Downhill ski design has changed radically since the 1980s. Modern skis are lighter, shorter and shapelier than their early predecessors. They are also more diverse. Skis were once designated as either downhill, cross-country, telemark or racing, but now skiers have a choice between skill, terrain and gender-specific gear. Understanding how the ski's specs suit these criteria helps you make informed decisions about downhill ski purchases.
History and Evolution
Older skis were usually longer than 200 cm. They had minimal shape or sidecut, which meant that skiers were often required to skid or muscle their turns. This type of ski required a considerable amount of strength and athleticism. Elan, a ski manufacturing company, revolutionized ski design in the 1990s. Its easy-turning shaped skis leveled the playing field. Their enhanced sidecut enabled skiers to exert pressure along the entire length of the ski. This meant that skiers did not have to rely on ski length for stability in steep terrain. Shaped skis are, therefore, shorter and more maneuverable while being equally as stable as their long, straight ancestors.
Function
A ski's primary function determines its design. Carving skis have narrow waists, which facilitate carving and edge control. Powder skiing requires floating, as opposed to carving. Powder-specific skis are fatter and less shapely than carving skis. As resorts continue to build terrain parks and half pipes to attract younger skiers, many manufacturers are developing twin tipped skis, which are curved at the tip and the tail. These skis facilitate forward and backward movement and have extra cushioning for landing from jumps.
Gender Considerations
Female-specific skis are not just skis with pretty graphics. Because women tend to be lighter than men, women's skis are more flexible. Women also have a lower center of gravity, which makes it hard to stay forward on their skis. Many manufacturers compensate for this issue by mounting the bindings on women's skis in a forward position.
Size Matters
Ski length is a complicated issue, because it is based on your height, weight, skill level and terrain preferences. Instructors usually advise novices to choose chin-height skis, intermediates to choose nose-height skis and experts to choose skis that reach the top of their heads. These are just general guidelines, and height requirements may vary according to terrain and skiing style. Heavier skiers may need longer skis, whereas lighter skiers may need to go shorter. Longer skis are faster, but slalom racing, with its tightly-placed gates, requires a shorter ski. Powder skiers usually prefer a longer ski to enhance flotation.
Features
Ski magazines and ski manufacturer's websites often have a spec list that describes the skis features. A flex index indicates the ski's flexibility. Skis with higher flex indexes are stiffer and more suitable for advanced skiing and racing. Skis with lower flex indexes are best for beginners, but mogul skiers also prefer a flexible ski. Camber refers to the arc at the center of the ski. In traditional downhill skill, the center of the ski forms an upward arc. Powder skis have reverse cambers or rockers. The late, Olympic freestyle skier Shane McConkey invented the rocker concept. McConkey noticed that shaped skis tend to sink in powder. The reversed, bowl-shaped camber lifted the ski's tips and tails, and enhanced the ski's flotation in powder.
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