Powder skiing is both an art and a science. Powder skis optimize the powder skiing experience, but choosing the best skis for your needs requires an understanding of deep-snow skiing technique, as well as powder ski features. Most ski resorts and ski gear shops have some sort of try-before-you-buy program. Take advantage of these opportunities before you buy your first pair of powder skis.
Powder Ski Features
There is a good reason why the ski industry calls powder skis "fat" or, to use industry lingo, "phat" skis. Unlike traditional carving skis, which have 62 to 80mm waists, powder ski waistlines measure between 86 and 136mm. Some powder skis have a rocker technology, which features curved tips and tails. These rocker ski also work well in the terrain park.
How to Demo
Most ski gear manufacturers make some sort of powder ski, but the major ski magazines only review those designed for upper intermediate and advanced powder skiers. Expert skiers can handle a ski with a 136mm waist in all conditions, but powder novices might find them difficult to maneuver, especially in the groomed areas. Skis reviewed as "versatile" and "forgiving" are your best bet for your first pair of powder skis. Look for waists between 90 and 122mm. Most ski shops will let you demo more than one pair of skis. If possible, bring a friend and have her video your performance on each ski. Even better, take a full-day ski lesson with an instructor and ask for performance feedback.
For Women
The ski testers for "Ski Magazine" described the K2 Got Back as a "mentor" for female intermediate skiers. Its 102mm provides flotation in powder, but its 135mm tip and 121mm tail maintains its sidecut, making it a versatile ski for hard snow, says ski reviewers from the OnTheSnow.com website. Women who eventually want to earn their turns in back country powder can attach climbing skins to the holes in the ski's tips and tails. Deep-powder ski testers from "Ski Magazine," "Ski Canada Magazine" and OnTheSnow.com sang the praises of Rossignol S110W. Its rocker design, which features an upturned tip and tail, prevents the dreaded "tip dive" associated with traditional alpine skis. OnTheSnow.com testers called it "versatile and forgiving," and "Ski Canada's" Heidi Stammberger called it an ideal ski for "up and coming" powder skiers.
For Men
Unless you are a frequent poster on ski-related Internet forum, you've probably never heard of Powder Mountain Gear. Gear feedback featured on the Teton Gravity Research forums inspired the company's formation. Ski instructors, professional competitors and expert skiers make up the forum membership. PM Gear used this community's input to create the Bro 188. Its 99mm waist provides flotation in deep powder, but the ski is still narrow enough to handle icy conditions in a 55-degree couloir, and stable enough to carve turns on hard snow. "Ski Canada Magazine" testers described the Prior Doughboy, made in Whistler, BC, as a versatile ski for someone who is just getting into powder skiing. Its 107mm waist helps it float in powder, but its ample sidecut enhances easy turn initiation. SkiReview.com described it as a ski the builds powder skiing confidence in novice powder skiers.
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