Experienced Snow Skiers, I am a beginner looking to purchase downhill skis. Anyone have any good advice?

Question

I have been skiing only once. I picked it up pretty well on a pair of parabolic Dynastar 160 cm skis. My girl, who has been skiing all her life and grew up in the mountains of New York State, was surprised. We plan on going much more in the future, and I am looking to invest in a good set of intermediate skis. I plan on doing mostly downhill skiing , on the groomed trails. (Perhaps in the future I will become a little more adventurous) Where should I look for a good deal, and what sort of ski should I focus on purchasing? I am 5 ' 11 and 150 pounds. Any advice at all here is appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Spend the money on a good pair of boots first and be sure they fit TIGHT around the foot and ankle. Rent for several days and try a Demo Day at a resort near you, this will give you a chance to try several pairs and models the same day.  Remember that how a ski is tuned will change how it performs. When you are ready to make your choice, ask the local ski instructors and also the ski shops for any deals on the equipment.  Many instructors sell last season models so they can buy next seasons model.  Many good deals will come up in a month or so.

   The length you tried is about right for your ability and height, I'm heavier and an expert who uses a 170 cm to teach and sometimes wish I had 130's to teach the kids.  Many brands are in the rental market, ask at the local ski shop if their rentals will go on sale this spring.

  Until then take lessons and enjoy the sport, It sounds like you will learn quickly and need an advanced intermediate before next season.  A higher performance ski will teach you to ski better, but do not get a race ski for several years.

  Hope this helps, when you get a pair, if they are used check for base condition, and flex and any bends or breaks in them.

Answer 2

If I were you I'd buy boots first and then try out a variety of skis from rental shops.  The boots will be constant and let you feel how different sized skis work for you.

Some good ski shops will have demo models of their skis and allow you to rent them so you can figure out if you want to own that pair or not and will take the rental cost off your purchase price, should you decide to do it.

Paying attention to the height of skis is good, but with new technologies your weight and skills will also play a big factor in choosing the right pair for you.

Good luck shopping & happy skiing!

Answer 3

There are many brands to choose from.  Atomic, K2, and Head all make many types of skis for different conditions.  Head makes a series called the XRC, and the model numbers go from XRC200-XRC800.  Those are good intermediate skis.  They come with bindings but then you also have to buy boots.  Go to your local ski shop and look at ski packages.

Answer 4

Yes, I have good advice; I've been an expert skier for over 35 yrs. & I have an excellent set of Rossingnol skis. They've been perfect for me & they're over 20 yrs. old & they're like new. I would recommend this brand & they have skis for all abilities, especially intermediate. They will last you for yrs. & you'll love them. One important thing to remember, is that since you've skied only once, it's important that you start with a shorter ski than normal. Your will learn to turn & stop much more easily than a longer ski & they will help keep your speed under control. A longer ski is much faster & harder to turn & you can increase your length when you become a better skier. A rule of thumb for skiers & their abilities is how high the ski is relative to your own height. If you're an expert skier you want your ski to stand at least to your forhead. An intermediate skier, like yourself, should have a ski no higher than your nose or at your chin where some beginners have their skis. If you want some advice, I would suggest renting skis at different lengths until you find the best length. Skis, boots & poles can be rented for only $15.00 per day at a lot of places. Sometimes they include lessons & might try taking one or let your girlfriend teach you. Your height is extremely important & you must remember that ski length is measured in centimeters & not inches so you must convert. One inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Since you're 5'11" tall you're 180.34 centimeters tall (do you math-2.54 x 71 inches= 180.34). Therefore, you ski should be at least two inches shorter than you for expert (2.54x69=175.26). For intermediate, your ski should be (67 x 2.54-170.18). Your ski should be no longer than 170 cm & you might want to try a 165 cm but don't go any shorter than this which is only 5'5" long. I would try starting out on beginner runs (they're marked with green cirlces) until you feel confident & then try intermediate runs (blue squares). Watch excellent skiers while you're riding up the lift & learn from them. Another very important thing to remember is get boots that feel comfortable. Some boots come with removable in-soles and I would recommend buying or renting this type. I have this kind & I bought an excellent in-sole built for running & this made me a much better skier since my feet felt so much better in my boots & when i move my boots to turn my  skis, it's a lot easier. Also, use your poles to keep your balance when turning. Good Luck!!!!

Don