FIS requires that protective equipment meet applicable safety standards. For knee guards, EN 1621-1 Level 1 is the minimum accepted certification, but Level 2 is strongly recommended and preferred by most competitive racers. Check the specific regulations for your discipline and racing level, as requirements can vary. When in doubt, choose Level 2 for maximum verified protection.
Ski Knee Pads · Ski Racing Knee Guards
What CE certification level do I need for FIS racing?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.

Hard Shell Impact Knee Pads
$40 – $150
Rigid-shell knee pads delivering maximum impact protection for aggressive skiing.
rigid plastic or composite outer shellthick EVA or similar foam backingadjustable straps or sleeve design

Soft Shell Impact Knee Pads
$30 – $100
Flexible knee pads using smart foam materials for comfortable impact protection.
smart foam padding (D3O, Poron XRD, SAS-TEC)flexible and low-profile designslip-on or strap closure
More questions
- Do I really need racing knee guards for gate training, or can I use my regular knee pads?
- Should I wear racing guards over or under my race suit?
- How do I know if my racing guards fit correctly?
- How long do racing knee guards last before needing replacement?
