The Different Ski Categories

Whether skiing is brand new to you, or you've been at it you're entire life, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which pair of skis is perfect for you. With so many different companies and skis to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. If you're unsure of what skis to get, a good place to start can be by figuring out what TYPE of ski you need. In other words, would you enjoy a carving, powder/park, or all-mountain ski the most? If you don't know the differences yet, take a second and read through this article as I break down the major differences between each ski category.

Before I get started with explaining the different ski categories, let me just dispel one of the biggest myths in skiing. There is NO true all mountain ski! Finding a one ski quiver is as impossible as finding the Holy Grail. Every skier has at one point tried to find the one perfect ski, that would go anywhere and do anything. Not one person has ever truly found it. Why? Well let me just say this: you can't combine a mogul ski and a powder ski! They're just simply made up of completely different characteristics. If someone ever told you that they had one ski that could do it all, then they were either feeding you a lie, or unsure of what these ski categories are.

Don’t get discouraged though. As skiing continues to develop, new technologies are introduced that bring the lines closer together, with the promise of one day knocking down boundaries and creating a truly perfect, all mountain ski. Already, technologies like early rise, rocker, and tapered side cut are allowing skis to compete on a wider playing field. Still, the one ski quiver remains illusive. So if you find yourself in the market for a new set of skis, it helps to understand what kind of skis you are looking for. That way you can have a basic idea of what ski category should start looking at.

If moguls are what you're into, then you’re going to find a skinny straight ski with no shape. When determining size, you’re going to want to pick a ski that's a little longer than your typical shaped ski. For example, if you think a 165 cm shaped ski would be perfect for you, then you’re going to want to track down a mogul ski that's around 175 cm long. Typically, mogul skis will be specificly made for bumps, and are less capable handling all mountain terrain. I would only suggest purchasing a mogul ski if you're looking to spend about 75% of your time in the bumps. If you think you'll be skiing any less moguls than that, then I would find a thinner, shapes ski that’s geared towards on-trail skiing.

Unlike a mogul ski, an on-trail downhill ski should have a good amount of shape (see why all mountain skis are impossible to make?). The reason for this is that a ski with more sidecut can make quicker and sharper turns than a straight ski. If you're a beginner, you'll want your ski to have a soft flex which makes the ski a little more friendly to use. In terms of length, you want your skis to be just long enough to touch your chin. By having a shorter length, the ski is easier to control. On the other hand, if you ski aggressively you should get stiffer ski that's sized a little longer. Say, up to your eyebrows.

Another feature to look for in carving skis is if it comes with a lifter plate. Lifter plates can be a good idea, as they give you a little more leverage over your skis. This increases your edge control and the ski's performance. You also might be interested in finding a pair of skis with integrated bindings. With integrated bindings, a plate that is integrated into the ski connects the toe piece and heelpiece of the binding underfoot. This allows the ski to flex more evenly while getting into and out of turns. Traditional bindings, those without an integrated plate, often create a dead spot right under your foot, where your boot bridges the toe and heel piece without flexing. By using a ski with an integrated plate, you'll experience smoother and more fulfilling carves!

If carving skis seem like the category for you, check out some new snow skis at Level Nine Sports!

If you’re interested in checking out the terrain park a bit more, then the most important thing you need is a twin tip ski. By having tips on both ends of the ski, you are free to ski either facing forward, or while going backwards. This is crucial for landing switch on tricks like a 540. An additional hidden benefit of twin tips is that they are able to exit from turns a little smoother as there are no pesky flat tails that can snag as you leave your carve. When it comes to the flex of the ski, it becomes a little more preference based. If you think you'll be spending some time hitting some pretty big jumps, you’re probably going to want a ski with a stiffer flex that will support you in case you land a little backseat. Of course, if you plan on hiking some rails and practicing your butters, then you might want to look at a softer flex. Skis with a softer flex will typically be more forgiving and will enable you to have better control of your skis. Finally, you’ll want to consider the shape of the ski. A lot of park skis have a symmetrical cut which are meant to be center mounted. This is ideal for switch (backwards) riding, as you have an equal amount of ski in front of and behind you. Check out a good selection of Terrain Park Skis here!

When it comes to powder skis, it’s all about how wide the waist of the ski is. At this point, most skiers wouldn't consider anything under a 100mm waist a powder ski. In fact, you’d have no problem finding powder skis as wide as 140 mm. Beyond the width, powder skis of today usually have a good amount of rocker that aids you in keeping your skis on top of all that white stuff you’ll be surfing on. As with all skis, you should consider the different flex types available. If you’re the kind of skier who's going to be bombing big mountain nooks and crannies, and dropping huge cliffs, you’re going to want a really stiff ski that will give you the support you'll require in the gnarlier situations you'll find yourself in. But if you’re the type who expects to be bouncing down pillow lines and want to butter around, I'd recommend looking into a softer powder ski. One of the best things about powder skis though, is that a lot of smaller brands are continuously trying new things and developing unique technologies. It's worth keeping tabs on some of these companies to see what type of innovative shapes come out next! If you want to start looking at your options, check out some great deals on powder skis here!

I hope you've found this quick guide helpful to you as you try to navigate the world of skis. If you’re still having difficulty or are a bit confused, check out the great Ski Selector that Level Nine Sports provides on their website! Or, you can learn more about Ski Categories.