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There is a common misconception in the marketplace that there is a best brand or model ski that will work for everyone. This isn’t true, but every major brand has a make or model that can be the right ski for the right person. There are a few simple steps to follow when selecting the right ski. These will help narrow down your choices, provided that you work through each step honestly.
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Shaped Skis and Straight Skis
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Skis
- Video Tutorial: How to Select a Twin Tip Ski
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General Ski Information
When searching for the right ski, there are a set of questions to start off with: “How long have you skied?” and “Where have you skied?” Based on these answers, the next questions are whether or not you like to ski slow, medium or fast, and if you like to make wide, open turns, or quick, snappy ones. Finally, the last question is where you like to spend the majority of your time skiing, from beginner, intermediate and expert trails to mogul runs or even out of bounds. Keep these questions in mind while going through the steps of finding the right ski.
Step one is picking the type of ski you want. There are many different divisions that are used to describe skis. Many can be very confusing but there are only a few categories you really need to understand.
First off, downhill skis are known as Alpine skis – they consist of a fixed boot, binding and the ski itself. Nordic skis, where the heel releases from the ski binding, make up the other class of skis and include both cross-country and telemark skis. The following categories divide up the Alpine ski family. All can be further divided into men’s, women’s and junior groupings.
All-Mountain: Most Alpine skis fall into this category. Because the majority of skiers don’t have the luxury of lugging around several sets of skis to match that day’s conditions, All-Mountain skis are designed to perform in all types of snow conditions and at most speeds. Narrower All-Mountain skis are better for groomed runs, while wider styles handle better in powder and cruddy conditions. Other names for this style of ski include Mid-Fat skis, All-Purpose skis, and the One-ski Quiver.
Powder: Designed to float atop powder, these are a popular back up pair of skis for those lucky enough to live in or visit places like Utah that receive frequent major storms. The mega-wide waist widths – ranging from 105mm to 130mm – keep the skis from sinking deep into fresh snow, but they can be challenging and sluggish to control on groomed runs. Sometimes they are known as Backcountry or Big Mountain skis.
Twin Tip: Twin tip skis have a curved-up tail along with the standard curved-up tip. Originally, Twin Tips were most popular with the freestyle set, and were used to take off or land jumps backward. Nowadays Twin Tips are also available as All-Mountain skis, though most are actually “direction twins” – slightly longer and wider in the front.
Racing: Typically stiffer, longer and narrower than the average ski. Most race skiers know what they want, so there’s no point in going to deep here besides noting that if you’re not a racer, don’t even consider racing skis. Sometimes they are known as Slalom or GS skis.
Video Tutorial: How to Select the Right Ski
After determining the right style of ski, the next important step is determining which one is right for your skill level. A ski built for all skill levels simply does not exist, so it’s vital that you buy a ski matching your ability. Picking a ski that’s either above or below your level will seriously impede your ability to get better. Advanced level skis are stiffer and require more technique, but they respond quicker; they also need to be skied at higher speeds to make them turn. Conversely, beginner to intermediate skis are softer and more forgiving, making them easier to initiate a turn at slower speeds with less technique; at high speeds, however, they can create a lot of chatter, making them hard to control.
There are six different levels of skiing ability that you may be classified under. From lowest to highest, the levels are Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. The key is to pick a range that you are comfortable with, but one that you can also improve with.
Beginner: This is level for skiers who are just beginning their skiing career. The skier has either never skied before or has skied only a few times.
Advanced Beginner: When a skier is comfortable on the green runs (beginner runs) and is moving up to blue runs.
Intermediate: The comfort level is on groomed blue runs that can be skied with relative ease.
Advanced Intermediate: The skier is moving up to black diamonds and other terrain.
Advanced: Black diamonds and other terrain are comfortable.
Expert: All terrain including powder, out of bounds, moguls, etc. are skied with ease.
The key is to pick a range that you are comfortable with, but one you can also improve with, unless of course you are an expert. If you are most comfortable skiing groomed, blue runs, then classify yourself as an Intermediate. That doesn’t mean, however, that a ski rated Beginner to Intermediate is a good fit. Instead, look for a pair with your level at the lowest part of the range – an Intermediate to Advanced, in this case – this way you can improve with your ski. There is no advantage to buying a ski that is significantly better than you. More advanced skis must be “loaded up,” meaning you really need to get some speed and weight into them to get them to carve. But if you can’t get the right speed and pressure, the skis will be difficult to control.
