The Prodigy Grom is Faction's youth all-mountain freestyle ski, built to give younger skiers the same kind of fun, capable platform that adult Prodigy skiers know and love. It's a twin tip with a balanced shape and a friendly flex, sized for kids who are starting to push their abilities and want a ski that can grow with them across the resort.

Why we like it:

Faction takes youth skis seriously, and it shows. The Prodigy Grom isn't a watered-down version of an adult ski; it has its own thoughtful build with a hybrid core that keeps the weight low and a smooth rocker profile that's forgiving for skiers still learning to drive a ski. It's the rare youth ski that doesn't feel like an afterthought.

Who it's for:

Junior and intermediate young skiers who are progressing across the whole mountain and want a freestyle-leaning ski that can handle bumps, groomers, and small features in the park. It works for kids stepping up from rental gear or graduating from their first pair of personal skis.

Highlights:

The hybrid core is the headline of this ski. Faction blends lightweight poplar wood with engineered foam to create a core that's both light enough for younger skiers to control and damp enough to feel stable when they're going fast. The lower weight makes the ski easier to maneuver, but the construction still feels premium rather than flimsy. XL 2.5mm edges add real durability, which matters for kids who tend to bash their skis into more than just snow. The matte topsheet hides the inevitable scuffs and chips. Shape-wise, the Prodigy Grom has a directional twin profile with an elliptical sidecut, which translates into easy turn initiation at any speed and a forgiving feel on edge. The rocker profile is moderate at both ends, which prevents edge hooking and keeps the ski feeling intuitive when learning. The flex sits at a 6, which is right in the sweet spot for younger skiers; supportive enough to feel like a real ski but soft enough to forgive technique mistakes.

Things to consider:

This is a youth ski with youth dimensions, so it's not going to work for adults who happen to want a short ski. The hybrid core is also tuned for the lower weights and lower speeds that younger skiers operate at, so a heavier or more advanced young skier might outgrow it faster than expected.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Sizes true to length. Pick the length closest to the skier's height as a starting point; size up if the skier is more confident and aggressive, size down for a more controllable feel.