I am sure these boots provide comfort but I must say I find them damn ugly. They’d look better on some stormtroopers in a Star Wars movie than me. And somehow the design strangely reminds me of the rear-entry skiboots. Anyhow, the user can easily switch between skiing and walking modes by pulling the lever up or down. Naturally, easing pain in the feet helps many skiers by allowing them to spend more time in slopes, but will these boots really work? The final verdict is not out yet since there are no reliable test reports available.

Anyhow, ski season 2009-2010 is coming, so we better get ready. Let’s take a look at these 10 stylish and cool ski helmets that are available on Amazon. If you are still skiing without a helmet, you better check what we learned from Scott Macartney’s crash last winter. In case you go skiing in the backcountry a ski helmet is an essential part of your backcountry ski gear list.

Below I have provided you the name and model of various ski helmets with a link to the order page in Amazon, if you fall in love with one or more of these helmets, just click the picture or link and place your order in Amazon. Certainly there are dozens of cool, beautiful and stylish ski helmets, but here I have collected 10 ski helmets that I consider stylish and good looking. You may like them or not. You decide.

Oh, also remember the article on audio helmets we wrote last year!

10 cool and stylish ski helmets for the upcoming ski season

1. Giro Bad Lieutenant Snow Helmet

Offering military styling, this snowboard helmet features an injection-molded construction bonding a durable, high-impact ABS shell to an EPS liner. Removable, injection-molded earflaps lock directly into the liner, which can be removed for washing. An adjustable, padded chinstrap keeps the helmet in place.

The helmet comes in extra-small, small, medium, and large sizes. Depending on size, it weighs approximately 19.5 ounces. An extra-small helmet fits a head with a circumference of 20.5 inches to 21 inches. A small helmet fits a head with a circumference of 21 inches to 22 inches. A medium helmet fits a head with a circumference of 22 inches to 22.5 inches. A large helmet fits a head with a circumference of 22.5 inches to 23.25 inches.

You immediately know if this is the helmet for you just by looking at it. A true free-ride helmet for riders that session the park, and everything else on the mountain as often as humanly possible. Don’t run it if you can’t commit. The Bad Lieutenant is standard-issue gear for opening new frontiers on advanced maneuvers around the globe, and there will be no prisoners in this movement.

Features of Giro Bad Lieutenant ski helmet include

• High impact ABS shell with EPS liner
• Removable earpads and goggle notch
• Compatible with Tune-ups and Tune-ups II
• CERTIFICATION: ASTM F2040 & CE EN1078 (EU)
• 1 Year Limited Warranty

Price range $29.99 – $89.95

2. Giro Sestriere Snow Helmet

The Sestriere ski helmet features sleek style and comfort inspired by our top race models in durable design that delivers at a great price. A perfect helmet for juniors, beginners or anyone who wants a no-frills, alpine-inspired helmet. Sestriere has received good feedback from Amazon buyers. Here’s one comment from a satisfied buyer.

“Was a little concerned about buying a helmet online but I measured my head and ordered this helmet to use for skiing. It’s great! Fit like a glove. Not too tight around the chin and comfortable. It has a great grove around the middle of the helmet for goggle straps with a strap that buttons on the back so your goggles stay on your helmet and don’t slide around much when you’re out on the trail or slopes. They will also keep you from losing your goggle when you take a break. It feels pretty light when it’s on your head. Definitely one of my favorite Amazon.com purchases!”

Features of Giro Sestriere ski helmet include

• EPS Liners
• Audio: none
• Super Cool Vents

Price range $57.40 – $70.00

3. Giro G10 Helmet

Giro designed the G10 Helmet for riders who push their limits in wide-open freeriding terrain. The wide-angle cut and gapless goggle fit insure you can see your takeoff, spot your landing, and spy everything in between with out any paranoia-inducing blind spots. In-mold construction fuses the exterior polycarbonate shell with the interior EPS liner for ultimate durability without compromising weight. 14 vents with on-the-fly adjustability combined with snap-fit, super-plush removable ear pads keep you cool, comfortable, and levelheaded regardless of the conditions. The G10 is TuneUps compatible.

