Well-selected skis reflect your abilities and characteristics and are appropriate to your preferred terrain and the conditions of the run. Advanced skiers often own several pairs of skis for the perfect run each time. Most recreational skiers, however, consider the most common conditions in which they ski, and select an all-purpose pair suited to them and their style.
Picking skis
Step 1
Determine your ability level. If you're a beginner or intermediate skier looking to improve (and you plan to spend a lot of time on the mountain), you may want slightly more advanced skis. Beginners include skiers learning to stop and turn, as well as more seasoned skiers who are comfortable on green runs. Intermediate skiers are comfortable on black and blue-black runs, and often carry a bit more speed than beginners. Advanced skiers carve faster, are comfortable finding lines through mogul fields, and may venture into powder or off-trail.
Step 2
Use your height to determine your ideal ski length by measuring the distance from the bridge of your nose to the floor. For an intermediate rider on all mountain skis, ski length should be approximately equal to this measure. Beginning skiers will generally want somewhat shorter skis, while advanced skiers may wish to go with longer skis. Overweight skiers will need a longer ski to provide additional buoyancy, particularly in powder. Advanced skiers who like moguls or tight turns may wish to go with a shorter pair to decrease their turning radius.
Step 3
Consider ability and terrain factors to fine-tune your ski selection. Beginners often benefit from narrow tails, which make turning easier. Deeper sidecuts, which result in an hourglass shape, decrease turning radius. This appeals to most beginners as sidecut skis are ideal for learning to negotiate groomed runs, but can also be attractive to advanced riders looking to negotiate twisting trails.
Tips and Warnings
- Because beginners are rarely comfortable off-trail or in powder, all mountain or carving skis are recommended.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape with centimeter markings
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