About Shapes

 . . . and widths

There are reasons why skis come in various widths, shapes and cambers.

If every skier needed the same shape for every set of terrain and conditions, then logically there would be but one "standard" width and shape. This is not the case, however.

There appears to be some growing confusion among skiers about which shape and flavor of camber is appropriate for what kind of skiing, technique, skill level and most common terrain. We have heard of cases in which this or that expert, friend, forum, shop and even manufacturer recommends a single design configuration for virtually every skier.

The truth is that the correct design (leaving aside other, important considerations like length, tune and binding placement) will make skiing easier, more fun and, although the industry seems terrified of this word, safer.

Here are some thoughts on shapes . . .

We'll keep this simple and work backward from terrain and conditions rather than start with a given design.

Pure Powder

Bottomless pow is many a skiers' dream and, too often, struggle.

We recommend for pure powder days, whether lift served, access by snow cat or helicopter, rockers and twin-tips in the 90mm underfoot to 115mm range; this is what they are made for.

Example: Rossignol S7 - rocker, 98mm

Example: Ski Logik Ullr's Chariot - twin tip, 101mm

Backside Variable, Big Mountains and Exotic Locales like the Chugach

While powder skis will handle most big mountain conditions, including getting to and from the outback on groomers, powerhouse backside skis can render the gnarly either relatively tame or heart-stoppingly thrilling. For these situations, we suggest big guns.

Example: Salomon Rocker 2 - rocker, 127mm

Example: K2 Pon2oon - rocker, 132mm

 

Big Mountain Inbounds

As less demanding terrain and some groomer cruising enter the mix, the best choices are what we call All Mountain Carvers. They can handle the steep and deep, but are far more versatile for hard snow skiing, especially at speed.

Example: Völkl RTM 84 - rocker, 84mm

Example: Elan Amphibio Waveflex 82 xti - early rise camber, 82mm

All Mountain 50/50 on and off-piste

Probably the most common skiing experience is a mix of trail cruising and carving and a moderate amount of off-piste exploring. This is the most diverse combination of terrain and conditions that faces most skiers most of the time. The best tools for this are the most versatile, all-purpose skis made. We call them All Mountain Carvers.

Example: Stöckli Stormrider 78- traditional camber, 78mm

Example: Head i Peak 78 - early rise camber, 78mm

Carving, groomed skiing, teaching and learning basic skills and racing

For all activities that take place primarily on the groomed, we recommend Technical skis. Certainly there is a vast difference between high level Masters' racing and casual trail cruising, but all these skis have in common that they are specifically designed for groomed and hard snow and many are adept in reasonable bumps.

Example: Blizzard SLR Magnesium - slalom, 68mm

Example: Kästle RX 12 - race carver/GS, 70mm

Example: Nordica Firearrow 74 edt - cross, 74mm

Out of balance?

We are aware of a growing tendency for skiers to be recommended to use, for example, 100mm + rockers for all situations. We hope to point out here that more fun and better value for skiing dollars—including travel, lodging and tickets—can best be had if the skier is on the right shape for his or her skiing experience, environment and development plans.