How To Choose a Downhill Skis

Making the right choice of downhill skis is influenced by several factors, particularly the terrain on which they are to be used, the level of skiing ability, and last but not least, the height and weight of the skier.

Frequently asked questions when choosing downhill skis

Is it hard to start skiing? Which skis should I choose?

In terms of technical complexity, you will probably find skiing to be easier than, for example, snowboarding. In the beginning, you are unlikely to be able to avoid a number of unpleasant falls, but the ski binding, unlike the snowboard, will unbuckle in the event of a fall, thus eliminating the risk of an ankle or leg fracture. When starting out, choose shorter skis with a more pronounced curve as this will make learning to ski easier for you.

How to choose skis according to the type of terrain?

When choosin the right skis, you should definitely take ito account what terrain you like to ride or you expect to ride. Each type of terrain (see below) requires a certain type of skis.

Well-maintained piste - universal skis
All-day skiing on partially maintaned, but also soft track with the surrounding terrain - it is good to use the "all-mountains" skis
Slopes and terrain - all-mountain models are a good choice, look for those with a wider waist
Mostly terrain - look for the "off-piste" or "freeride" skis
Special use (powder, ski mountaineering, snow park) - special types of skis are used for these purposes

How to prepare skis for the season?

Skis are not very difficult to maintain. Just make sure to check them before the start of the season and, if necessary, set the bindings correctly (the binding settings are adapted to the skier's weight), check and wax the bases and sharpen the edges.

How to take care of skis during the season?

After each day on the slopes remember to:

Clean the skis of snow and dry them
Store the skis in a dry place to prevent rusting and subsequent blunting of the edges
Check the base and edges - in case of damage try to sharpen out jagged edges

How to use wax for downhill skis?

Ski waxing is not rocket science. If you are wondering which ski wax will be most suitable for you, think about the ambient temperature. Manufacturers divide the types of waxes according to the temperature for which they are intended. There are also a number of specialized waxes, among the basic types you will find the following five:

Green - designed for the lowest temperatures (below -7 °C)
Blue - for temperatures from -3 ° C to -8 ° C
Purple - for temperatures around zero, approx. From -1 ° C to +1 ° C
Red - for temperatures from 0 ° C to 3 ° C
Yellow - designed for temperatures above zero, usually in spring time

How to choose skis for children?

Choosing downhill skis for a child is not complicated, you just need to follow a simple principle: The correct length of skis should be 10 to 20 centimeters shorter than the child' s height. This means that a child with a height of 100 centimeters should not ski on skis longer than 90 cm. You can find the size of the skis in the following table more clearly:

Child's height	Ski length
80 - 90 cm	70 cm
100 cm	80 - 90 cm
105 cm	90 cm
110 cm	90 - 100 cm
115 cm	100 cm
120 cm	100 - 110 cm
125 cm	110 cm
130 cm	110 - 120 cm
135 cm	120 cm
140 cm	120 - 130 cm
145 cm	130 cm
150 cm	130 - 140 cm

How to choose the right poles for downhill skis?

As a guide, you can calculate the right length of your ski poles by multiplying your height by 0.7. However, it is best to try out the poles and see if they really are the right length.

Turn the pole so that the handle touches the ground and hold it just below the ring
Adopt a skiing stance, lean forward slightly and bend your knees
In this position, your forearm should be at a 90-degree angle to your shoulder

If you ski with poles which are too short, you would have to crouch unnaturally low when on the piste. Ski poles that are too long would force you to move your center of gravity too far back and again, you would not have the correct skiing position.

Downhill skis

The shape and length of the skis are important
For a well maintained piste and freeriding
Many different models

How to choose downhill skis - important parameters

Base shape

The base is the part of the ski that touches the snow. There are classic straight cut skis and so-called carving skis. The larger the cut, the easier it will be to turn on skis. However, carving skis with a distinctive cut will reach lower speeds. Therefore, skis with a smaller cut are suitable for a fast ride.

For beginners, it is advised to choose skis with a cut as large as possible (radius 9-12 meters). You will be slower on such skis, but sharp turns will not cause you problems.
Experienced skiers looking for a fast ride can choose skis with a much smaller cut (radius 13-17 meters).

Ski stiffness

The stiffness of the ski is determined by the material used to make their core. Softer cores are made of composite materials, while harder skis tend to have a wooden core reinforced with titanium.

For beginner skiers who do not ski at high speeds and prefer a more gentle ride, skis made of soft materials are suitable. On soft skis, it is easier to turn, which beginners will certainly appreciate. However, a ski that is too soft could vibrate uncomfortably at higher speeds.
Harder skis are intended primarily for experienced skiers who will appreciate their properties especially at high speeds. However, more energy is needed for slalom as it is more difficult to turn with harder skis.

Length of skis

When choosing the length of the skis, apply this rule: the less experienced a skier you are, the shorter the skis you should choose.

Shorter skis – skis that are 15-20 centimeters shorter than the skier's height are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as for skiers with a lower body weight, who would have a harder turn on long skis.
Longer skis – skis about the same length as the skier's height allow them to reach higher speeds and are suitable for more experienced skiers, who will have no problem performing turns thanks to their mastered technique.

How to choose downhill skis – table of recommended ski lengths

Skier's weight in kg	Skier's height in cm	Ski length in cm – beginner	Ski length in cm – advanced
18+	114+	98+	108+
23+	122+	106+	116+
27+	130+	114+	124+
32+	137+	122+	132+
39+	145+	130+	140+
45+	152+	138+	148+
52+	160+	146+	156+
59+	168+	154+	164+
66+	175+	162+	172+
73+	183+	170+	180+

Ski width

The choice of ski width depends mainly on the terrain in which you will ski. The width of the ski is measured in the binding area, under the boot.

Narrower skis (maximum 70 millimeters wide) are more suitable for a well maintained piste, on which it will be easier to transfer weight to the edges.
Wider skis (70 and more millimeters wide) are suitable for deeper snow, as will not sink so deep thanks to the wider base.

i There are many accidents and injuries on skis. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you should not forget about safety and wear a ski helmet, and (ideally) a back protector.

Glossary - downhill skis

Back protector - spine

The back protector is also referred to as the "spine". It serves to protect the back from injury in the event of a fall, and together with the helmet should be part of every skier’s protective equipment.

Base/ skid

The part of the ski that touches the snow.

Radius

The radius of the ski is the geometric value of the side cut of the ski. The smaller the radius of the ski - the more the ski is cut, the better the ski turns, but it is less stable when riding straight. Skis with a larger radius, i.e a smaller cut, are more suitable for direct descent and for experienced riders with good technique.

Binding

The binding is used to attach the ski to the skier's foot. It is designed to unbuckle in the event of a fall, thus eliminating the risk of injury.

Glossary