The Best Alpine Skis

What To Look For

Novice skiers looking for their first equipment purchase usually look to skis. However, the dizzying array of skis may make them feel intimidated. Skis have advanced greatly in the last 20 years. Sidecut has made skis easier to turn, and rocker makes them easier in powder. Look for a ski that will suit the conditions you ski in the most. Eastern and Midwestern skiers will be better served with by a narrow waisted ski (less than 80 mm), while Western skiers will find a 100 mm ski is close to a "quiver of one."

Common Pitfalls

With the sheer number of skis on the market, it's rare to find a true dog, but skiing on terrain not designed for the ski you have is a recipe for disaster. If you can get only one pair of skis, look for an all-mountain design, such as an 80 mm to 90 mm waist with a good amount of sidecut. Of course, building up a quiver of skis allows you more options to pair a ski to the conditions.

Don't buy skis solely because a friend likes them or a gear review in a magazine says they are the greatest ski ever. Your skiing style may differ, and you might prefer something else. The only way to know for sure is to demo skis for a couple of days before buying them.

Where To Buy

Alpine skis are available at ski shops, online, and in many big box sporting goods retailers. Look for a specialty ski shop in your area. Local shops will carry gear that best matches the type of conditions you ski in.

Cost

Skis range in cost from $300 to $1,200 per pair (2010 prices).

Insider Tips

Ski design is a factor to consider. Twin tips are popular for free-ride skiers and skiers who like to play in the park, as the upturned tail facilitates skiing backwards and doing tricks. Twin tips also float well in deep snow. Stiffer skis are best if you like to ski fast. Soft skis are better in powder.

Length is often a personal preference, but if you like to ski fast, go longer, as it will provide stability at speed, while shorter skis are good if you like to make a lot of turns in tight technical terrain like trees and chutes.