While recreational skiers often stick to a mellow terrain, more extreme riders opt for aggressive turns and maneuvers on steep downhill slopes. Downhill skiing encompasses a variety of riding disciplines, including alpine, backcountry and freestyle. The speed capabilities of the downhill skier are determined by a number of factors. For optimal performance, carefully select a pair of skis that correspond with your physical dimensions.
Ski Length
The overall length of the ski blade will directly affect your speed capabilities. While shorter skis may offer increased maneuverability, they will hinder your speed on downhill terrain. A ski with an extended blade helps reduce the amount of vibration at breakneck speeds. This allows you to effectively transfer your weight between the opposing edges of the skis during high-speed maneuvers. Hold the ski vertically in front of you to perform a fitting test. According to REI, the front tip of the skis should sit somewhere between your chin and nose.
Ski Weight
The weight of the skis is another key factor that determines your speed on downhill terrain. While lighter skis allow you to perform aerial jumps with ease, they do not have the speed capabilities of heavier models. The materials used to construct the skis directly affects the overall weight. Skis used for freestyle riding in the terrain park and half pipe often have a lightweight core made from a combination of hard and soft woods. Skis designed for downhill racing are made with a heavier core that is reinforced with stainless steel or carbon fiber.
Rider Weight
Your overall body weight affects how fast you can go on a downhill skiing slope. Skiers with a heavier body weight naturally create more forward momentum when riding down a ski slope. When riding on skis that are too short, a heavier skier will sink into the terrain, resulting in a loss of speed. Young downhill skiers often have a lighter body weight. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it will limit their speed capabilities throughout the learning process.
Riding Terrain
When attempting to hit top speeds, you'll need to choose a specific type of riding terrain. Ski slopes with finely groomed terrain allow you to reach breakneck speeds with ease. According to the Mechanics of Sport website, the optimal condition for speed skiing is a downhill slope covered with a smooth layer of ice. The deep deposits of powdered snow covering the slopes on an off-piste terrain will hinder your speed capabilities.
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