LOOKING for new gear this winter but not sure where to start. Here are a few ideas and products to set you sliding in the right direction.
Choosing Skis
Our preferred method for buying skis is to always Demo First. Why you ask? There are hundreds of skis but not all of them will suit you.
The only way to really know how a ski performs for “You” is to test it on snow. If you can, try three or four different skis and pick out the one that makes you ski better. After a few runs if you think you are struggling, don’t buy that ski. Try another.
Ski Width
Skis are generally discussed as what ski width is under foot. This mid area is where you stand on the ski before it starts to bend and carve. Ask any skier what’s the best ski width and be prepared for totally different answers. There is no right or wrong answer, just preferences. The best guide to help you decide really comes back to what terrain you mostly ski, and your level of skiing.
Groomed Runs Only
Many people only ski on groomed runs, so you don’t need a fat ski. A mid width ski from 70mm up to 84mm is ideal. A narrow ski such as 72mm or 76mm will generally turn easier than a wider ski. You can ski off the groomed on these skis, but lower intermediates may find it harder on narrower skis.
Off-Piste Skiing
If you are often seeking adventures in the off-piste and powder, you may consider a wider ski which will help you keep afloat. Especially if the snow is heavy. You could consider a ski width from 84-90mm for intermediates, but you will notice the difference of a wider ski when you return to the groomed. Advanced skiers may opt for wider skis.
Powder Skiing
Advanced skiers venturing overseas to places like Japan may want a fatter ski as they will encounter multiple days of powder skiing. Staring from 90mm under foot up to much wider like 110mm is not uncommon. The fatter ski will help those with less technique manage the deeper powder snow.
The best time to buy a ski is while you are on holidays in the snow where you can demo a ski. Talk with your favourite ski shop about how you ski, and they will offer suggestions on the ski that will suit. Most ski shops have deals where the cost of demo skis is deducted off the ski sale price.
Here are a few to consider of varying width.
Dynastar Speed 4x4 363 Ski with Look Bindings.
Dimensions mm 130-80-110
Lengths cm 158, 164, 171, 179
Dynastar Women E 4x4 3 XPRESS
Dimensions mm 122-78-106
Lengths cm 150, 158, 164
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Stockli Stormrider 88
Dimensions mm 128-88-114
Lengths cm 166, 175, 184
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Kastle Ladies Quartz 72
Dimensions mm 116-72-98
Lengths cm 144, 150, 156, 162
Kastle Men DX84
Dimensions mm 128-84-112
Lengths cm 154, 160, 166, 172, 178