If you're the type of skier that enjoys making athletic, tight turns on firm snow or ice, then slalom skis could be for you. Markedly different than their brothers, the all-mountain or giant slalom skis, slalom skis are usually shorter, lighter and have more pronounced side-cuts. Designed to react quickly through race courses, slalom skis rate high for maneuverability but low for stability at high speeds. Modern slalom skis are patterned after the same equipment used on the World Cup racing circuit. And, while you probably can't afford the services of a full-time ski technician to keep your skis waxed and maintained with razor-sharp edges, you can still enjoy many of the features that make skiing slalom skis an exhilarating experience. If you've just bought a pair of slalom skis, fasten your seatbelt--you're in for an unforgettable ride.
What to Look for
Compared to other types of skis, slalom skis tend to be shorter and stiffer with a more pronounced "side cut." Looking at the bottom of the skis, you'll notice that the tips (or shovels) and the tails are very wide, while the waists (the parts of the skis that are directly underneath the ski boots) are very narrow. This gives slalom skis an "hourglass" shape. By rolling the skis over onto their edges, the skis bow, creating a turning arc. Like other types of skis, slalom skis are rated according to their "turning radius" or the size of the arc that the skis make when pressed into a tight turn. All-mountain skis typically have turning radiuses of 18 to 22 meters, while slalom skis can turn within an 11 to 12 meter arc or less. The shorter the skis, the tighter the turning radius. Slalom skis are also sold using binding "systems" that are an integrated part of the skis. When the skis are rolled into a turn, the ski boots "float" on top of the bindings, creating a smoother, tighter turn.
Common Pitfalls
Because slalom skis tend to be so much stiffer and unforgiving than all-mountain skis, they require more energy to ski. They are designed to be actively skied and are not recommended for people who just want a day of easy cruising on the slopes. Slalom skis are designed to be skied on hard snow conditions, so they are not suitable for powder, cut up snow and crud and can be physically demanding on the skier. Consequently, if you're looking for one, all-around pair of skis that you can use in all types of snow conditions, slalom skis are not your best choice. However, if you have more than one pair of skis and can choose the type of ski to go along with specific skiing conditions, then a pair of slalom skis can be a valuable and fun addition to your collection of ski equipment.
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