Buying skis is the focus of this installment 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. Skis come in varying lengths, shape and levels of stiffness, and the right pair for you will depend a great deal on your level of expertise and your personal skiing style.
They're designed differently for different types of skiing so the first thing to consider is the type of skiing that you'll be doing. 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. Once you reach a level of experience that allows you to cover more difficult terrain such as off-piste or deep powder, you will then need to upgrade your skis to those built to handle the trickier terrain. Experts recommend leaving the modified skis for the more experienced skier, however, as trying to learn basic skills with them is more difficult.
Length, shape and stiffness are arguably the most important considerations. Shorter skis are easier to turn than longer skis. For this reason, most beginners start off with a pair of short skis. Once you've mastered the basics of skiing and are confident of your ability, then you can consider longer skis, which will allow you greater speed in many different snow conditions, but which also will be less forgiving of errors.
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 less stiff shorter skis offer greater maneuverability which is seen a benefit to beginners.
As a final point, it's recommended that you go skiing at least a couple of times before buying any skis so that you're sure that you enjoy it and will continue to go in the future. 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. Skis come in varying lengths, shape and levels of stiffness, and the right pair for you will depend a great deal on your level of expertise and your personal skiing style.
They're designed differently for different types of skiing so the first thing to consider is the type of skiing that you'll be doing. 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. Once you reach a level of experience that allows you to cover more difficult terrain such as off-piste or deep powder, you will then need to upgrade your skis to those built to handle the trickier terrain. Experts recommend leaving the modified skis for the more experienced skier, however, as trying to learn basic skills with them is more difficult.
Length, shape and stiffness are arguably the most important considerations. Shorter skis are easier to turn than longer skis. For this reason, most beginners start off with a pair of short skis. Once you've mastered the basics of skiing and are confident of your ability, then you can consider longer skis, which will allow you greater speed in many different snow conditions, but which also will be less forgiving of errors.
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 less stiff shorter skis offer greater maneuverability which is seen a benefit to beginners.
As a final point, it's recommended that you go skiing at least a couple of times before buying any skis so that you're sure that you enjoy it and will continue to go in the future. 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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