Top Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Your First Pair Of Skis

When it comes to buying skis, the sheer number of skis available on sale can be completely bewildering. On the last national ski test for the UK ski market, there were over 1500 pairs available! This can make it a bit of a jungle for the buyer to navigate.

In this guide, ski instructor, Mark Jones, gives us some simple steps to go through to make sure that first purchase is the right one. Mark is the director and coach of All Mountain Pro which gives world class coaching for small groups in Val d’Isere, France. Mark is a BASI trainer and has represented Great Britain at Interski, the world's biggest event for trainers of ski instructors.

This is without question the most important factor. What type of skiing do you normally do? Is it mainly on the groomed runs? Are you always on the hunt for powder? When you ski is it high energy short turns, long cruisy carved turns or a mix of the two? What is your ability level? Be realistic on your current capabilities.

The three main categories are Piste performance, All Mountain and Freeride.

Different models of skis are designed for specific jobs, for example a high performance piste ski will be narrower underfoot, have a stronger construction and be stiffer in flex. This means that when tilting the ski on its edge it will be quick to react, because it’s narrow and strong, it can hold an edge and be stable at speed.

These traits make this type of ski brilliant for having a great time on the pistes and can really help bring your skills up to speed. However, this type of design makes it much more of a tricky proposition when trying to link some turns in deep powder. For that type of task, you need a ski which is wide, soft and has a lighter construction which would make it more playful in deeper conditions.

All mountain skis are a mix of the two, with more like a piste performance type of construction, while using a wider waist width and bigger overall dimensions. In principle this gives good carving qualities on the piste, while giving some helpful float in the powder.

Waist width is one of the most important features of the ski and can give an accurate guideline of how the ski will perform. Piste performance skis will be about 70-85mm. All mountain will be 85-95mm, while freeride (which is more for deeper snow) will be upwards of 95mm.

The correct length for your type of ski chosen and your skiing ability can make a big difference to the quality of the performance for you. In simple terms, the shorter ones prefer shorter turns, while a bigger length is better for long turns and can give a bit more float in deeper snow. It is also dependent on the type of category ski you are going for.

Piste skis:

• For skis where you are focusing more on shorter turns, they need to be about eye height. 
• For predominately longer carving turns, they need to be about forehead height.

• About forehead height.

• For off-piste and powder, about head height.

1. The most important purchase, that will make the biggest difference to your skiing is boots. Buy boots first, skis second.

2. Don’t get drawn into amazing graphics and cool, superfat twintips. You’ll look good in the liftline but it’s going to be a struggle when making turns on hardpack!

3. The All Mountain category is ultimately a bit of a compromise between piste and powder. If you mainly ski on the groomed runs, go for a piste performance ski, it will be more fun.

4. Avoid testing from shops at the end of the winter, often the skis have been over serviced and are not really performing at their optimum.

Choosing your first pair of skis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the different categories, ski designs, and key features like waist width and length, you can find skis that match your style, ability, and goals on the mountain.

Remember, the right skis can transform your experience on the slopes, but starting with properly fitted boots is just as essential. With these tips from expert ski coach Mark, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and enjoy every turn this season.

Let us help you plan your next ski adventure in one of our luxury catered chalets.