A result of a ski’s sidecut, the turning radius equals the natural circle that a pair of skis makes on edge when your weight is properly applied. It’s the same idea behind the turning radius of a car; a tiny sports car can whip tight donut shapes, while a large truck needs far greater space to turn a full circle.
With skis, the turning radius can range from a low of 11m all the way up to 25m. This figure is often printed on the skis themselves. If you like quick, snappy turns, look for a turning radius in the 12–16m range. If you prefer making big, wide-open turns, then look for a turning radius of 16–22m. If the turning radius isn’t given, then look at a ski’s dimensions, which measure the sidecut widths at the tip, waist and tail. They’ll look something like 128/86/114. The bigger the difference between the waist of a ski and its tip and tail – i.e., the more dramatic the hourglass shape – the tighter the turning radius will be.
Video Tutorial: The Dimensions and Turning Radius of a Ski
While sorting through skis, you’ll notice many come with bindings attached. These are known as integrated bindings, as they are built into and are a part of the skis themselves. (You might also see these set-ups called system skis.) So, what set-up should you chose? Unless you’re an experienced racer or freestyle skier with specific binding needs, integrated bindings are highly recommended.
Before the advent of shaped skis, integrated bindings didn’t exist. But with flex being key to the functionality of shaped skis, they have quickly become an industry standard. Think about it this way: When you drill a regular binding into a ski and drop in the boot, you end up with shaped ski that flexes above and below the binding zone, but not within in. This is a dead zone, like skiing with a metal rod in the middle of your skis. Once manufactures realized that shaped skis weren’t performing to their potential due to this boot/binding combination, they created integrated bindings that “float” on top the ski. The bindings do this by moving back and forth as the ski flexes, keeping constant pressure on your boots to hold you in. The end result is that integrated bindings give skiers the full benefit of a shaped ski’s potential.
Video Tutorial: The Purpose for Integrated Bindings
With the advent of shaped skis, the typical length of skis has changed. Years ago, skis for men stretched from 175cm to 205cm and beyond. But now close to 80 percent of men’s skis fall in the 155–175cm range and the majority of women’s ski fall into the 140–160cm range. This is because the hourglass shape of the ski allows for a shorter ski with a wider and larger surface area. Although they are shorter, they are just as fast, turn better, and are more stable due to shape, new materials, and better flex patterns.
As a general rule, a ski should reach up to the chin for beginners, the nose for intermediates, and the forehead (and above) for advanced skiers. Although this is the general rule, there are some exceptions. Heavier skiers need a longer ski, while lighter skiers can go a bit shorter. And as overall length and speed are compatible, there’s a similar dynamic for skiing style: If you like to ski fast with wide turns, then go longer, but if you’re a mellower skier who enjoys quicker turns, go shorter.
Typically you will want to get as much length as you’re comfortable with for your ability, as it gives you more ski on which to learn to carve. But if you feel a chosen ski ought to be shorter, then it probably should be. There’s no point in choosing a ski length you’re not comfortable with, as you’ll never maximize its potential. If you’re going to lean one way or another, err on the shorter side.
Video Tutorial: How to Select the Correct Size Skis
It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media to help guide you to the best skis for you.
- Video Tutorial: Differences Between Shaped Skis and Straight Skis
- Video Tutorial: The Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Skis
- Video Tutorial: How to Select a Twin Tip Ski
Tags: Buying Guides, Skis
Tige,
From those that I know who have skied the Atomic Snoop skis, I have heard nothing but great things about them. Whether your heli skiing, laying down fresh tracks in the powder, or playing around on piste, the Snoops are a good way to go. I think you will find them to be a fun, versatile, all mountain ski that you can take anywhere and enjoy. In addition, both Blackdiamond and Dynafit put out a really nice products in the AT department. You could also look at the Marker Duke ski binding for this setup as well. This binding will pivot in the toe and allow you to explorer off trail conditions. Overall, I think you have selected a great setup of skis, boots, and bindings. Enjoy!
Andrew
Looking for a recommendation on skis
I am male 5’7” 180 lbs 49 years old intermediate. I live and ski in east.
I like to ski groomers and packed powder but living in the east you ski what you get.
I want a ski that can ski the groomers and packed powder but when the mountain only offers moguls of ice and manmade powder I have a hard time. What ski and binding would you recommend?
