How to choose the right skis for an unforgettable skiing experience?

25 January 2024

Before the start of winter, most fans of skiing holidays are in anticipation of their upcoming holidays in Bukovel. Snow-covered slopes, picturesque views, and cozy hotels really promise an unforgettable holiday. But to get the most out of your skiing experience, you need to figure out how to choose the right skis. Some novice riders mistakenly believe that the most important thing is a proven brand. But not only this factor is important, you should also take into account your skiing style, size, etc. Let’s talk about it.

The composition of alpine skis

For many years, skis were made of wood, but today it is only used for the core and not always. Their construction consists of:

a skate;
a coating with graphics;
metal edges.

If you don’t know how to choose skis, you should keep in mind that the core is the most important part of their construction. It affects the torsional stiffness and controllability at speed. Inexpensive models are equipped with a synthetic core, which is suitable for beginners and low speed skiing. More expensive versions have a glued wood core that provides excellent handling, flexibility, lightness and strength at the same time.

Choosing a ski by shape

There are two types of equipment – directional (classic) or Twin Tip, also called “double toe”.

In the first case, the tail and tip of the model are different. The tail is cropped and the tip is rounded and curved. These skis are suitable for speed skiing.

Twin Tip models have a perfect match between the shape and size of the tip and tail. They are the ski of choice for freestyle riders, as they are easy to bale and roll backwards. They can be used to get out of the deepest snow.

Ski construction

It’s also important to know how to choose the right ski by its construction. Today’s models are available with one of three types of core: cap, sandwich and hybrids.

A core is a structure made of wood or acrylic with a glass or carbon fibre cover. Models with such a core are considered the softest, so they are suitable for beginners who prefer gentle descents on groomed trails.

Sandwich skis are a combination of different types of materials, usually plastic, plywood, wood, which are glued together in a special way. This design is more rigid than a cap and is popular among experienced riders and professionals.

Hybrid models combine the principles of the two above options. They have medium torsional stiffness. They are most often chosen by intermediate skiers.

Ski handling

To feel confident on and off the track, you should choose a well-controlled model. To do this, you should pay attention to

ski width;
turning radius;
contact length of the equipment.

Most alpine skis have a turning radius of 10-20 m, and in general you can find a model from 10 to 34 m. The larger the turning radius, the more agile and faster the ski.

What is a ski’s length?

The length of the ski depends on the rider’s height. It determines the skiing style and its features. For example, short models are more maneuverable and lightweight, while long models are faster and can be used in deep snow. The length is measured in cm. Usually, brands produce skis with a 10 cm step.

When thinking about how to choose a ski length, you should consider the following parameters:

the rider’s height;
his weight;
skiing style.

Basic ski fitting

For most riders, it is important to follow generally accepted basic skiing guidelines. In sports competitions, for example, the ski size for men is 165 cm and for women 155 cm. You can also be guided by the following recommendations. For:

men up to 190 cm tall and weighing up to 100 kg, 165 cm skis are recommended;
for fans of arcs – 170-175 cm;
women 150-180 cm tall and weighing up to 80 kg – 155-165 cm.

There are also some adjustments to consider depending on the type of snow and style. A 5-10 cm shorter size is suitable for carving and relaxed skiing on slow slopes. A 5-10 cm larger size is for skiers with more weight and height than the above. The larger models are also suitable for freeriders, steep slopes or carving at high speed.

How to choose skis: what to look for?

When choosing a ski for adults, there are a few key things to consider:

The level of training and potential of the rider. The stiffness of the equipment depends on this, as soft skis make it easier to correct mistakes and dampen vibrations, but they are less controllable. Stiff models, on the other hand, are capable of high speeds but require a high level of skill. Beginners are advised to choose soft skis.
Skier’s weight. Large riders should avoid soft skis as they can bend.
Type of trail. The choice of skis depends on the slopes you plan to ski on. For ski resorts, skis with a turning radius of up to 17 meters are recommended.
Manoeuvrability, speed. The length of the skis affects the way you ride. Shorter skis are more maneuverable, while longer skis are better at keeping speed. For beginners, models 10 cm shorter than their height for men and 15 cm shorter for women are suitable.
Ski bindings. It is important to consider the weight of the rider to choose the bindings according to the DIN scale. Their geometry is also important.

Now you know the ins and outs of alpine skiing. So you can choose the best model for you.