Ski Buying Guide

With so many choices available, buying skis can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the sport. But with the right information, you can make a confident decision that matches your ability, style, and the terrain you love. This guide covers every aspect of ski buying, from types and sizing to camber, rocker, and bindings,

There are plenty of things to consider when you’re buying skis, and it’s important to get it right at every stage to make sure your skis feel like they were made for you. Things to consider: 

• Your riding style and preferred terrain
• Length and size
• Ability
• Ski width
• Turning radius
• Rocker type

Selecting the correct ski length is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right length depends on your height, weight, skiing ability, and the type of terrain you prefer:

• Beginners: Shorter skis (between your chin and nose height) are easier to turn and control, making them ideal for those still building confidence.
• Intermediate/Advanced Skiers: Skis that reach between your chin and the top of your head offer a good balance of stability and manoeuvrability.
• Expert/Racing Skiers: Longer skis (above head height) provide more stability at high speeds and in challenging conditions.

Tip: If you’re unsure, err on the shorter side for easier handling, especially if you’re still building your skills.

Ski width is measured underfoot and has a significant impact on performance in different snow conditions:

• Narrow Skis (65–78mm): Best for groomed runs and carving. They’re quick to edge and easy to turn.
• All-Mountain Skis (78–98mm): Versatile for a range of conditions, including light powder and hard-packed snow.
• Wide Skis (98mm+): Designed for deep powder and off-piste skiing. The extra width provides better float and stability in soft snow.

Example: A ski named “XYZ 88” is likely 88mm wide at the waist.

Alpine touring skis are lightweight and designed for both uphill and downhill skiing, often featuring tech bindings for efficient climbing. Backcountry skis are similar but may be even lighter and narrower for easier movement in deep snow. If you’re eager to explore beyond the resort boundaries and enjoy the adventure of ski touring, these skis are for you.

Camber-Rocker Profiles combine the energy and edge grip of traditional camber with the float and manoeuvrability of rocker. With Tip Rocker, camber underfoot provides stability and power, while the lifted tip makes turn initiation easier and improves float in powder. Tip & Tail Rocker (double rocker) adds a lifted tail as well, further enhancing agility and making the ski even more playful and forgiving in soft snow or technical terrain.

While turning radius is primarily about sidecut, the camber and rocker profile of a ski can influence how it feels in a turn:

• Camber-dominant skis with a short turning radius are energetic and responsive, making them ideal for quick, precise turns.
• Rocker-dominant skis with a short turning radius are playful and easy to pivot, making them great for freestyle and off-piste skiing.
• Skis with a long turning radius are generally more stable at speed, regardless of camber or rocker, but may feel less nimble in tight spaces.

• Buying skis that are too advanced or too basic for your ability level.
• Choosing skis based on what others like, rather than your own needs.
• Buying skis that are too wide for the terrain you ski most often.
• Neglecting to get professional advice or a proper fitting.
• Focusing only on price or brand, rather than performance and suitability.

Skis with integrated bindings, commonly known as system skis, offer a convenient and user-friendly option for many skiers. These skis come ready to use straight from the shop, as the bindings are pre-installed and carefully matched to the ski’s design and intended use, ensuring a secure and compatible fit for your boots—ideal for beginners or those who simply want a hassle-free experience.

Flat skis, which do not include bindings, provide greater flexibility and customisation for your ski setup. By choosing your own bindings, you can select models that best suit your skiing style, preferred features, or specific brand preferences, making this option particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced skiers who have more defined needs or want to fine-tune their equipment.

Always ensure the binding brake width matches your ski width for both safety and performance. Proper brake width prevents the brakes from dragging or failing to deploy, which is essential for stopping effectively and maintaining control on the slopes. This is true regardless of whether you choose system skis or flat skis with separate bindings.