Alpine Ski Guide

Getting a new set of alpine skis may seem daunting, but we're here to help! There are a few things to look out for when looking for a new set of skis: length, waist width, and camber type - so we'll go over everything you need to know. 

Which set of skis are best for you depends on a few factors...

• Where on the hill you're skiing
• Your height and weight
• Your skier ability level
• Personal preference

After going through this guide, you should be ready to narrow down your search with confidence and find the perfect set of skis.

Commonly Used Terms

Before we get started, let's take a second to go over some commonly used terms you may not know.

There are two primary types of skis: system and flat. The difference between these two is how the binding attaches to the ski.

System Skis

System skis come with a plate attached to the ski that bindings are mounted onto. This makes a ski purchase much easier as you do not have to find bindings that are compatible with skis you are considering. Also, since they are packaged together, they are usually a great value. System skis also make for easier binding adjustment - the plate allows for different boot sizes without re-drilling the skis. This is especially handy for junior skiers who go up by one boot size and need their bindings readjusted.

The most common type of system ski is intended for skiing on the groomed, front side of the mountain, known as piste skiing.

Next, let's look at the dimensions of a ski. These four numbers alone can tell you a lot about what the ski is intended for and whether or not it would be a good option for you.

Flat Skis

Flat skis do not come with any binding mounting plate. Instead, bindings are mounted to the ski with screws. Flat skis are commonly sold to intermediate/advanced skiers.

When bindings are mounted to flat skis, holes must be drilled at least one centimeter apart to avoid the mounting screws slipping back into previously drilled holes. This means junior skiers who grow into a slightly bigger boot may find it difficult to get their bindings adjusted. If the boot size change is very small, there may not be enough room in the initial binding adjustment. If this is the case, the bindings have to be remounted. However, when they are remounted, the screws must be installed a minimum of 1cm from the old drill holes to maintain the structure of the skis. If the boots size differential is larger, then the adjustment can be made, but the labour involved is more expensive than adjusting a system version. This is why we recommend junior skiers stick to system skis.

Tip/Waist/Tail

These three measurements refer to the size (in mm) of the tip (sometimes referred to as the shovel) width, waist width, and tail width. The waist width alone can tell you where the ski is best suited - either on piste, all mountain or powder. The width of the tip can tell you how well the ski will perform in deeper powder. If the tip is a lot wider than the tail, it will likely be intended for some powder riding.

Sidecut

The sidecut determines how sharp of a turn you can make, known as the turning radius. If the tip and tail a lot wider than the waist width, you will get a larger sidecut. This results in a smaller or tighter turning radius, letting you make quick, tight turns. If the waist width is close to the tip and tail width, the ski will have a smaller sidecut and a larger turning radius, ideal for big mountain powder skiing.

For those interested, the sidecut can be calculated with (((Tip Width + Tail Width)/2) - Waist Width) / 2 = sidecut. 

Now let's take a look at the many different shapes of skis. 

Contact Points

Contact points are where the ski touches the ground when laid down on a flat surface, uncompressed. Contact points are found at the tip and tail, on both sides of the ski. Their specific position will change based on what type of bend the skis have.

Effective Edge

Effective edge is the section of the ski that will contribute to carving. it is more or less the area between your contact points. Different types of skis will have different effective edges - so skis length alone is not the be all end all of effective edge!

A longer effective edge is preferred for going fast down groomed, hardpack runs. The longer edge helps to give more grip on the snow, allowing for better carving performance. However, initiating a turn on skis with longer effective edges is harder and takes a bit more effort, meaning they aren't great for quick, nimble turns.

Skis with shorter effective edges are the opposite - they aren't great for high speed stability on hardpack runs, but they are great for tighter, nimble turns.

Traditional Camber

Featuring the longest effective edge, nearly the length of the entire ski, this camber type is most commonly associated with On-Piste skis. The added edge hold and stability is perfect for high speeds and more aggressive carving. Many On-Piste skis wont even have a raised tail, for even more effective edge.

Camber with Early Rise Rocker

These make for great powder skis. The shorter effective edge is great for nimble maneuverability in and out of trees, and the longer nose helps provide some extra flotation for powder and deep snow.

Twin Tip Camber

This can be found on a lot of park skis, where skiers may be riding switch (riding backwards). Riding switch requires an equally raised tail to avoid catching in the snow and taking a spill. The camber in the middle can sometimes be a bit stiffer for some added pop and support for bigger jumps.

