A Ski Buyer’s Guide: Ski Types, Skill Levels, and Ski Lengths

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it is important to check out a ski buyer’s guide so that you can choose the right equipment when skiing.  Your choice will depend on many different things such as skill level, age, gender, and location.  Learning about the different factors involved is very important to ensuring that your skiing experience is both fun and safe.

Ski Buyer’s Guide: Types of Skis

First of all, do your research and learn about the different types of skis.  The two classes of skis are Alpine and Nordic.   Alpine skis have a fixed boot and are for downhill skiing.

On Nordic skis, the heel of the boot releases from the binding; these are mainly for cross-country skiing.  Alpine skis include:

• All Mountain skis, so named because they can be used in various conditions on various terrains.  There are different types of all mountains for men, women, and children.
• Powder skis are designed for areas that see a lot of snow storms.  They can glide atop fresh snow without sinking in.
• Twin Tip skis have curved tips at both ends.  Twin tips were originally used for free styling and jumping.
• Racing skis are specifically designed to race and should only be used for this purpose.

Ski Buyer’s Guide: Skill Level

Once you know what type of ski you want, you need to examine your ability.  Every type of ski has a subset of skis that corresponds to a skill level.  It is best to choose a ski that not only suits your abilities, but one that can allow you to improve.  The six levels of skiing are:

• Beginner: Those who are just starting out or have skied very little.
• Advanced Beginner: Beginners who have mastered the green courses and are moving on to the blue runs.
• Intermediate: Skiers who are comfortable on the blue runs.
• Advanced Intermediate:  These skiers can move on to black diamond courses and are trying other terrains.
• Advanced:  The skier is comfortable with black diamond courses and different terrains.
• Expert: Skiers can navigate all terrains comfortably.

Make sure that you are honest with yourself about your skiing ability.  If you choose a ski that is ranked for a much higher ability, it will only hinder you and keep you from steering with ease.

Ski Length

The length of the ski depends on many factors such as height, weight, and ability.   The rule of thumb for skill level and length is that beginner’s skis should reach their chin, intermediate’s skis should reach their nose, and advanced should come to or above their forehead.

However, if you are heavy, you should go with a longer ski and lighter people with shorter skis.  If you want to ski fast and make wide turns, a longer ski is best.  Conversely, a shorter ski is ideal for sharp turns and a slower pace.

Ultimately, you must choose a length with which you are comfortable.  Being comfortable in your skis is imperative to growing in your ability and enjoying your runs.

Once you take all of these factors into consideration, look at the different brands of skis.  Consider renting or demoing skis in which you are interested before purchasing them to ensure that you get the fit and handling you want.

Think of it like test driving a car.  The more you know before you buy, the better your chance of being pleased with your purchase and hitting the slopes with confidence.