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