Choosing the right skis can make you a better skier

Slalom skis, giant slalom skis, recreational skis, high-performance skis, twin-tip skis, fat, mid-fat or even super-fat skis… the choices are many, with each type having a very specific application.

In order to select the pair of skis that will be ideal for you, you must first take the time to analyze your exact needs. What type of skier are you? Do you prefer skiing relatively easy slopes at a moderate speed or do you spend your days racing down double diamond trails? Whatever your inclination, it is important to be honest with yourself. In order to choose the right pair of skis, you have to make a realistic evaluation of your skills and behaviour on the slopes now—not those you want to acquire in the future.

Why is it so crucial to give an honest answer to this question? Because downhill skiing is a sport that requires improving and honing skills over a long period, taking the time to build on your experience in order to obtain a certain level of competence. Ski manufacturers understand this, which is why they create a wide range of models that can suit every stage of a skier’s development.

To avoid showing up on the slopes with a pair of skis that don’t suit your current abilities, whether they’re too “high-performance” or not “good” enough—a sure recipe for frustration, if not potential danger—make sure to thoroughly research your purchase. Get hold of the perfect pair of skis for you and we guarantee you’ll have mountains of fun!

The Canadian magazine Ski Press, which annually publishes its famous “Ski Test,” a review of the year’s best skis, has established four main categories of downhill skis: groomers, for carving on groomed trails; multi-condition, for all-terrain skiing; freeride, for off-trail skiing; and freestyle, for snow park enthusiasts. Each of these categories has subcategories adapted to various skill levels.

For example, an intermediate skier who typically hits the groomed slopes of a medium-sized resort would benefit from a model specifically designed for “sport” or “recreational” carving. These skis are often easier to manoeuvre because of their flex, which means the ski’s capacity to bend with the force exerted by the skier. Similarly, an expert skier who likes the same kind of conditions should select a high-performance carving ski, which often has a stiffer flex that requires more strength and/or technique to use.

The kind of turns you want to make also has a lot to do with the type of skis you should choose. A skier who likes to make short, dynamic turns should select a model with a shorter—between 10 and 14 metres—turning radius. On the other hand, someone who likes criss-crossing the slopes with long turns should choose a ski with a longer turning radius of 14 to 20 metres.

If there has been one revolution in downhill ski manufacturing during the last years, it has been on the feminine side. In fact, manufacturers have done their utmost to develop skis that meet the specific needs of women at every level of the sport, studying their physiology in order to determine not only what shape of ski is most effective for them, but also the best spot to place the bindings.

• Some skis come already equipped with bindings. In that case, the price of the bindings is included in that of the skis, which can partly explain why a particular model may seem more expensive. If you choose to buy the bindings separately, there will obviously be an added charge and they will have to be attached to your skis by the store.
• The length of skis varies from model to model, but generally ranges from 148 to 186 cm.
• Even if you find them very attractive, avoid selecting skis because you like the way they look. It’s what is behind the image that counts.