| If someone asks you to name a winter sport, | | | | plan to do, as there are skis designed specially for |
| chances are you'll say skiing. It's certainly very popular | | | | different types of skiing. You can probably guess |
| will millions of people, and every winter they head for | | | | that cross-country skis are different to downhill skis, |
| the slopes to get plenty of fun in the fresh air. More | | | | which is very much the case. Cross-country skis and |
| people discover skiing every year. There is a | | | | longer and thinner, making it easier to glide along |
| downside to skiing, though - you need the right | | | | straight paths. Downhill skis need to make quick turns |
| equipment. And the type of equipment you need can | | | | as you ski down a hill, but there are still variations |
| vary depending upon your experience and skiing | | | | depending on whether you are going to use the skis |
| style. | | | | for racing, powder, freestyle or packed trails. |
| Probably the most important piece of equipment is | | | | If you're beginning, then it's a good idea to buy a |
| your skis - after all, it wouldn't be skiing without | | | | shorter style of ski, as these are much easier to turn. |
| them! There's a vast range of skis available, which | | | | Some freestyle skiers also use short skis. If you're |
| can be quite daunting when you want to buy some. | | | | more experienced and want to go faster, then you |
| You need to be honest about your skiing ability when | | | | need longer skis, which are used by racers and |
| choosing a pair of skis. If you're a beginner or | | | | amateurs who want a fast run. If you expect to ski |
| perhaps intermediate level skier, then you need to be | | | | in a variety of snow conditions, longer skis might also |
| able to maneuver your skis easily. An expert skier | | | | be more appropriate for you. The actual length you |
| requires specialized skis. Apart from design, you also | | | | need to choose is determined by your ability, skiing |
| need to look at other variables including materials, | | | | style and your weight. |
| type, shape, length and stiffness of the skis. | | | | As well as length, you need to consider the shape of |
| Originally, skis were made of wood, but nowadays | | | | ski, as there are a variety of shapes available. Some |
| it's very rare to find wooden skis. Usually they are | | | | skis are narrow in the boot area, which makes it |
| made from materials such as fiberglass or aluminum. | | | | easier to turn quickly and sharply. A wider ski gives |
| It's also possible to buy skis made from titanium, | | | | you more stability and is designed to make broader |
| Kevlar, carbon or boron fibers, if you want something | | | | turns. The various combinations of ski length and |
| a little more exotic. Quite often a pair of skis will be | | | | shape result in a wide range of choices. |
| made from a combination of materials, as different | | | | Finally, consider the stiffness of the skis, which is |
| materials provide various levels of strength and | | | | determined by both the materials use and the shape |
| flexibility in different sections of the ski. Skis have a | | | | of the ski. At high speeds you're better off with a |
| core, which is often made of foam, wood or other | | | | longer ski, as these are generally stiffer than short |
| material. Fiberglass or aluminum are usually used for | | | | ones and remain stable. Shorter skis, being more |
| the tops and sides, and the base is often a | | | | flexible, have a greater level of maneuverability. |
| steel-edged synthetic polyethylene. | | | | Again, your level of experience and skiing style will |
| It also helps if you know what type of skiing you | | | | determine how much stiffness you need in your skis. |