Definition of Twin-Tip Skis

Twin-tip skis have become very popular in recent years, especially among trick skiers. Though they first appeared in 1974, it is only in the last 10 years that they have entered the mainstream.

  1. Twin Tips

    • For most of skiing's history, skis consisted of a front end that had a raised tip to enable it to plow through snow and a flat tail to provide stability. Olin manufactured the first ski to have a raised tip at the tail in 1974.

    Advantages

    • Twin-tip skis make it easier for trick skiers to do fancy moves. For instance, with a raised tail, a skier can ski backward and do 360 moves on the snow. Skiers who do tricks in terrain parks and half pipes often use twin tips to make aerial moves and ride rails.

    Disadvantages

    • One disadvantage for many skiers is that if you need to take your skis off, a twin tip is much harder to drive into the snow. Twin tips often feel shorter, as well, and will be less stable when controlling speed.

    Uses

    • If you want to do tricks, ski backwards, ride rails or other tricks, twin-tip skis are probably ideal. For most all-mountain skiers, though, standard skis are still the most useful.

    Other Uses

    • Twin tips are a little more maneuverable, especially in tight places like trees. Some skiers feel that twin tips float better in powder.