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All You Ever Needed to Know About Skis...
| Equipment & Clothing Guide |
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Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/bikes/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed along your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and ability, as well as some insider knowledge on the "must have" kit for this coming season.
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| Getting to Know Your Planks |
So, you've bought/begged/stolen the skis, but you've no idea how they're going to propel you down the slopes?! From Telemarks to Race Skis, from Freestyle to Twin Tips skis, choosing a new pair of skis from the plethora of those available is today a very difficult and complex task.
Over the past 60 years or so, skiing equipment has moved on leaps and bounds. In the 1930s, alpine skiing made the transition from an exotic, leisure pursuit for only the selected few, to a worldwide participant sport. At that time skis consisted of shaped, long wooden 'planks' with ‘bear trap’ bindings however today you’re more likely to see such skis as antiques that are hung as decoration pieces within ‘traditional style’ marketed chalets adding that bit of rustic charm to your holiday!
Along with the 1960s came fibreglass and it was at that point that the traditional ski began to change. The 1980s were dominated by the infamous 'pencil skis' that were accompanied by the good old rear entry boots and one-piece suits with which designers creatively brought bright colour to the ski slopes. The more fluorescent the better! Whilst you may still see the occasional fluorescent number and pair of pencil skis on the slopes (or at a baste taste themed evening in town), those who continue to persevere with them should know that today, this rather dated equipment is playing havoc with your skiing potential.
The 1990s saw the introduction of carving skis which opened up the market for ski design all based on a similar carving system. In the current market, the right pair of skis should almost feel like an extension to your boots and should suit your style, ability, weight and skiing aggressiveness. The ‘wrong’ pair of skis can result in your legs becoming wholly uncooperative machines that have the potential to cause serious injury!
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last updated 23-Nov-2007 |
| Selecting the Right Pair of Skis for You |
Since your skis are fundamental to the enjoyment of skiing, knowing what to look for is always half the battle. Before you take the leap make sure you understand the type of terrain you will be using them on and therefore what will suit your needs.
Try before you buy! In larger ski resorts there are often good deals available for the purchase of new skis. Since there are a number of different ski variations available, it is essential when purchasing to know the type of ski which is appropriate to your needs and skiing skill. For a nominal fee some hire shops will offer a 'testing day' for the particular ski/snowboard that you are interested in. The price of your test day will normally be taken off the final price of your ski/snowboard purchase.
At the end of the season (end of March/beginning of April), a number of local resort ski and snowboard shops will have good 'end of season sales' offering up to 20 - 30% off the price of the season’s skis and boards. There's definitely some good all encompassing bargains to be had at this time if you can wait that long. In smaller resorts you should bear in mind that choice and availability may be rather limited so if there is a local shop nearby your home town with a reputation for good advice it is always better to go there before going on holiday.
In general before purchasing you should consider the following areas:- Ski Length
- Ski Shape and Flexibility
- Versatility in all conditions
- Edge grip
- Design and Colour
Ski Length
There are no steadfast rules about the size of ski to purchase. As you progress and skill level improves, generally the length of your ski will increase from short to longer skis. There are however a couple of basic guidelines to remember when selecting the appropriate ski length:- If scared of speed, choose shorter skis. They will enable easier carving turns and be more effective at low speeds. If skiing on Carving skis these should reach between your nose and forehead. For freestyle skiers doing tricks in the boardpark, a shorter ski is definitely more nimble and advisable
- An experienced skier who skis in different skiing conditions from crud to fresh powder should choose a longer ski which will keep your weight more centrally balanced, and perform better in all mountain conditions
Ski shape and flexibility
The structure and the materials used in the inner core and outer shell of the Skis are indicators on whether Skis are soft-flexing or stiff. Previously, skis were made of wood and therefore designers were limited in their range of options. Although the core of the Skis is now generally wrapped in fiberglass, part of the ski is still often made of wood, and designers now talk about the Longitudinal and Torsional stiffness. If the technicality of ski design is a foreign language to you then follow these basic guidelines:- If the skis are rigid, they provide more support and stability. Longer skis will generally tend to be stiffer
- Soft Skis which are user-friendly, do not always guarantee stability at speed however, they will be more versatile and flexible
- Skis which are rounder in shape facilitate easier carving turns
Versatility in all conditions
Skis are designed to perform at their peak under specific surfaces or perform well on a multitude. When purchasing, consider whether the skis are to be used largely on, or off piste.
Edge grip
When we say 'Edge grip' we mean the 'grip' in relation to the length of the ski. The shorter the ski, the less contact there is with the snow from tip to tail, the longer the ski the more stable and control the ski will have, thus improving the overall edge grip.
Design and colour
The design and colour of the ski is vitally important to your ‘posing potential’, sadly not much else! |
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last updated 5-Oct-2007 |
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