Alpine Skis

Varieties of Alpine Skis

When purchasing alpine skis, the key consideration is the type of skiing you will engage in most frequently. Skis are categorised according to their design, ensuring 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 are separately classified, crafted to better accommodate a child's physical build, typically featuring lighter weight, shorter length, and ease for beginners.

What Skis Should I Purchase?

The most sought-after skis are the all-mountain and piste varieties, also referred to as carving skis. They excel on marked ski runs at resorts (on-piste). All-mountain skis offer greater versatility than piste skis, allowing them to manage a broader array of snow conditions, including some off-piste areas.

Freeride skis cater to those who prefer off-piste and powder conditions, whereas freestyle skis, known as twin tip skis, are designed for tricks and stunts in snowparks. The racing category comprises slalom and giant slalom skis, intended for high-speed downhill racing on courses. Touring skis also belong to the off-piste category but are lightweight to facilitate hiking up mountains, which is a significant component of touring. Specialised touring bindings and adhesive skins aid skiers in climbing to reach untouched powder for descent.

For further guidance on selecting skis, refer to - Buying Skis for Beginners / Buying Skis for Intermediates / Buying Skis for Kids.