Endless Winter Snow

EQUIPMENT

SKIS

There are five basic types of alpine skis:
Recreational
All Mountain- Expert
Powder
New School/Freeride
Race

All-mountain skis are among the most popular choices for today's skiers. They offer some of the characteristics of a race ski but reduce the amount of effort (angulation) needed. Below are two features to look at when selecting an all-mountain ski:
Sidecut, affects ( arc / turning radius). The amount of curve in the ski's hourglass shape ( Radius) when viewed from above. The deeper the sidecut, the better the ski will be at carving tight turns; skis with a shallower sidecut carve longer turns and skid more easily at the tail.

This is the change in width from tip to waist to tail, creating an hourglass shape. As a general rule, the deeper & more dramatic the hourglass, the easier a ski will be to initiate a turn.
Waist Width(mid point)
This single measurement (mm) reveals a lot about a ski's turning characteristics. Wide-waisted skis are generally more stable and better for 'flotation', while narrow-waisted skis are quicker in turns and more responsive.

Powder
Powder skis are very specialized tools that allow almost any skill level skier to ski like a pro in powder. Wider, softer and longer than an all mountain ski, powder skis provide a surf-like experience by floating the skier on top of the snow. However, due to their specialized nature(softer in flex / rigidity ), it is difficult to count on powder skis as your only tool.

Race
Race skis have turned into extremely specialized tools. The sidecut, materials, and construction of these skis are specifically designed to meet ( FIS Standards)and succeed under racing conditions (the need for speed). Since most skiers do not ski and turn at specific points during their run, race skis are not considered real versatile off-piste, but you will hold a good edge on ice.

New School/Freeride
Becoming more popular,often have "twin tips", combines freestyle skiing with the culture of park riding, (bi-directional). These skis allow skiers to do maneuvers, such as skiing in the halfpipe and riding fakie.
Ski length( tip to tail cm )or( running surface, shovel to hip ).The running surface of the ski, in contact with the snow. Most bases are made from a sintered (hardened) ABS or polyurethane material for durability and glide.

Stiffness ( flex )is a factor to consider, depending on your ability. Try to get bench test technical data to 'help' determine a flex 'pattern' that is right for you.I do not believe at this time there is a unified "DIN" equivalent standard flex index.
Beginners want soft, wide, straight skis to help teach proper form when carving. A pliable ski is more forgiving in skidded turns.
Intermediate skiers skid the tails of their skis to tighten turns and control speed. They'll want slightly stiffer skis that are narrower at the tail and center.
Experts want the stiffest skis (within a range)to transfer body weight( energy + mass) evenly to the ski's edge, for speed in competitions.

Construction:
A common ski construction method is laminate construction, which glues layers of material(s) to the top and bottom of the ski's core, sandwich layers. There are hybrids,and as technologies evolves, these will continue to focus on specific performance dynamics. Another manufacturing technique is the torsion box. A torsion box ski is built by creating an inner box like structure to transfer the skier's energy to the snow. Popular materials used in this type of manufacturing are:
Titanium Alloy: This material provides good edge hold while making turns, stability under high speeds, and an overall smooth ride.
Carbon: Gives your skis increased energy, rebound, and edge grip while skiing in icy conditions.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass laminates are very durable and provide energy on the snow when you need it.Fiberglass torsion boxes are highly durable.
Wood: Skis with wood structure date back to the pre-knuckle dragger era of mans evolution.

Edge
The outer most linear part of the ski, usually made of carbon-steel, provides the necessary 'bite' to carve on hard snow/ ice.

Recent Winners

RACE Purchase Skis

Volkl P60 GC Racing WC

Fisher RC4 World Cup RC

Atomic GS-11 -"Red Sled"

Nordica Dobermann GS-R-WC

PERFORMANCE Purchase Skis

Blizzard Sigma SXP

Head Cyber IC

Volkl Supersport 6-Star

Nordica Speedmachine

FREE RIDE Purchase Skis

Atomic Metron 10 -Ti