What To Look For
Also known as racing skis, a good set of slalom skis should be stiffer, longer and narrower than the average ski, and because of these traits, they are not suitable for casual skiers. A snappy turn radius of 12 to 16 m is good for experienced slalom skiers, with slightly more for intermediate and novice racers.
Common Pitfalls
The best slalom skis don't come from any one brand; they are the best because they are fitted to your height, weight, foot size and experience levels. The biggest problem many ski shoppers have is exaggerating their skill level or neglecting to get properly fitted to a ski size before buying. Not only is this counterproductive, but it is also very dangerous.
Where To Buy
If you want a truly excellent pair of slalom skis, head down to your local ski shop and rent a wide variety. The best way to find out if a set of skis suits you is to try them out, and as a bonus, many ski shops will put the cost of the rental towards the purchase price. You may also be able to find slalom skis at outdoor sporting goods shops, and you can find many reputable online retailers.
Cost
Expect to pay between $400 and $1,500 for well-rated slalom skis. It should be fairly easy to find excellent skis for around $1,000. Waiting for bargains or shopping during summers may nab you sales and discounted prices.
Accessories
Slalom skis only infrequently come with integrating bindings for boots, so you may have to purchase these separately. By the time you've also added a sturdy pair of goggles, gloves and poles to match your skill level, your entire ski set may have run upwards of $1,000. Slalom skiing is an expensive hobby, but many who do it wouldn't give it up for the world.
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