How to Choose Downhill Skis

"It's gotta be the skis, man!" The right set of sticks will earn you cheers from the chairlift, the wrong set will send you to the lodge for hot cocoa.

Things You'll Need

  • Downhill Bindings
  • Downhill Skis
  • Ski Boots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on length first. Shorter skis are lighter and quicker-turning, but are sometimes less stable on groomed slopes or at high speeds than longer skis.

    • 2

      Choose an advanced-shaped ski with a deep sidecut (narrower at the waist) for more responsive and shorter radius turns.

    • 3

      Pick an intermediate-shaped ski with a shallower sidecut (wider at the waist) that will provide a stable platform and smoother ride.

    • 4

      Sample skis of varied construction and stiffness. A ski that is stiffer generally requires more advanced techniques to gain greater edge control, as opposed to a softer ski that is more forgiving.

    • 5

      Make sure your ski has a tested vibration dampening system to keep your tips and tails from chattering on the hard pack.