Snow skis are made for a variety of terrains and snow types. Downhill and alpine skis are intended for use on manicured ski slopes and tend to be the most popular type of snow ski. But cross-country skis are also made for cross-country travel done on or off groomed courses. Touring skis are designed for long-distance travel. But there are several other factors to consider when choosing a pair of snow skis. You will want to choose all the attributes of your ski to ensure you have the best ski for your uses.
Step 1
Choose the type of skiing you plan to do. Most skis are not functional across multiple types of skiing, so you will need to choose one. Once you know the type, you can move on to attributes.
Step 2
Determine your snow ski length. To properly size your skis, you will want to visit a professional ski shop to use a ski sizing chart customized for your specific type of ski. In general, skis tend to be slightly longer than you are tall, but because different skis use different proportions, a sizing chart is necessary.
Step 3
Choose the size of waist you want. A snow ski's waist helps control how easy it is to turn your skis. Small waists create sharper turns, but the speed is often reduced. Larger waists, by contrast, create faster speeds but feature reduced handling. More experienced skiers tend to prefer wider waists because they are better able to handle wide-waist skis.
Step 4
Decide between a ski featuring minimal or regular camber. Camber is the natural flex built into the skis. This camber creates a springing action in the ski that can be useful when coming out of turns or skiing on groomed, packed snow. Typically, minimal camber is desired by skiers planning to ride on loose snow and powder. A regular camber is preferred for groomed snow, such as the snow found on many ski slopes.
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