Gregg,
Based on what you’ve described to me, I’d put you in a ski length between 165cm and 170cm. If you’re looking for an all-mountain ski, I’d lean towards the 170 end of things, but anywhere in between will suffice for you really. My best recommendations based on your skill level and where you ski geographically and the terrain you prefer to ski on personally would be the Dynastar Booster 10 (165cm). This ski was actually very highly rated by our owner who had an opportunity to test it on Midwestern snow conditions, which are about as close as you can get to Eastern skiing conditions without actually going to the East coast. It features a full sidewall construction so it will be very stable for you and will have really good edge grip for the icy conditions you will tend to be in most of the time. I think this ski would be your best option. Enjoy!
Erick,
Absolutely, there are skis out there that will work for each of you at your present skier levels and carry you to what you desire to be. Below are my recommendations for both you and your wife.
For you, I’d put you in a ski length between 155-160cm. I base this on both your weight and your current skiing ability. My best recommendation for you is the Volkl Unlimited AC (156cm). This ski is going to help you build your skills at the beginner level and give you the ability to advance all the way up to an advanced-intermediate. However if you want a ski that will take you up to advanced, another option to consider is the Volkl Unlimited AC20 (156cm). This is a step up from the Unlimited AC and is designated for intermediates to start…so it will be a bit advanced for you initially, but it will give you the benefit of taking you to your desired skill level. You just need to ask yourself if you want an increased (albeit small) learning curve in the beginning in exchange for a ski that can take you up to advanced instead of only advanced-intermediate.
For your wife, I’d put her in a ski length between 145-150cm. I base this on her weight and current skiing ability. My best recommendations for her are the Roxy Juicy (146cm), the Roxy Swell (146cm), or the K2 Sweet Luv (149cm). The Roxy Juicy is designed for beginners through intermediate skiers, which falls in line perfectly for her aspirations. It also offers a unique Silhouette design near the tail of the ski to aid her with carving turns. The Roxy Swell offers the same feature, but it will take her one additional level (up to advanced-intermediate) if she decides she wants a bit more. Finally, the K2 Sweet Luv, like the Roxy Swell, is designed for beginners up to advanced-intermediates, so one additional skill level. It doesn’t have the Silhouette shape like the Roxy skis, but is year-in and year-out one of the best women’s skis at this skier level. All-in-all, she has some great options available to choose from.
I hope all of this helps you find exactly what you are looking for. Best of luck and have fun out there!
Trey,
I think you’re on the right track with the size of 170, as I’d put you somewhere in the 165-170cm range. I think that the Volkl AC50 is a great option for you, however we no longer have it available in the 170cm. Another option you could consider would be the K2 Apache Xplorer (170cm). The Xplorer is a bit slimmer at the waist 84mm compared to 89 with the AC50. It also has a straight tail compared to a rounded tail on the AC50, so the AC50 is going to perform a bit better in the powder. But I wanted to give you another option aside from the AC50 so you could compare I hope this helps you, although it sounds like you’re on the right track.
I am 5′10″ and 165lbs with my ability at the low end of the intermediate range. I am progressing along pretty well, just need to control my speed a little more and make smoother turns. I have been renting 160-165’s, and they seem fine. I recently purchased a pair of Atomic Nomad Blue Moon in size 169. I haven’t tried them yet but was wondering if they are to long for me. Great site thanks.
Andrew,
Thank you for your honesty. It has been a pleasure viewing skis.com. It is nice to be able to find a site that helps skiers make educated decisions when investing in new equipment. I will do my homework on the two that you have suggested.
Trey
Hi - can you recommend a ski for me? I’m 5′4” and 125 pounds. I have skied just a handful of times, but I’d like to do more skiing starting next winter now that my daughter is old enough. Ideally I would like something that I can use as my skill increases. We live in PA. Thanks - Michelle
Natalie,
It’s great to hear you love skiing, join the crew! Let’s get started by simply sizing you up in the right size for your measurements and skier ability, we have you in skis between a 144-146 and a ski pole size of 43 inches. This can fluctuate with preference but is a sturdy guideline to keep close to.
Unfortunately in your size we are sold through in the skis you requested but we can make other recommendations based on your skier type and what you seem to be looking for. The skis we will recommend are in stock at the time of this message.
