Join us in Avoriaz this December for the Rock on Snow 2023 ski test! This is the day when I discovered more about winter sports equipment and the way I ski than any other in 17 years!
Every season, around the opening weekend, Avoriaz hosts the Rock On Snow Ski and Snowboard test that allows you to test over 80 brands for FREE! This year the test will be on the 15th, 16th & 17th December 2023.
There is no substitute for trying out different skis/boards to discover what suits you best. Like any good tool, the right tool can make a massive difference. I find if I use the skis that I chose from the ski test vs a pair that I brought because I liked the graphic/were well reviewed the difference can be that I ski about 30% better! Apart from learning to ski/board and fitness, I don’t think there is any larger gain to be had.
Image credits: www.avoriaz.com
The test
Image source: www.avoriaz.com
I had never really noticed this before, however almost all skis will have the length, tip/waist/ tail measurements and turning radius on them, the weight/rigidity you can test yourself by lifting and flexing the ski. All of which make a difference and allow you to choose what suits you best.
Length
Convention tends to go for skis somewhere around the height of your nose. I remember when I was a kid a convention was to go for the longest ski the hire shop would give you however that is now outdated.
The best size for you will depend on numerous factors such as your height, weight, category of the ski, and preferred terrain so the best thing to do is try a few different lengths, if you can do so in the same model all the better!
The shorter the ski the more responsive and lively, the longer the ski, the more stable and powerful. Beginners will prefer a shorter ski closer to their chin in length as these are easier to turn. Experts, skis closer to the top of their head to go faster.
There are a few exceptions: longer skis are better for off-piste and twin tips need to be longer (about the same height as you) to make up for the tips. For the park, shorter skis around the height of your chin will give you more maneuverability. If you have chosen skis too short one thing you may notice is a lack of balance, too long and you may find them hard to turn.
For me, it turns out that I like a slightly shorter ski than my nose only by a few centimetres as I find them more maneuverable whereas I would have thought I would like them longer for speed.
Radius
Skis were also much straighter when I was younger! The side cut, the middle part that makes skis shaped like an hourglass makes the difference. The sidecut of a ski is the measurement of the side of the ski that has been cut away, not to be confused with the width of the ski which is the measurement across the ski at its narrowest point. This is why skis have the tip/waist/ tail measurements on them so you can see the sidecut. The sidecut controls the cornering, giving better control and a tighter turning circle or radius. The sidecut is the defining feature of a ‘carving ski’. Almost all skis will also tell you what their turning radius is.
A ski with a deeper sidecut will result in a smaller turning radius allowing one to slow down quicker, suitable for beginner skis. A larger radius allows you to make longer sweeping turns. A rough guide on radius is… Short turn radius 10-15 m for carving, downhill, slalom and mountain skis. Medium turn radius 15-20 m for all-mountain and freestyle skis. Long turn radius 20+ m for powder.
Off the bat I would say that I would go for a short turn radius as I do love quick choppy turns however it turns out I seem to always prefer the 20m radius skis! For me I find I can make them turn quicker if I need to, however I can’t get the shorter radius skis to do the longer sweeping turns.
Weight and rigidity matters
A heavy ski is going to be great for smashing through softer snow. Whereas a lighter ski is going to allow you to bound off things and be easier to maneuver. The rigidity or flex has similar properties for how the ski travels over the snow. If you find the ski flaps about you may have gone for a ski with too much flex!
It is difficult to explain the difference here as you really need to feel it and try out some different weights/flexes.
I would have thought I would like quite a supple ski however I really do enjoy the extra control of having some something with a bit more rigidity in it so for me a lighter ski with a titanium core was just perfect!
In conclusion
You really have to try the differences yourself all of my preconceptions were wrong. Try some different lengths, some different cuts/radius, weights and rigidity and like goldlocks and the porridge hopefully you will find out something that is just right for you. Obviously hopefully with great graphics too ha ha
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For more info visit: https://rockonsnow.com/ or https://www.avoriaz.com/en/fiche/rock-on-snow/ or get in touch with us at Skiology!
