How to Select Women's Downhill Skis
When choosing new women's downhill skis, there are three major issues to keep in mind: your skill level, height and weight. Skis come in a wide array of materials, sidecuts and styles, so it is best to narrow down your size requirements first. After the proper size has been established, the best way to select women's downhill skis is to take them on the slopes. Follow some simple formulas for whittling a wide assortment of choices into a few suitable options.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Determine Your Skill Level
-
1
Establish what kind of skier you are: beginner, intermediate or expert. Skill level will help determine what length of ski is best for your needs. Consider your skiing speed, as well. Fast skiers should opt for a longer ski, while slower skiers can use shorter skis.
-
2
Choose a ski that is designed for a skill level slightly more advanced than your own. This will allow you to gain experience without having to swap out your skis as your technique improves.
-
-
3
Measure your body from head to toe with a tape measure. Skis are measured in centimeters. Subtract 10 to 15 centimeters from your height if you are a novice or intermediate skier. Subtract only 5 to 10 centimeters from your height if you are an advanced skier. This figure will be the length of ski you should select.
-
4
Consider your weight when selecting downhill skis. Women's skis are typically shorter and lighter in order to respond to women's smaller frames. If you are heavier, you may want to choose a ski that is slightly longer to ensure proper performance.
-
5
Select a sidecut radius that is appropriate for the terrain on which you will ski. The sidecut radius refers to the kind of turns a ski is able to make based on the curve of the ski. A deep sidecut will allow for tighter turns. A shallow sidecut will give you a wider turn.
-
6
Take your preference for skiing terrain and typical snow conditions into account when purchasing women's downhill skis. If you typically ski in powder, like the snow found at western resorts, a wider waist will help provide more flotation in the deep snow. The waist is the width of the ski underfoot. A larger surface area disperses your weight and keeps you from sinking into the snow. A narrow waist is preferable in eastern skiing, where a thinner ski helps hold the edge on ice and hard packed snow.
-
7
Rent a pair of skis with the appropriate size and shape. This will help determine the best skis for your skiing ability and style.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit ski image by Andrzej Kaluza from Fotolia.com