The Elan Wave Magic womens is a great ski for the marked down price and falls into the category you are looking for. It is a great little carver that will allow you to continue to be a beginner but will be there every step of the way as you progress to intermediate status and above. There are video reviews of the Elan Wave Magic on our site so you can see what other women skiers thought of the poppy wood core and versatile sidecut.
The Roxy Sugah is a similar ski to the above Elan but has a bit more feminine touch. Don’t let the cute exterior fool you though, this ski is tough enough to take on any run on the mountain. The Roxy is lightweight and poppy making carving fun and adding extra agility to the ski. This is another ski with reviews and make sure to click and watch them as they can help you get a real feel for the ski from those whom skied them.
Hopefully this helps in making your decision, the above skis are great for what you are looking to do, they will not outski them and they will not outski you. Let us know how it works for you or tell us out on the mountain if we see ya!
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Thanks for such a great site! I’m a beginner/intermediate skier looking to move up to the next level as I purchase my first set of skis.
I’m pretty cautious on the slopes now, but am looking to become more aggressive. I tend to stay on the groomed trails and see a lot of hard packed snow here.
I’m 5′7″, 130 pounds. Sizing charts seem to put me between 150 to 155, but I’m not sure if I should look more toward 150 or toward 155. Any suggestions?
Randy,
The length is good but I’m afraid that it’s going to be too stiff for you. The Mantra is a great ski, but it’s a lot to handle. It’s basically a wide GS race stock ski, so it requires a lot of power to ski. I’m an advanced to expert level skier and because I’m on the lighter side (5’9” 150lbs.) I don’t like to ski the Mantra all day as it requires too much work. If you like the idea of the Mantra check out something like the Prophet 100 from Line (172cm) or the ARV from Armada (175cm). Both of these skis will be much more forgiving skis (Steve the owner of skis.com has a pair of ARV’s and loves them) than the Mantra, which will allow you to ski all day with out punishing yourself.
Thanks,
Kevin Palmer
Jim,
The 169 will be a fine size for you in the Blue Moon, which is a great ski by the way. As an intermediate you will get the most out of this size and will have the benefits of a ski that you will not overpower and will not overpower you. Chances are you will feel more confidence with having your own skis and will no longer have a problem with controlling your speed as much. When you rent skis you typically get something different every time, it’s amazing what a little consistency will do for you.
Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Leslie,
Hopefully this information reaches you in time. The skis size recommended for you would be between 152-156 range and we have some great deals on skis in that range right now. Since you are an advanced skier you will want to go with a ski that you will get good performance out of for your skiing style. You do not have to break the bank but you also do not want to under buy and end up with a ski you immediately over ski. A few recommendations are made below.
The Salomon Origins Topaz is an all mountain performance ski that will help you in turn initiation and lessens the amount of chatter you feel while making turns in the ski. You can ski this ski in the 152 Check out the video reviews for real skier’s reaction to the skis.
The K2 T:Nine Free Luv ski is very similar to the above Salomon and will shell out a lot of the same features. You could take this ski in the 156 length perfectly fine. There are also video reviews for this ski.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Michelle,
We can start by sizing you for your skis. Your size would be between 147-151 with a pole size of roughly 44 inches.
For skis that you can ski now and also increase your skill, we have some good deals on skis in the intermediate-advanced intermediate level that will work great for you.
The K2 T:Nine Sweet Luv is a crowd favorite and would work great for you n the 149 size. This ski will not be too much for you at the start and you will be easily able to grow with that ski.
The Dynastar Exclusive Active is similar to the above K2 where it will be very reliable and easy to ski but you will still have the ability to grow with it and push the ski harder as you progress. This is available in a 148 which will work for you.
The Atomic Cloud 9 is a great carver and again s very similar in style to the above K2 and Dynastar. This is available in a 151 which would work just fine for you.
Let us know if you have any further questions or comments.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Christy,
With your size you are right in the middle of the 150-155 sizes. As a beginner skier I have you between 151-153 and as an intermediate skier I have you in a size 153-156. If you are looking to have more control than going with a smaller size will give you just that, more control. It is a general rule of thumb with most all mountain skis that the bigger you go the faster you will go and the shorter you go the more control you will have. This can go both ways depending on the ski, the brand and where you will be skiing.
