How to Choose the Right Ski for Downhill Skiing

When buying skis we should get ourselves acquainted with each brand by looking at their ski catalogs. Each brand has different way of measuring and describing their skis. Some of the symbols are generally the same (ex. S for slalom skis, G for giant slalom), but other may differ.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   FIRST DECISION.
   
   The two most important things you should consider are what kinds of speeds you want to go, and over what types of terrain. If you are beginner you should buy skis for beginners or All-round skis (for all types of terrain), for more intermediate skiers All-round skis or Slalom (for groomed slopes) should be good and consider higher density skis for faster skiing.

2. 
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   BEGINNER.
   
   Shopping for skis should depend on skiing skills. If you are beginner, focus on the lower prices; as you learn, you will buy better quality skis more suited for your skiing level.

3. LENGTH AND WEIGHT.
   
   Weight of a skier is more important that his height. Therefore, when shopping for skis, first get the pair that will be adjusted for your weight. Length of a ski should be shorter than you height (10 centimeters or 4 inches than you height or more for experts).

4. RADIUS.
   
   Those who have more experience should look at radius (slalom skis have less than 12 meters, all-round are 13-16 meters, and giant have 20 meters and are for those who like to ski fast), where smaller radius ski will facilitate smaller turns and larger radius will allow for large turns only.

5. 
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   GENDER.
   
   Gender matters – women usually have lighter skis, which may wear out faster if used by men. Also, colors are different for men and women (it maters if you are a guy and your skis have baby pink flowers and heart on them)

6. BINDINGS.
   
   Many skis come with an adapter plate that attaches to a pair of bindings and they will usually work with the kind of binding that the ski manufacturer is affiliated with. If you are beginner to moderate skier you don't need the highest release setting. Release settings are based on your height, weight, age, skier type and boot sole length. The lower the number, the less force a binding needs to release (3 to 10 for intermediate models and up to 14 or 16 for advanced models). However, if you're a heavy person, you'll need a higher release setting. For aggressive skier a higher release setting are recommended.

7. 
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   BOOTS.
   
   When it comes to boots we have different boots for different gender and ages (kids, youth, adult), but what is important is Flex Index, which tells how hard / flexible is the boot. Professional skiers use boots with high Flex Index (160), intermediates have medium flexibility (closer to 100) and beginners use softest boots (50). What is important here, you should definitely by those at the store, where you can try them on and see if the fit tight.

8. POLES.
   
   Shopping for poles, you should pay attention to weight (the lighter the better -poles made of graphite or carbon fiber are lighter and more expensive than poles made of aluminum or fiberglass) and the right length for you. A ski pole has the correct length if, when placed tip to the ground at rest, the skiers elbow forms a right angle.

Tips & Warnings

• SYMBOLS
• L – Beginners – very flexible, for slow skiing
• AL- universal – generally flexible, good for beginners and intermediate levels
• S-SL – slalom - flexible, smaller radius
• Freeride – ideal skis for advanced skiers who mainly ski in deep powder