The right ski for you may be long, short, thin or wide. Your ideal ski depends both on your size and the type of skiing you intend to do. Cross country and back country skis vary in design, depending on your intended routes. Downhill skis also vary widely, and you can use downhill skis specifically designed for speed or for greater control.
Cross Country or Back Country Skis
Your choice of skis depends on your reasons for taking up skiing. If you are more interested in a consistent cardiovascular workout that tones your leg muscles, consider cross country skiing. Back country skis are typically shorter than cross country skis and have metal edges to assist in stopping and maneuvering. The length of your skis is determined first by your weight and then by the surface areas you expect to traverse. Each ski manufacturer has a specific length recommendation based on your weight, so use their guidelines to select the proper length. Select wider skis if you are skiing off established trails or carrying extra weight. The greater surface area of wider skis offers you more floatation on soft snow.
Differences in Downhill Skis
For a full body workout and a faster, more sporting experience, try downhill skiing. The fast-paced action of downhill skiing can boost your adrenaline and provide risk and excitement normally associated with more extreme sports. You also incorporate your abdomen and upper body in turns more than in cross country skiing, which works and tones more muscle groups.
Downhill skis differ from cross country and back country skis. While cross country skis attach to the boot only at the toe, your ski boots attach to downhill skis at the toe and the heel of the boot to give you more control of the ski. Downhill skis have metal edges, like back country skis, to assist in turning and handling. They are heavier than cross country skis and are similar in shape to long snowboards, being wider at their ends than in the middle. If you will be skiing groomed trails, use narrower downhill skis. If you will be skiing primarily on powder or on varied terrain, wider skis give you more control.
Stability and Handling in Downhill Skiing
Longer skis are generally used for speed, as in racing. For tighter turns power and more control, use shorter skis. While long skis are best for high speeds, more modern designs in short skis have lent them nearly comparable stability under most high speed conditions. One drawback of short skis is their lack of surface area, which provides less flotation on soft powder. You can overcome this disadvantage to some extent by selecting a ski that is both short and wide. Because of their greater ease of handling and turning, beginner skiers who are not interested in speed may find a considerable advantage in using short skis.
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