If you've decided that it's time to start spending more time in the air than on the snow or screaming through half-pipes, cranking a "Lincoln Loop" or a "Fakie 180," then you could be ready to buy your first pair of freestyle skis. Freestyle skiing actually encompasses competitive mogul skiing, aerial jumping and half pipe stunts. The type of equipment that you buy will depend on what type of freestyle skiing you're interested in. The object of competitive mogul skiing is to get down a moderately steep race course peppered with moguls and jumps faster than your opponent. It generally requires a flexible, straight alpine ski with minimal sidecut. Aerial jumping is accomplished using steep, hand-carved ramps. Competitors favor shorter skis that are lighter weight and easier to maneuver over longer, heavier skis. Half pipe tricks are done in specially designed half tunnels with walls as high as 17 feet. Half pipe tricks demand a ski with twin tips to accommodate skiing in both directions--backward and forward.
What to Look for
Competitive mogul skiing involves a rapid succession of right and left "braking" turns. Because the moguls come at you quickly, you'll usually want a shorter, lighter weight ski. Because of the variations in terrain, look for a softer ski, that flexes under a variety of snow conditions. Since you won't have time to carve any turns, choose a ski with a less pronounced sidecut. The object of aerial freestyle skiing is to perform creative tricks while suspended in the air, so ski qualities are less of a concern than other freestyle events. The object of the ski is to get you in the air as fast as possible, with a minimum amount of weight. Most aerial skiers favor shorter, lighter skis over longer, heavier ones. Aerial skis are typically in the 160 cm neighborhood but must also have sufficient support and leverage to allow you to "stick" your landing. Half pipe tricks often involve skiing backwards as well as forwards. So, most competitive half pipe athletes favor skis with "twin tips" -- skis that are turned up at both ends. Similar to other freestyle events, half pipe tricks do not require skis with a lot of length or sidecut, so you'll usually see shorter, lighter skis in competitions.
Common Pitfalls
Like any other sport, the equipment often enhances the athlete's performance. Before you purchase a pair of skis, ask yourself, "How am I going to be using them?" Attempting to ski a mogul competition using short skis designed for aerials will almost certainly end in disaster. Likewise, attempting aerial tricks using a heavier ski designed for mogul skiing would be futile. However, if you can only afford one pair of skis, shoot for the midrange: a moderately short ski (150 to 165 cm) with average flex and sidecut and with twin tips, if you can find them.
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