What is the Best Ski for You?

When life was simple and skiers wore stretch pantsThe buzz word for a while has been the "One Ski
or jeans to ski in, we only had to choose between 3Quiver" – the one ski for all conditions,
basic types of skis, all based on racing. However,a.k.a. the All Mountain Ski. I think this almost works.
now that we are enjoying the engineering marvels ofAlmost, but not quite, because there has to be
the shaped ski, the focus of ski design has becomecompromises across the broad spectrum of
more complex.conditions from pure powder to boilerplate ice.
When it comes to actually looking at skis, reading skiHowever, that said the Atomic Metron series is still
publications or walking through a ski show can beamong the best through all levels of abilities. The
overwhelming. For example, Ski and Skiing magazinesAtomic Metron II B5 has shed some weight and
tests at least 300 models, while Ski Press may testopened up its turning radius this year. The Elan
500 different ski models in a year. You could skiMagfire group also works well for all level of
every day for almost a year and a half and neverexperience.
use the same skis twice!Powder Skis
So, is finding the right ski easy? Not as easy as itFat and either inny or outy waists is the 2007 trend
was when we walked up to a ski sales clerk and saidin powder skis. Powder skis don’t have a
we wanted a Giant Slalom, Slalom, or Downhill skilot of the differing flexing construction built into skis
then raised our arm so he could find the right length.of graduating abilities for other conditions. The K2
Finding skis is certainly doable though, as long as youPontoon is built to float with reverse camber tapering
stay focused on your search.to the tail
Reading ski reviews is helpful. I believe the major skiTry the Goode Scoop, also reverse camber, but
publications approach testing seriously. Ski Press usesavailable down to 173 cm, while all the others stay a
a percent of recreational skiers chosen at random tolot longer. I would also demo a traditional camber
test skis, while the others use pros only. The prosVolkl Sumo, new for 07, and much chubbier than the
are almost all certified instructors so they know theirMantra.
business.Groomed Powder
Narrow the playing field to the field you're playing on.Groomed powder is where every major ski
Don't grab that great deal on super fat powder skismanufacturer shines – and it is the major
if you only intend to ski the mid and eastern U.S.scope of their sales. Start with the Rossignol Bandit
Focus, instead, on skis engineered to that snow.series for both men and women, and then try the
Talk to your favorite ski shop owner. Ski shops are inDynastar D Stinct. K2 still ranks with the women for
business to stay in business and 99% of them haveThe T-Nine series. A new look from the one of the
qualified people who know local conditions. Bring yourmajors comes from Elan with their WaveFlex ski
ski test wish list, but, listen to their advice. Theyconstruction which available for varying abilities. I had
usually have good advice on what you will need.the opportunity to try this stub nosed, wavy top ski
Most top name brands will have a ski for you. If youlast spring and really liked it.
look at the models available from the top 10 or 15 skiPacked Powder
manufacturers, you are almost guaranteed to find aIn deference to the groomers who work while you
ski to meet the snow conditions where you typicallysleep, or party, I will also call this corduroy -
ski, your type of skiing, and your ability in each brand.sometimes. This can be the easiest stuff to ski on,
Try before you buy. This is important, because youbut, if is done too early at night and the temp drops
know when a ski is good for you when you ski on it,after grooming you could call it frostbite. In this
not before. When you're trying the skis and you thinksnow, you like to have sharp edges and a ski that
the skis can read your mind, you'll know that youwon’t chatter away or run wide through
have found your skis.the turns. Look to the traditionals with the GS and S
Demo, demo, demo - because that is how you willmodels; the whole Head GS series is always big with
be most happy with the ski you buy. I believe I couldthe pros in the East. In the Fischer CTX series, along
ski on similarly designed models of the 3 or 4 topwith Atomic SX, and SL you will be sure to find a
brands and be hard pressed to pick “theflex for your size and ability. For women specific skis
best.” Focus on your typical skiingRossignol, K2's, and the Elan Pearls rank high in these
conditions, your ability, and your experience. I lookconditions.
for the best ski for the conditions I usually ski. Those(And remember...)
most important to consider in skis designed todayDemo, Demo, Demo
are – Pure Powder, Groomed Powder,Remember the mantra – demo, demo,
and the catch-all Packed Powder Conditions. You willdemo. Try before you buy. You can almost always
find these conditions in varying degrees and times athave the cost of renting demo skis deducted from
most resorts. However, in general terms powderthe price of the skis if you purchase them. In fact, I
reigns in the west and the east hopes for the best.wouldn't demo from any shop that didn't offer a
Your next consideration should be your skiing abilitydiscount. If you research you can find some shops
and your experience. Experience only comes with(usually at a resort) that let you demo 2 or even 3
time on the snow, but, it is the end product of ourskis a day for a decent price. Check websites and
learning how to use our skis in a variety of conditions.bulletin boards for free demo days at resorts near
This ability improves with proper instruction andyou. They are usually crowded but you typically get
review.to talk to ski manufacturer's reps. It's definitely worth
On the next page, read about choosing the best skisworking hard to demo a skis - after all, skis are an
for you and weighing in snow conditions, ability, andinvestment, and you should spend your money on
experience. Also, read about the best skis in theskis that are a pleasure to ski on.
2006-2007 ski season.