Introduction
Finding a pair of skis that is the right fit for you is critical to your overall enjoyment and success on snow. Whether you are a new skier or an accomplished rider, there are a multitude of factors that go into your search for womens skis that fit your specific, individual needs. With the constantly evolving horizons of equipment shaped for women, it is critical to take the time to establish who you are as a skier and what skiing goals you want to achieve as early in your search as possible.
The search for your perfect ski should be extensive, starting with assessing your abilities and considering the kind of terrain you will be using the most. Considering ski shapes and construction and if a woman’s designed ski fits your intended use will also give you the confidence to make a good buying decision. This guide aims to provide useful tips to ease the stress of buying women’s skis for sale that will compliment your mountain time.
Evaluate Skill Level
The starting point for narrowing down your options for skis is an honest assessment of your skill level. Skis are manufactured with numerous flex patterns, weights, and profiles that appeal to different segments of skiers:
- Beginner: If you are just starting out, look for softer and lightweight skis. Softer skis are generally more forgiving and easier to control and will offer a smoother learning curve and less likely to fatiguing you when learning new skills in the snow.
- Intermediate: Intermediate skis offer a balance between flex and stability to help you handle harder runs, while offering plenty of control and confidence across terrain.
- Advanced / Expert: Advanced riders can benefit from stiff constructions and aggressive profiles to engage in powerful turns and steady speeds regardless of the conditions you are faced with.
Selecting the right category means you are going to buy skis that will help your progression rather than impede it. To find out more about how to choose ski equipment based on ability, check out OutdoorGearLab’s guide on choosing skis for an exhaustive comparison.
Identify Your Preferred Terrain
The terrain where you ski has a profound impact on which skis will be best for you. Depending on whether you ski primarily on groomed runs, you’re an off-piste powder hound, or you do a combination of both, will dictate the width and make of the ski:
- Groomed Runs: Skis on the narrower side of the spectrum (70-85mm underfoot), on a groomed run, should accelerate toward precision from edge to edge for carving.
- Off-Piste/Powder: A wider ski (90 mm and larger) will provide much more floatation in deep, soft snow, which means more stability.
- All-Mountain: Midrange widths (85-95mm) will allow all-mountain skiers to transition from hard-packed to varied snow conditions.
Choose skis that match your favorite type of terrain to improve your overall skiing performance and consequently spend better days on the hill.
Know Ski Dimensions and Shape
Even within each of the models rated at your skill level and preferred terrain, ski specifics make a difference. Waist width, sidecut radius, and profile are critical:
- Waist Width: controls the balance and maneuverability on the ski. Narrower skis will turn quickly on hardpack, while wider skis will float better in powder.
- Sidecut Radius: will tell you how tight you can turn. A smaller radius will allow you to turn sharply, while a larger radius will lend itself to long, sweeping arcs.
- Camber and Rocker Profiles: Camber is great for edge hold when you carve, while rocker gives you the ability initiate turns and ride chunky snow well. Many women’s skis have hybrid profile combinations to accommodate varying snow conditions.
Understanding these specifications gives you the ability to decode different ski reviews and feel more secure in your decision.
Think About Ski Length
Your ski length directly relates to how much control you’ll have, and how stable your ski will feel at speed. The conventional rule of thumb is to choose a ski that will range somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Once you have identified your ski length, be sure to factor in your ability level to the final selection – a shorter ski for an inexperienced skier will feel less intimidating than a longer ski, while more experienced skiers will prefer a longer ski for the added power and stability they offer at higher speeds.
Of course there is your weight, ability to ski agily, preferred style of skiing, and personal preference to consider as well. If you aren’t sure which size to choose, it may be worthwhile to check a manufacturers or retailers size chart, or seek professional assistance.
Try Women’s Specific Skis
Women’s skis are not just men’s skis in a smaller form. Women’s skis acknowledge anatomical differences like lower center of gravity, average lighter weight, and varied muscle distribution. Women’s skis can be lighter construction, softer flexing, and come with slightly different positions for mounting bindings. These design features can enhance comfort, confidence and control. To read more about gender specific ski design principles, consult an expert buying guide, such as REI’s.
Get Out and Ski
Whenever possible get out and demo multiple pairs of skis before making a final decision. Ski shops and resorts often have demo days where you can test out various models in person. Being able to test skis allows you to compare models under real conditions, while also ensuring that you feel confident in your purchase.
Get Professional Help
The staff at reputable ski shops can provide you with personalized recommendations that will take into consideration your ability, preferred terrain, and body mechanics. The staff possess practical experience and have knowledge of current model sizes and technological features that can offer great help, especially for first-time buyers.
Putting in time to get through the process will help ensure that you’ll find the right pair of women’s skis tailored to your goals and preferences. With proper understanding and expert help, the only thing standing between you and the next epic run is your own commitment.