Having some extra rocker at the tail can also help release from a turn easier, which can make the ski a bit more nimble as the effective edge is further reduced.

Flat

Flat skis aren't too common, but they perform somewhere in the middle of traditional camber and rocker. Flat skis have easier edge to edge transitions than camber, but not as easy as a rocker ski. They also have better edge hold than a full rocker ski, though not as good as a camber ski.

Rocker (Reverse Camber)

These skis are only used for the absolute deepest powder. Sometimes referred to simply rocker skis, there is essentially zero effective edge, as the contact points are only in the center, meaning they are fantastic for deep snow for their easy turn initiation and surf-like ride.

Types of Alpine Skis

There are different types of alpine skis, each one meant to excel on a different part of the mountain.

On-Piste Skis

Designed for the front side of the mountain where the runs are well groomed and clear of powder. They will be fairly quick and responsive, requiring the least amount of effort to initiate a turn thanks to their narrower waist width and more aggressive side cut. The waist width of an On-Piste ski is generally somewhere 80mm or below. If you know you'll be staying on the groomed runs, or are new to skiing, then these are for you!

On piste skis have the shortest turning radius, usually less than 15 meters.

All Mountain Skis

All mountain skis are the most versatile type of ski. Usually between 80 to 100mm, an all mountain ski is meant to explore the whole mountain, from groomed runs to powder. All mountain skis will come in a variety of different camber profiles to suit a variety of skiing styles.

All mountain skis have usually have a turning radius somewhere between 15 and 20 meters.

Powder Skis

The widest skis available are the powder skis, meant for surfing over deep, fluffy powder without sinking or losing control. The tips will be generously tapered to provide maximum float and will generally be stiffer to help navigate through the deep snow. These skis will generally have a waist width greater than 100mm. 

Powder skis have the longest turning radius, generally greater than 20 meters.

Park Jib Skis

Park skis can be divided into two categories, jib skis and jumping skis. Jib skis are for those who like to slide on rails and boxes, and less focused on big air jumps and drops. A jib ski will typically have a softer flex to give a more forgiving, playful feel that is generally preferred for hitting rails and buttery carving. Most jib skiers prefer a shorter length ski to lower the swing weight, making it easier for mid-air spins. A wider ski, between 85 and 105mm, is also preferred for more stability when sliding on rails.

Park Freestyle Skis

Freestyle park skis are less intended for rails and more suited for bigger jumps. Typically stiffer than a jib ski to help support bigger landings and provide pop of jumps. This style of ski is also for people looking to go down the half-pipe, which also requires extra stiffness to handle high speeds and big air.

What size do you need?

Sizing up your skis is based on your height and weight, your skiing ability, where on the mountain you're skiing and personal preference.

Let's start with a rough baseline. Use the table below as your starting point, then we'll refine the result down below. The most common guideline for ski sizes is to have the tip of the ski come up to somewhere in between your chin and the top of your head, possibly longer for more advanced skiers.

Skier Weight

Depending on how your weight compares to your height, you may choose to go up or down in ski length. Skiers who are heavier than average for their height should go to a longer ski for some added stiffness and support. Lighter than average skiers should go to a slightly shorter ski that's a bit softer and easier to control.

Skier Ability

Beginner skiers should stick to narrower, shorter skis, closer to the height of their chin. Narrow width allows for easier turn initiation, shorter length makes the ski more manageable and keeps the max speed down, and softer flex is more forgiving of mistakes and helps prevent spills.

As you move on to more intermediate or advanced skis, you can get into wider skis that will handle more conditions and skiing styles. Advanced skiers who are staying on piste and carving hard at high speeds will still be using narrower skis, so you don't necessarily have to go to a wider ski as your ability increases.

Where you're skiing

As we discussed earlier, skis that are intended to be used off piste and in powder typically have lots of rocker and a shorter effective edge for easier turning. For more advanced skiers who don't need any extra help with turn initiation and instead want more stability at higher speeds, a longer length ski would be better suited. Depending on how deep the powder is and how advanced you are as a skier, you could go up to 15cm longer than normal.

This is also where personal preference starts to come in. By the time you've become a more advanced skier, you'll develop your own preferences for ski lengths and widths. When that time comes, you'll probably start to deviate from the common guidelines and just do your own thing.

Keep Learning!

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