I am a beginner skier with maybe 10 trips to the slopes.?

Question

I have purchased a pair of used very long thin set of used skis and have trouble controlling them. Should I continue to struggle with hopes of improving or trade the long thin skis for a short pair with more control?

Answer 1

Get rid of the skis, or use them to decorate your garage, and get a good intermediate all mountain ski.  Talk to your local shop/ski reps for advice on length and width.  (if you ski in the east you want a narrower width than out west)  but don't buy on the spot.  Do your self a huge service and go demo several skis, you will be amazed how different skis react.  FYI you don't need a "demo" day to demo skis.  Most on slope ski shops have demo skis and you can always rent a "high performance" from the rental shop; most "high performance" rentals are actually intermediate not expert skis.   Good luck.

Answer 2

Nowadays, unless you are racing, dropping off big cliffs, or weigh above 250lbs, the need for a ski any longer than 180cm is pretty slim. Get rid of the ancient timber and get something shorter and with a sidecut.

Shaped is the way to go. You can pick up great deals on last year's stuff online or at ski shops looking to move old stock. A friend of mine just bought a beginner package for $300. Last year's planks, bindings, and boots. All intermediate level stuff.

If Santa just dropped a boat load of cash in your stocking then get thee to the ski shop!

Answer 3

Sounds like you could benefit from a lesson.  Getting different skis could help but you may still have a problem.  Maybe an instructor would be able to show you how to turn those straight boards.  

As far as new skis your best bet would be to get a seasonal rental or lease from a good shop until you get better.  The newer skis are easier to turn on and feel more stable.

Answer 4

The previous answer has got it right.  New technology skis are shorter and specifically shaped to help you turn and keep them under control.  Long thin skis are the older way to get you to go real fast, but don't even do that as well as new tech shorter skis that you can control.  You'll have more fun with the newer type skis and be safer, too!