Skiing without having the proper equipment only hinders one’s learning and makes the experience difficult. Your local ski hire employee can assist in choosing the best gear, but it’s also a good idea to do your research and be prepared beforehand based on skill level and terrain type so each individual can get the best equipment for their circumstances.
Choosing Based on Skill
It’s always wise for skiers to pick ski gear based on ability in order to have the most fulfilling ski experience. All skiers should know how to use their equipment to avoid getting unusable gear or causing accidents.
- Skis for beginners are more flexible and able to make up for amateur mistakes in form. They are designed to make slow speed small radius turns more often in order to make learning basic ski maneuvers much easier.
- Intermediate level skis are designed to be used for turns with longer radii, and they are often made to perform parallel carving turns. These skis are stiffer than beginner skis and have better stability at high speeds.
- Expert level skis are also designed for tricky parallel turns, but advanced skis are divided based on the type of terrain on which they should be used.
Choosing Based on Terrain
Picking skis based on the terrain on which they will be used is absolutely necessary to ski effectively and freely.
- On-piste skis are built to make precise carving turns on the way down the piste, and they are very responsive. These skis will clamp down well into the surface.
- Off-piste skis are long and wide, and they allow for sliding through deep powdery snow without sinking.
- Freestyle skis are made for snow park environments, and they are made for performing impressive stunts and tricks. They are relatively short in length with twin tips that allow for effortless backwards skiing.
- All-mountain skis have a blend of features from both on-piste and off-piste forms. They carve nicely on the piste, yet they are wide enough to be used as off-piste skis as well.
Other Factors to Remember
- Using advanced skis does not equate to having improved abilities, so beginners should always use equipment that is appropriate for their skill level. Doing otherwise will make skiing much less enjoyable and will hinder one’s ability to learn the skill.
- Intermediate skiers should be focused on advancing in equipment instead of continually playing it safe with skis near the beginner level. As the intermediate skier’s skill improves, it will be more difficult to control skis for amateurs when it comes to making big turns or increasing speed. Beginner skis do not offer the stability mid-level skiers need to progress.
- Advanced skiers have more options compared to those at other levels. They can easily tell ski types apart, so they have the pleasure of exploring various types of terrain based on the gear they choose.
- Different ski hire shops may have skis at different levels for similar prices. Some may have advanced skis for a set price in one shop, but the same model may be available at another place for the price of intermediate skis.
- Because of the differences in price, it is important to check the ages and use of equipment being offered.
Choosing the right ski style will make a big difference in each skier’s ability to enjoy their vacation, and the most important differences in style relate to where the skis will be used and the abilities of those using them. Everyone should have basic knowledge of the types available and how to choose between them to be properly prepared.