Snow Skis

Picking out the right skis could make or break your ski vacation. Before you go ahead and buy the coolest looking ones, there are certain factors you may want to consider first. If you take the time out and think about all your options, you're much more likely to pick out the right pair for you, which will mean a successful trip down. Choosing the right pair for your size, level and terrain preference will mean getting the most enjoyment possible out your ski trip. Additionally, skis are an investment and can be pretty pricey, so don't be hasty when picking out a pair. Try and keep these tips in mind.

Tips

• Go for a reputable seller.
• Buying them second hand is cheaper, but they won't be fitted to you and your size.
• Well-known brands will mean better performance.
• If you choose not to buy them online, find a salesperson you are comfortable with and is knowledgable in the sport of skiing.
• Forget about the perfection color coordination. Even if they match your skiing outfit, you'll look like an idiot when you can't control them.
• Read up before you shop.
• Read product reviews. Sometimes the most expensive ski out there isn't necessarily the best.
• Talk to other skiers and see which brand and style they prefer and if they think it would work for you.
• If you're looking to save money, buying at the end of the season or the models of the previous years is a good way to go.
• Although they may not be the latest model, they are still skiable.
• Try a demo pair of skis to see which style you like the best. Many mountains offer a variety of the latest models to try out.
• Always have an open mind. You may not find a pair that fits all of your standards, but you'll be sure to find a variety that come close.

Important Factors

There are certain factors to keep in mind when choosing out skis. The right fit will mean picking out ones that are the closest match to your body type. (i.e. gender, height, weight...etc.) If you buy the wrong pair for your size, you're going to have a tougher time controlling them, so be sure to keep all these factors in mind when choosing a pair.

Gender

•  There are skis made specifically for men,  women  and children  and should be bought accordingly. Unless a salesperson suggests differently, you shouldn't deviate. Men and women have very different body types and our weight is distributed differently. A ski that works for a guy won't necessarily work for a girl of the same height and weight. 

Ski Length

Ski length will be determined by several different factors.

• Height and Weight: There is no perfect size for everyone's height and weight, but they are determining factors when choosing the right size skis. The size of your ski will also be determined by you level, what type of terrain you usually ski on and which ski style you prefer. Generally, skis should be between your chin level and your head, but take a look at the chart at the right that gives you what length will work best with your height and weight ( keep in mind these are just suggsted lengths):

• Shorter Skis (should end at your chin)
• Go for Shorter Skis if you weigh lighter than average for your height
• Longer Skis (should end closer to your forhead)
• Get longer skis if you weigh more than average for your height.

• Level: You should always consider how good of a skier you are when choosing the length of your skis
• Beginner
• Go for shorter skis, they are easier to turn and are more stable.
• Intermediate
• Shorter skis will be easier to control, but longer skis are better for going down hill faster.
• Expert
• Longer skis are good for aggressive downhill speed and for skiing off the trail.
• Shorter skis are better for quick turns, but stiffer than long skis.
• Type of Skier- Depending on the type of skiing you like (downhill, powder, mogules, racing or freestyle) you'll want a ski length that matches your style.
• Shorter Skis (should end at your chin)
• Go for Shorter Skis if you want to make quick turns around mogules.
• These tend to be heavier and stiffer than longer skis, so they aren't good for downhill racing. 
• Longer Skis (should end closer to your forhead)
• Get longer skis if you want to have some extra speed downhill.
• They are lighter and softer, but are good for aggressive skiing and skiing off the trail.
• They aren't as stable as shorter skis though, and shorter skis are easier to control.

Ski Types

There are a variety of ski types to choose from. Depending on the type of skiing you enjoy, you should buy accordingly. These are the most popular types

Recreational  These are suitable for all levels of skiers and are easy to turn and comfortable in most conditions. They make it easier to focus on technique instead of how fast you are going.	All Mountain  These skis are easier to handle than race skis and take less effort to control. They are suitable for intermediate and expert skiers.	Powder  These skis are wider and lighter making it easy to float through powder. They are best suited for intermediate to expert skiers.	Race  Racing skis serve one purpose: Speed. They are reserved for the advanced skiers and perform well at high speeds and they are very precise.	New School/Freeride  Freeride skis are also for more expert skiers. They are suitable in all conditions, but are primarily used for tricks (jumps and half pipes).

Popular Brands

Atomic 
Dynastar 
Elan 
Fischer 
Head 
K2 
Nordica 
Olin Skis 
Rossignol 
Salomon 
Volant 
Volkl 

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