Alpine Skis

Varieties of Alpine Skis

When purchasing alpine skis, it's crucial to think about the style of skiing you'll engage in predominantly. Skis are categorised by their design for optimal performance in specific snow conditions and terrains. The six categories include all-mountain skis, piste skis, race skis, freeride skis, freestyle skis, and touring skis. Kids' skis have a dedicated section since they are crafted to suit a child's physique more appropriately. They tend to be lighter, shorter, and easier for learning.

Which Skis Should I Choose?

All-mountain and piste skis are the most commonly chosen types. Also referred to as carving skis, they excel on marked runs at ski resorts (on-piste). All-mountain skis offer slightly more versatility than piste skis, enabling them to cope with a broader range of snow conditions, including some off-piste skiing.

For those who favour off-piste skiing and enjoy powder conditions, freeride skis are ideal, whereas freestyle skis, also known as twin tip skis, are designed for performing tricks and stunts in snowparks. The racing category includes slalom skis and giant slalom skis, which are designed for high-speed downhill skiing on race courses. Touring skis, another type of off-piste ski, are lightweight because a significant aspect of touring involves ascending mountains. Specialised touring bindings and adhesive skins assist skiers in climbing and reaching areas with fresh powder to descend.

If you're interested in further advice on ski selection, explore - Buying Skis for Beginners / Buying Skis for Intermediates / Buying Skis for Kids.