An Introduction To Skiing

If you are about to either take up skiing or upgrade your ski equipment, this guide will help you choose the right skis from the many available.

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You'll also find articles on every other facet of skiing and getting the most enjoyment from your trip to the ski slopes. You'll find a link to these at the end of this first article -

Choosing the Right Skis For You...

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports and every year millions of people hit the slopes for some fresh air and fun.

In addition, every year thousands more people discover the joys of skiing and take up the sport for themselves.

Because it is an equipment oriented sport, people without the proper ski gear may get frustrated and discouraged.

These articles will guide you in selecting the best equipment for your level and style of skiing.

Skis are arguably the single most important piece of ski equipment you'll ever buy and choosing the right pair of skis for your level and skiing style will help you get the most enjoyment out of your skiing time.

 Your skiing ability is the most important factor in choosing a pair of skis. 

Beginners and intermediate level skiers need skis that can be easily manoeuvred and experts require more specialized skis.

The variables in choosing a pair of skis include materials, type, length, shape, and stiffness.

Ski Materials

Skis were originally made of wood, but very little wood is used in modern skis. The most common materials used these days are fibreglass and aluminum.

Other more exotic materials like Kevlar, titanium, carbon, and boron fibres are also used.

Skis are often made from a variety of materials to provide various degrees of flexibility and strength in the different parts of the ski.

The core of the ski can be made of wood, foam or some other material. The tops and sides are usually made of fibreglass or aluminum. The base of the ski is a synthetic polyethylene edged with steel.

Ski Type

Skis are designed for different types of skiing.

For example, cross country skis are longer and thinner than downhill skis because they are made for gliding along straight paths rather than making quick turns down a hill.

But there are more than just two types of skis – alpine (downhill) skis come in a variety of shapes and styles depending on whether they will be used for racing, freestyle, powder or packed trails.

Ski Length

Shorter skis are easier to turn and manoeuvre - this is why most beginners start off with a pair of short skis and this is a very good idea. Short skis are also used by certain types of freestyle skiers.

Longer skis are faster, so they are used by racers and expert skiers who like the challenge of a fast run. Longer skis are also suitable for a greater variety of snow conditions.

The proper length of ski is determined by skiing style, ability, and the weight of the skier.

Ski Shape

Skis come in various shapes which are suitable for different types of skiing.

For example, skis which are narrow in the boot area are capable of making sharp, fast turns. Skis which are wider in this area offer more stability and will make broader turns.

The overall length of the ski when taken into consideration with the various shapes results in skis with a wide range of characteristics.

Ski Stiffness

Stiffness is determined by the materials and shape of a ski. Longer skis are usually stiffer than short ones and are therefore more stable at high speeds.

Shorter skis are not as stiff, so they offer greater manoeuvrability at the expense of high speed stability. Knowing your skiing style and level will allow you to choose skis of the appropriate stiffness.

Skiing Fitness

One of the biggest problems we have as skiers is our legs giving up way before we'd like them too. Make sure you read this article that shares the best ski exercises you can do for building up rock solid legs. Read the article here

We hope this introduction to skiing and in particular choosing the right skis has been helpful. 

Thanks for visiting,

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