I would say you could really go with any size between 150-155, would not go below 150 or over 156 as you will be escaping your comfort zone in the skis.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Jon,
I don’t think the Red Heat is enough ski for you. You are correct it is a great value, but you will indeed over power it. The Cold Heat would be a good choice. My choice from Dynastar would be the Contact 4×4. It will be much more stable than the Grove. Keep in mind that Dynastars tend to be a little softer flexing than say a Volkl, Nordica, or even a Rossi. Another good pick would be the Classic CX 80 from Rossi. These skis absolutely rip! They have insane edge grip, are rock solid at speed, turn on a dime, and will handle up to 8” of fresh.
Thanks,
Kevin
Marc,
Taking in consideration of your several knee surgeries I would steer clear of ultra stiff skis like Volkl’s. They will be to taxing for you to ski all day (Steve our owner has had several knee surgeries as well, and though he like the way Volkl’s ski his knee can’t take skiing on them all day). I would look at these: Elan Magfire 78 Ti in a 182cm, Rossignol Avenger 82Ti in a 182cm or Atomic Crimson Ti in a 183cm. All three of these skis will be very stable at high speeds, have excellent edge grip, carve very well, and be plenty versatile in the conditions you are looking to ski in with out over taxing your knee.
Thanks,
Kevin
Chris,
Thanks for the interest in our site! It’s great to hear you’re looking to get more involved in skiing, welcome to the club!
Given your stats and skiing style and ability we would put you in a ski size of 165-170cm. Below are some specific ski suggestions that we can recommend given where and what your looking to ski. As much as the inexpensive skis look appealing to the pocket book, given your age and enthusiasm for skiing you will gain a ton more in your skiing by purchasing a good ski to start, this will also compliment those great boots you have purchased.
The K2 Apache Explorer skis is an absolute all mountain ripper with versatility to span the whole mountain. At 128/84/112 you can have a decent shovel on the tip to get into the powder stashed yet still be at 84 underfoot giving you control on the hardpack and groomers. This has been a favorite in the office for years and with this year’s updated graphic, it’s hot. Ski this in the 170 and you will love it.
The Rossignol Avenger 82 is very similar to the above K2 but a guy has to have options, right? This has almost the same footprint at 128/82/112 so it is still going to be an all mountain ripper with versatility to get into some crud.
Both skis come complete with bindings on the ski offering a truer flex by being mounted on a plate and flexing in unison with the ski. Try either combined with your Hawx 90 and you will be cruising in comfort and stability in no time.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Neil,
Glad to hear you back skiing after your accident, congratulations! Seeing as you are looking to progress your skiing over the years we will be looking at skis that you can grow into without them being too much ski to start with. There are two skis that we offer in a length of 170 which is right where you want to be given your size (high 160’s, low 170’s).
There is the Rossignol Avenger 82 Carbon ski which offers many technical features while still being all mountain cruiser friendly. This ski being 128/82/112 can be skied groomers to pow stashes in comfort. A full wood core and carbon stringers add that much needed pop out of the corners with VAS vibration dampening inserts to keep the chatter to a minimum.
Another eerily similar ski is the K2 Apache Xplorer Skis. With a similar sidecut of 128/84/112 you will be well adapted on groomers, crud and powder.
Both these skis are skis that you can grown and progress with and get back your to form in two years like you are hoping. We appreciate the interest in the site and look forward to hearing any more questions or concerns you may have.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Joyce,
Seeing as you have purchased an adult ski boot I am guessing you are an adult and should be looking at adult equipment as you will not be growing and need gear consistent to your skiing. You are going to want at least a 140cm ski, your size measurements put you at the smallest a 142 and you could ski up to a 146ish length ski. You may believe these are going to be too “fast” but the extra length will also give you more control overall. We sized you as a beginner skier also, if you were an intermediate to advanced skier you would be in a 148-150ish ski.
You seem to be enjoying the Roxy style skis and we offer one perfect for you in the adult range. The Roxy Juicy Women’s ski comes with Int light bindings. This ski is lightweight, nimble and has the beginner skier in mind. Roxy has a special silhouette cut into the tail of the ski which aids in making carving turns a lot easier. This may sound outlandish but we recommend you take this ski in the 146 length, I know, it seems long but with the forgiving flex and comfort you will forget all about the length that you feel is too long.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or comments.
Thanks,
Chris Gorski
Becky,
Everything sounds right to me. They may be a tad long to start with but you mentioned that you bought them to grow into. As you advance you will appreciate the slightly longer length for its stability.
Thanks,
Kevin