Downhill, or alpine, skis allow riders to travel down groomed mountain slopes at high speeds. These skis are designed to make turns easier and more effective to avoid slowing down the rider. Downhill skis must be chosen carefully to fit the rider, because poorly fitting skis can lead to injury. While you shop for downhill skis consider factors like size, design, flex and maintenance requirements to find the best option to meet your needs.
Step 1
Select the length of your skis based on your weight. Longer skis help heavier riders "float" over the snow, while shorter skis help lightweight skiers maintain balance and control. For instance, a skier weighing less than 100 lbs. should choose skis measuring 140 cm, while those weighing 150 lbs. need skis as long as 155 cm according to eBay. Ask the staff at your local ski shop for help with sizing. As a general rule of thumb, the tip of your skis standing on end should fall somewhere between your chin and forehead.
Step 2
Review the width measurements on each set of skis. According to eBay, beginners should choose skis with a wide waist measurement (the width of the ski along the middle). Look for a waist width of at least 70 mm if you're new to the sport, or choose 60 mm or smaller if you're looking to advance your speed and performance.
Step 3
Examine the profile of each ski to compare sidecut (how curved the ski is from tip to tail if you're looking down at the top of the ski). Skis with a deep sidecut allow advanced skiers to make quick turns, while those with a shallow sidecut help beginners to keep turns wide and controlled.
Step 4
Buy skis that will be easy for you to maintain. Downhill skis with an extruded polyethylene base cost less and require less maintenance than those with a sintered polyethylene base according to the website of outdoor lifestyle retailer REI. Extruded bases don't hold wax as long, so they may not be appropriate for advanced skiers. If you don't mind performing extra maintenance to increase your speed and improve performance, choose a sintered base.
Step 5
Check the specifications on each set of skis for information on flex and camber. According to REI, flexible skis have a camber of eight to 12 mm, which helps beginners maximize consistency and performance. A camber of zero to five mm is fairly stiff, which works better for advanced skiers or those who ride primarily on powder.
Step 6
Ask about bindings. Some shops offers beginner packages that include bindings with the skis. If you choose this option, take your ski boots with you to make sure they fit the bindings being offered. Different types of boots require specific binding designs, so it's important to make sure yours fit properly before buying. If you don't own boots yet, look for packages that include boots, bindings and skis to save money.
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