How to Choose Women's Alpine Skis
If you think that women's skis are only about pretty graphics, think again. To understand the need for a female specific ski, one needs to simply look at the female body. Women usually have narrower shoulders and wider hips than men. They also tend to be lighter. However, in contrast to men, women carry most of their weight between their waist and their knees. The wider hips may put them in a position known as the backseat. In other words, the weight is shifted towards the heels, which limits carving ability and may lead to injuries. Furthermore, if a ski is too heavy for the female skier, she may have trouble maneuvering it through certain types of terrain.
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Instructions
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Know your ability level, and be honest about it. If you're unsure, either take a class, or look at the link to the skier ability chart below. While it's important to choose a ski that matches your ability, keep in mind that if you are a complete novice who intends to take many lessons within a season, you will soon outgrow a beginner's ski. In this case, it would be best to rent skis until you've reached a basic level of proficiency.
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Determine the type of terrain you will be skiing. There are women's skis designed for powder, racing, back country and park and pipe. If you will be skiing all types of terrain, it's best to choose an all-mountain ski. For example, if you live in the East, where there's very little powder, you won't need a women's powder ski. However, if you live in the East but plan to take a few trips out West, you can choose an all-mountain ski with a slightly wider waist.
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Determine your height and weight. This will help you choose the right length for your ski. Beginners usually stick with a somewhat shorter ski, while more advanced female skiers might do better with a longer one.
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Visit female ski message boards such as The Ski Divas. They will have gear reviews by other female skiers. In many cases, these may be more accurate than what you might read in a magazine, because these reviews are not supported by advertising. The best way to do this is to look at the profile of the woman posting the review. Most gear reviews feature the reviewer's height and weight, as well as skill level and preferred terrain. Pick a ski that received positive reviews from a skier whose skill level and body type is similar to yours.
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Take a women's ski clinic that features an equipment demo session. This is the best way to find the right ski, because, as you try different skis, your instructor can offer feedback on your technique. If these clinics are not available, make sure that you demo before you buy. Most mountains have a multi-ski demo policy, which allows you to try a few skis within a day. Ask if you can apply the rental fee towards purchase.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not choose a ski by its graphics. Choose it by how well it enhances your technique.
