.
Children's skis "Olympic"
Skis CYCLE "Olympic-sport" are intended for small skiers. Their length is 60 centimeters. Suitable for children aged three years. Made from high quality plastic. There are fastenings that allow you to use regular boots.
Conclusion
When choosing skis, you need to take into account a whole list of factors. Selected depending on height and age. The material used in manufacturing is also taken into account. For small athletes, take wooden, more stable models. Although plastic ones are also strong, lightweight, and reliable. Where can you buy children's skis? important question. You need to purchase sports equipment in specialized stores.
When choosing inventory, the country and manufacturer matter. Russian “Olympic” and “Virage” are more suitable for children and preschoolers. Experienced skiers are better off taking mountain skis. For example, TEAM SPEED or Head Supershape Team. Considering all these facts, using the information from the article, you will be sure to select the appropriate model.