The right pair of skis can help you become a better skier. Though women used to ski on the same sticks as men, only shorter, manufacturers have begun offering women-specific skis. Designed to accommodate a woman's lower center of gravity and different stance, these skis are made of lightweight materials and feature women-oriented graphics. With so many women's skis on the market, the choices may seem overwhelming. But with a little research and time you can find the perfect skis for you.
Step 1
Write a list of your skiing preferences. Beginners, intermediates and experts need different types of skis. If you ski a lot of powder, you may want a wider ski than someone who sticks to groomed slopes. If you ski moguls and spend time in the terrain park, you may want a shorter, more responsive ski. When you visit the ski shop you can hand the sales clerk your list and they can help you narrow the choice of skis. Sports Illustrated for Women recommends you choose a ski that will allow you to move up a little in your ability. So, if you've always stuck to groomed runs but want to do more off-piste skiing, choose a ski that will allow you to do both.
Step 2
Read reviews of skis to get an idea of what's available. Reviews will usually list the pros and cons of each ski and tell a little about which type of skier that model of ski would best suit. From the reviews, you can narrow your choice of ski.
Step 3
Visit a ski retailer that offers a selection of women-specific skis. Women's skis are usually lighter than men's skis, come in shorter lengths and have the bindings set further forward to accommodate a woman's lower center of gravity. Women generally have wider hips, shorter legs and carry a larger percentage of their weight in the bottom part of their bodies, all of which affect how they balance on skis. Women-specific skis address all these differences. With your list of information about your skiing preferences and the information you've collected from ski reviews, the store personnel should be able to help you narrow your choices to a few models of skis.
Step 4
Demo the skis on the snow. Most ski shops offer special demo packages that let you try a pair of skis or several pairs of skis for a few hours or all day. Only by skiing will you be able to determine if they're the right pair for you. Try to ski a variety of terrain to get a feel for how the skis handle. Some skis are more flexible than others, which can make them easier to turn. Carry the skis around and think about how heavy they'd be to carry from your car to the slopes. Decide if they're comfortable on the lifts. Make notes on each pair so you can compare them later and choose the best ski for you.
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