Which skis suit me?

Are you looking for new skis or would you like to know which skis are best for you? In this blog you will read everything you need to know before you hit the slopes. Skiing is not just a sport, it is a unique experience that starts with choosing the right skis. Whether you are just starting out or have been gliding down the slopes for years, choosing the right skis is crucial for the best possible ride.

Table of contents

• What ski profiles are there?
• What else makes skis different?
• Ski types: how are skis classified?
• The ski bindings
• Experience: what level are you at?
• The terrain: where will you ski?
• Budget and value: smart choices within your budget
• Don't forget maintenance

To help you properly, it is important that we first speak the same language. Therefore, we will briefly go over some key terms that are important in the world of skis.

What ski profiles are there?

Different skis have different ski profiles, each affecting your skiing pleasure. From the traditional camber profile to the rocker profile. Each profile offers unique features that influence your descents considerably.

Camber: this is the traditional profile where the ski bends slightly upwards from the ground in the middle while the tips remain in contact with the snow. Camber provides good grip, stability and resilience. It helps with sharp turns and offers excellent edge control on harder snow.

Rocker: also called reverse-camber, is when the tip and/or tail of the ski are curved upwards, while the middle stays closer to the snow. This design makes the ski easier to turn, improves buoyancy in deep snow and makes skiing in powder easier.

Hybrid: By hybrid we mean all ski profiles that are in between camber and rocker profiles. These are profiles that we cannot classify either entirely as camber or entirely as rocker, although they take on characteristics from both profiles.

What else makes skis different?

Each feature, from length to material, affects the performance of the ski. Long skis offer stability at high speeds, while wider skis float better on powder. Stiffness provides stability, while flexibility enables manoeuvrability.

Length: the length of a ski affects its stability, manoeuvrability and speed. Longer skis generally offer more stability at higher speeds. Shorter skis tend to be more agile and easier to turn, which is beneficial for beginners or skiers on narrower slopes.

Width: the width of a ski affects its buoyancy and stability in different snow conditions. Wider skis generally have more buoyancy in deep snow and offer more stability on uneven terrain. Narrower skis, on the other hand, tend to be faster on hard slopes and offer better grip.

Stiffness/flexibility (flex): stiff skis react quickly and offer great stability at high speeds. They are suitable for experienced skiers who want to make powerful turns and ski on steep slopes. More flexible skis are more forgiving and easier to bend, making them ideal for beginners or skiers who want more control at lower speeds. A ski's flexibility affects how easy it is to make turns and how the ski responds on different terrains. More flexibility can help absorb bumps and uneven terrain, while stiffer flexibility offers more precision and grip during fast turns and on slippery slopes.

Material construction: the materials used in the construction of a ski, such as wood, steel, plastic or carbon fibre affect its overall performance. For example, skis with a wood core can feel more responsive and lively, while skis with titanium laminates can offer more stability and grip at high speeds.

Radius: a ski's radius is a measure of how tight or wide the turns will be when you tip the ski. A smaller radius means the ski has a shorter arc, resulting in sharper turns. Skis with a larger radius have longer turns, which can be beneficial for skiers who want to maintain stability and control at higher speeds.

Sidecut: the sidecut of a ski refers to the width of the tip, waist and back of the ski. The sidecut helps determine the radius of the ski. A larger sidecut makes it easier to make turns, while a smaller sidecut offers more stability at higher speeds on straights.

Beginners benefit from shorter, more flexible skis for easier turns with a smaller radius and more control at lower speeds. Intermediate skiers and expert are likely to prefer longer, stiffer skis with adapted widths for specific terrains. Think wider skis for off-piste conditions with deep snow and narrower skis for better grip on groomed slopes.

Ski types: how are skis classified?

On the slopes, it's all about control and comfort, and this starts with the right skis. Each type of ski has its own characteristics and advantages. Read below what makes each type of ski unique and on which terrains you can best use it.

On-piste skis: on-piste skis are specifically designed for skiing on groomed slopes or marked ski runs. They are made to provide stability and control while skiing on hard, slippery surfaces, such as groomed slopes. These skis use a standard camber profile. On-piste skis often have a distinct directional design, where the tip is wider than the tail. This helps when making turns and offers stability at higher speeds. An ideal ski for the beginner skier, intermediate skier or sporty piste skier.

All-mountain skis: these are versatile skis suitable for different terrains. You can basically ski well with these anywhere on the mountain, as long as there is snow, of course. Because this type of ski is generally a bit wider under your feet, it creates more buoyancy, which makes skiing in soft snow conditions a lot easier. All-mountain skis are suitable for a wide target group. Not only for beginners, but also for Intermediate skiers. A real all-rounder of the ski types.

