How do you choose the right skis?

Skiing glossary

Before we get to the heart of the matter, you need to understand a few terms that come up frequently when talking about skiing. These terms will help us fully grasp the importance of each aspect of skiing so we can best adapt to your style of hitting the slopes!

Waist = the width of the ski under your foot → this affects manoeuvrability and float. The wider it is, the better you’ll float in powder snow (for example).

Float = a ski’s ability to sink into the snow or stay on the surface, even if the snow is powdery.

Ski camber = this parameter is defined by the shape and pressure the ski exerts on the ground when laid flat. It provides energy and grip when turning on hard snow.
Rocker = this refers to the upward curve of the tip (front or rear) → better float in soft snow and easier to turn.
In other words, rocker and camber are the curves of the ski. To find out more click here !

Turn radius = this is the distance the ski must travel to complete the turn when on edge. → This determines whether your ski prefers short turns (tight turns) or long turns (wide turns).

All-mountain, piste, freeride, freestyle → these are the terrains where your skis feel at home (we’ll discuss this further below.)

Switching: skiing backwards

Double-tip skis: the front and rear tips are raised, though not necessarily at the same level

Twin Tip: Twin-tip skis are 100% symmetrical. They make it easy to ski in switch.

Steps to choosing the right skis for your skiing style

There are three main factors to consider when choosing your skis:

A. Your skiing style: piste, all-mountain, freeride, freestyle
B. Your ability level
C. Your height

A. What type of skiing do you do?

You wouldn’t choose the same skis if you wanted to spend the whole day carving down the slopes as you would if you were heading out into 50 cm of powder. We’re about to find out which type of ski suits your style. Are you more into piste skiing, all-mountain, freeride or freestyle?

B. Depending on your level

The right skis should match your level. Because skis that aren’t suited to you are frustrating… Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert, the perfect skis are waiting for you to hit the slopes. So, what are your perfect skis?

Determine your level:

• Beginner: you have never skied before, or very little. You are just discovering the sport
• Intermediate: you have skied a few times, you can control your turns and you are able to ski down blue and red runs.
• Advanced: you can ski on all slopes and feel at ease on all types of snow.
• Expert: you never struggle and can ski anywhere.

Beginner

You want to learn the basics, enjoy every turn and improve without struggling with your equipment. Look for soft, easy-to-turn skis, often slightly shorter.

Intermediate

In this case, slightly stiffer and more stable skis suited to an improving technique will provide better stability at higher speeds.

Advanced / Expert

If you’re looking for carving, speed, variable snow, moguls… in short, to experience all the thrills, we recommend longer, stiffer skis that are precise and capable of handling a more aggressive style.

C. Choosing skis that suit your body

Your height

Your weight

It’s also important to remember that your skis carry you on the snow: your weight is another key factor. This is often overlooked, but it’s an important consideration. If you’re light, a ski that’s too big – and therefore heavy – will be harder to handle.

So, if you are light, it is better to choose skis that are slightly shorter and less stiff. If you are heavy, opt for skis that are a little longer and stiffer.

Our final tips

1. It’s not just about the numbers! Many people think that having skis 10 cm longer than your height will help you ski better. In reality, as we’ve just seen, the shape of the ski, its rocker/camber, its width and even your turning style play a huge part.
2. Try them out if you can! Nothing beats a day of ‘ski testing’. You might be surprised by what really suits you. All the advice above helps guide you towards that gem that will get you excited, but nothing beats the feel of it.

Choosing skis is a bit like choosing shoes: they have to fit. The aim is to choose something that makes you want to get out there, all the time, and that suits the way YOU want to enjoy the slopes.