Selecting skis is the topic for this part of our learn to ski guide.
Skis are the single most important piece of ski equipment and choosing the right pair will ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time. Your ability as a skier and your style of skiing both contribute a great deal to the decisions you will make about the length, shape and stiffness of your skis.
Skis are designed to support certain types of skiing, so it's important to know what type you plan to do. Most skiing is done on powder or packed runs and so most skis are tailored specifically for that. This is the type of ski you should be looking at when first learning to ski. Upgrading your skis to those tailored specifically for off-piste or deep powder terrain should happen when you feel experienced enough to take on those challenges. It's not advisable to start off with modified skis though as it's believed they can hinder the initial progress of beginners.
When considering skis, length, shape and stiffness are important considerations. Regarding length, the shorter they are, the easier they are to turn. For this reason, most beginners start off with a pair of short skis. Longer skis allow you to go down slopes faster and are suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions but should only be considered when you've mastered the basics of skiing and feel confident as there's less margin for error when using them.
The shape of a ski makes a difference in how you turn - if it is broad in the boot area, the broader the turn, and if it is narrow in the boot area, it will be capable of tighter, faster turns. The two factors that make up a ski's stiffness are the material it is made from and it's shape. Shorter skis are not as stiff as longer ones, making them less stable at high speeds. The benefit to a beginner of a shorter ski is that the shorter ski is less stiff which allows it to provide for increased maneuverability.
The last point to remember is that you shouldn't invest in skis until you know you will use them, so go skiing a couple of times before purchasing your own skis. Even if you're sure you'll be a regular skier, rent before buying because they're not a cheap investment and you'll want to be sure that you get the right type, length, shape and stiffness for your specific needs.
Skis are the single most important piece of ski equipment and choosing the right pair will ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time. Your ability as a skier and your style of skiing both contribute a great deal to the decisions you will make about the length, shape and stiffness of your skis.
Skis are designed to support certain types of skiing, so it's important to know what type you plan to do. Most skiing is done on powder or packed runs and so most skis are tailored specifically for that. This is the type of ski you should be looking at when first learning to ski. Upgrading your skis to those tailored specifically for off-piste or deep powder terrain should happen when you feel experienced enough to take on those challenges. It's not advisable to start off with modified skis though as it's believed they can hinder the initial progress of beginners.
When considering skis, length, shape and stiffness are important considerations. Regarding length, the shorter they are, the easier they are to turn. For this reason, most beginners start off with a pair of short skis. Longer skis allow you to go down slopes faster and are suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions but should only be considered when you've mastered the basics of skiing and feel confident as there's less margin for error when using them.
The shape of a ski makes a difference in how you turn - if it is broad in the boot area, the broader the turn, and if it is narrow in the boot area, it will be capable of tighter, faster turns. The two factors that make up a ski's stiffness are the material it is made from and it's shape. Shorter skis are not as stiff as longer ones, making them less stable at high speeds. The benefit to a beginner of a shorter ski is that the shorter ski is less stiff which allows it to provide for increased maneuverability.
The last point to remember is that you shouldn't invest in skis until you know you will use them, so go skiing a couple of times before purchasing your own skis. Even if you're sure you'll be a regular skier, rent before buying because they're not a cheap investment and you'll want to be sure that you get the right type, length, shape and stiffness for your specific needs.
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