Skiing Tips: Selecting Skis

We look at what skis to buy in 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. There are many variables (type, length, shape, stiffness, etc.) with skis though and the right pair for you is dependent on your skiing ability and 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 skis are tailored for powder or packed runs, because that's where the majority of skiing takes place. 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. 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. Length controls how you turn - the shorter the ski, the tighter and easier the turn. That is why a beginner should consider shorter skis. Because longer skis do not allow as great of a margin for error, they should only be considered by accomplished skiers, who will find that they provide for greater speeds and are suitable for a greater array of snow conditions.

As for shape, skis which are narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp, fast turns, whereas skis which are wider in this area offer more stability and will make broader turns. A ski's level of stiffness is determined by the shape and also by the material from which it made. 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.

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. Although you may already be certain that you will be an avid skier, renting skis a couple more times makes sense to figure out the specifics of type, length, shape and stiffness that will work best for you.