Freeride/Touring skis: these skis are specially designed for going off piste. These skis are slightly wider than On Piste skis, for example, so you have better buoyancy. Of course, this width comes at the expense of your edge change on the groomed piste, but that's not what these skis are made for. Freeride/Tour skis are often made of special material to make them as light as possible. These skis are mainly used by a limited group of more experienced skiers.

Race Carver skis: designed for high speeds and long turns on groomed slopes, these skis often also perform well on icy slopes. With these skis, a distinction is made between slalom and giant slalom variants. Slalom skis are designed for short, aggressive turns, while giant slalom skis are made for high speeds and long turns. Both types perform optimally on well-prepared slopes and require skiers with the right technique and experience. Not for beginners, then.

Freestyle skis: these skis are ideal for tricks in the fun park. Because manoeuvrability is important, they are a lot lighter and shorter than piste skis. They often have a twin-tip design, meaning that both the front and back of the ski are curved upwards, allowing skiers to easily perform forward and backward tricks.

The ski bindings

Ski bindings are the connection between you and your skis. A well-fitting binding ensures optimal power transfer and safety. Properly adjusted bindings prevent injuries and increase your performance. Many skis, unlike snowboards, are often sold as a set. You then get the bindings pre-assembled on your skis. The bindings are specially selected for those specific skis and will often provide the best performance.

Experience: what level are you at?

Now that you know all about skis, it is time to look at yourself and your plans. After all, these will determine which skis are the best choice for you.

You've already come across the terms beginner, Intermediate and expert several times in this blog. We are then talking about your skin level. Your skill level is one of the most important points in your final choice of a pair of skis. Skis are designed with different qualities to suit specific levels, beginners who are going on winter sports for the first time to Intermediate and expert skiers. Take a look at the qualities of each type of skier below to find out which group you belong to, and then start looking for skis that match them. We have made it easy for you on our website by already selecting suitable skis for each skill level.

Beginner

• Has little to no skiing experience.
• Can perform basic movements such as the pizza tip (skis are in a V-shape to reduce speed) and French fries (skis are parallel to generate speed).
• Feels comfortable on easy slopes, but still needs time to develop control and balance.
• Still needs a lot of guidance and instruction to improve techniques.

All beginner's skis

Intermediate

• Has some experience and comfort in different types of fields.
• Skis with more confidence and control.
• Can make different types of turns and vary speed.
• Often tries more challenging slopes and terrain, such as black runs or off-piste areas.
• Can refine techniques and begins to learn more Intermediate skiing techniques, such as carving.

All Intermediate skis

Expert

• Has extensive experience of various terrains and conditions.
• Is highly skilled and comfortable on steep slopes, in deep powder snow and in challenging conditions.
• Has extensive knowledge of advanced techniques, such as deep carves, jumps and tricks.
• Can control skis with precision in various conditions and can react quickly to unexpected changes.

All expert skis

The terrain: where will you ski?

The terrain you want to ski plays a crucial role in choosing the right skis. Carver/race skis are optimal for groomed slopes, while freestyle/freeride skis are better suited to off-piste adventures because of their manoeuvrability and stability in ungroomed terrain. So it is important to think carefully about where you want to ski a lot and what type of terrain appeals most to you. As mentioned earlier, ski length, ski width, stiffness, flexibility and the other ski characteristics all influence the behaviour of the ski and therefore the type of terrain it is suitable for. So pay close attention to this before buying a pair of new skis.

Budget and value: smart choices within your budget

Skis vary in price category, from more financially accessible entry-level models to the more expensive specialist skis. When looking for skis for your budget, it is important to find skis that are well suited to your specific wants, needs and experience. Entry-level skis in lower price ranges are great for beginners, but may have limited performance in more challenging terrain. Mid-range skis offer a good balance between performance and price for a wide range of skiers. More expensive specialised models target experts or competitive skiers. It is important to consider your personal needs as well as expert advice when making a good choice within your budget.

With this comprehensive guide, we at Twinseasons hope to simplify your ski choice. Choosing the right skis is an investment in your skiing pleasure. Now that you know what your needs and key ski features are, finding the perfect skis will be a lot easier. Still finding it difficult to find the right ski? Expert staff can help choose the ideal skis based on your needs and experience. Our specialists offer valuable advice on use, applicability and other features. Stop by the shop or contact our customer service team and find your perfect pair of skis.