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How to choose skis

06.10.2022
4 min. read
Juraj Haruštiak
You know what you must not underestimate when buying skis? Choose the right length, radius, material and type of ski for your ability and skiing style.
How to choose skis

Terrain and skiing style

Different terrain offers different skiing characteristics, so it is necessary to choose a different type and shape of skis for each terrain.

Skis for on-piste skiing

The skis are narrowed in the middle part under the binding. When choosing, you need to focus on your preferred skiing style and choose the appropriate radius and length of ski accordingly.

paddleboarding

All-mountain skis

Skis that are designed for the typical prepared terrain of the slopes but also untreated broken terrain outside the slopes with soft or deeper fresh snow. This type of ski achieves its best performance at medium-high speeds. They are the best choice for a beginner or recreational skier.

paddleboarding

Free ride and skialp skis

Skis for off-piste skiing away from prepared slopes or for alpine skiing. Lighter and narrower ski models work better when climbing uphill. Wider and heavier skis excel on fast descents or in deeper snow so the choice is always a compromise between comfort when climbing uphill, and performance whilst descending.

Radius

The radius determines the size of the arc that the ski can cut. The general rule is that the smaller the radius, the easier the ski can rotate. See how the radius affects the skiing style and how it can be optimally combined with the choice of ski length:

Small radius

Medium radiusLong radius
10 - 14 m14 - 17 m17 + m
Skis for quick turns and lower speeds.Skis for medium turns that are suitable for most recreational skiers.Skis for slower turns and higher speeds. These are suitable for advanced skiers and professionals.
Skis that are shorter than the height of the skierSkis that are shorter or the same height as the skierSkis that are longer than the skier
The minimum height of the ski should be at the level of the neck and the maximum at the level of the skier's nose.Skis that are shorter than, or as tall as, the skier are recommended. The tip of the ski should be at least at the level of the chin or nose and at most at the top of the skier's head.Skis that are longer than the skier are recommended

Ski length

When choosing the ideal length, the focus should be on the possibilities of terrain and the abilities of the skier. See how many the skis should measure in relation to the skier's height.


Prepared pistePrepared piste + off-piste terrain (all-mountain)Free ride + skialp
BeginnerSkier height - 10 cmSkier height - 10 cmSkier height - 10 cm
AdvancedSkier height - 7 cmSkier height - 5 cmSkier height - 7 cm
ExpertSkier heightSkier height + 5 cmSkier height - 5 cm


Stiff or soft skis

The most commonly used ski material is wood, to which various glass fibers, carbon reinforcements and titanium plates are added. The harder the material used, the higher the overall stiffness of the ski. Using a stiffer ski means that the skier must use more force when skiing to be able to "push" the ski. In general, therefore, skis with a core made of hard materials are intended for heavier skiers or for experts. The lower the weight or skill level of the skier, the softer the skis should be.


BeginnerAdvancedExpert
Ski materialSoft core of wood and fibreglass. Without reinforcement.Mild to medium core. Reinforcement material: carbon / basalt / titanalVery hard core. Reinforcement material: titanal / double titanal
Ski speed++++++
Ski weight++++++
Ski control++++++
paddleboarding
paddleboarding
paddleboarding
paddleboarding

Accessories

All downhill skis from our range are available with mounted bindings. We know that the binding requirements of each alpine skier are individual so that's why we offer skis for alpine skiing always without bindings. We will be happy to help you choose a suitable binding but we give alpine skiers the opportunity to choose a suitable binding specifically tailored for them.

Necessary ski accessories include ski boots, special ski clothing, ski gloves and for skying are also used standardly ski poles, although many young skiers prefer skiing without ski poles. Skiing is becoming more and more popular and there are many more skiers on the slopes than in the past, so the question of safety is appropriate. A good quality ski helmet is no longer just a fashion accessory, but can be the deciding factor between life and death during a collision. Good quality ski protectors play the same role in a skier's equipment. Good quality ski goggles not only provide eye protection from wind and snow, but also good visibility and mechanical impact high-resolution snow contrast without disturbing reflections and refractions of light. Good quality skis deserve to be protected from bumps and scratches, the best way to protect them is in a good quality ski case.


Our recommendation

Now you know which parameters are important when choosing skis. Still can't choose? We examine numerous models every day and we can help you choose the right model according to quality, equipment and price. See our recommendation:


Skis