Features of Giro G10 ski helmet include

• Material: [Shell] polycarbonate; [Liner] EPS
• Ventilation: 14 vents with on-the-fly adjustable Thermostat control
• Adjustability: Chin strap with slidelock clip buckle
• Weight: 14.5oz (410g)
• Recommended Use: Freeride
• Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
• Country of Origin: China

Price range $64.97 – $90.99

4. Giro Talon Snow Helmet

Offering alpine-inspired design and chinbar compatible, this sleek ski helmet features a full-coverage hardshell with padded earflaps to protect against run-ins with racing gates and tree branches. The helmet’s in-mold construction a tough polycarbonate outer shell fused to an EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner reinforces both materials. Aerodynamic Racing Covers lock in place to provide aerodynamic efficiency during a race and to hold in heat as temperatures drop. A passive ventilation system circulates cool air through the helmet and allows excess body heat to escape from seven vents. The cut creates a gapless fit with goggles and doesn’t compromise peripheral vision. A security loop and Giro’s Goggle Notch lock goggles to helmet.

The helmet comes in extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra large sizes. Depending on size, it weighs approximately 19.5 ounces. An extra-small helmet fits a head with a circumference of 20.5 inches to 21 inches. A small helmet fits a head with a circumference of 21 inches to 22 inches. A medium helmet fits a head with a circumference of 22 inches to 22.5 inches. A large helmet fits a head with a circumference of 22.5 inches to 23.25 inches. An extra-large helmet fits a head with a circumference of 23.25 inches to 23.75 inches. An extra-extra-large helmet fits a head with a circumference of 23.75 inches to 24.5 inches.

Timeless alpine-inspired design combined with classic fit yields performance that covers the whole mountain with confidence. The choice of skiers who like it steep and deep. A nod to the deep lineage of skiing makes this the perfect helmet for any true skier’s kit. The Talon offers versatility, top-shelf performance and styling that are a full step ahead of the rest. If you live to ski, this is your helmet.

Features of Giro Talon ski helmet include

• High impact ABS shell with EPS liner
• Goggle Notch to keep your goggles secure even during wipeouts
• Chinbar Compatible for those little speed demons who push the envelope
• 1 year limited warranty – CERTIFICATION: ASTM F2040 & CE EN1078 (EU)

Price range $82.46 – $110.00

5. Giro Fuse Audio Series Snow Helmet

Progressive styling and technical features coupled with your music cannot be beat. TuneUps with Bluetooth Link offers incredible in-helmet stereo sound plus technology from Skullcandy that allows you to hardline into your music player while connecting to your Bluetooth enabled phone wirelessly.

Giro Fuse Audio ski helmet is a little bit pricy, but it provides something many other ski helmets can’t provide, and that is music to your ears. I’m not sure how many riders really enjoy music on mountains, at least I don’t, but there are numerous of those who really enjoy it. So, for you guys, here’s Giro Fuse Audio ski helmet!

Features of Giro Fuse Audio ski helmet include

• Audio: Integrated tuneups with Bluetooth link
• Wind Tunnel Ventilation
• In form fit system
• Super Cool Vents

Price range $157.46 – $339.95

6. Pro-Tec Ace Freecarve Helmet

Pro-Tec Ace Freecarve Helmet (for men) is one of the first, and most imitated snowboard helmets, the Ace’s low-key style and adjustable ventilation system make it one of the most popular helmets on the hill. On a powder day, close off the Ace’s four passive vents, or leave them open for a spring rail or pipe session. Protec gave the Ace Freecarve Helmet a high density, injection-molded ABS shell for durability and an EPS liner to absorb the impact of bigger hits. Audio Helmet: No, Helmet Type: ShortShell, Vented: Yes, Visor/Brim Helmet: No, Model Year: 2006, Product ID: 45651.

Features of Pro-Tec Ace Freecarve ski helmet include

• ASTM 2040 / CE EN 1077 Certified
• Can be used as a ski or snowboard helmet
• Goggle shelf
• Removable and washable interior fit pads
• Upgraded soft cupping detachable ear pads

Price $39.95

7. Carrera Geisha Women’s Helmet

The Carrera Geisha is a hot new women’s ABS helmet that offers superb protection, ventilation, and comfort. The styling is set off by leather trim and super cool metal flake graphics. Superb helmet for free ride skiing or snowboarding. Pair it with the matching Carrera Lust goggle for women for the ultimate in comfort, fit, and superior vision.

Features of Carrera Geisha ski helmet include

• Light weight, exceptionally comfortable ABS ski/snowboarding helmet for women
• ABS material provides exceptional protection and light weight
• Fully adjustable ventilation for perfect temperature control
• Super soft “faux fur” lining and chin strap cover
• Women specific fit with embossed leather ear pad covers and super cool metal flake graphics

Price $104.00

8. Carrera Viper Helmet

The Carrera Viper is a hot new ABS helmet that offers superb protection, ventilation, and comfort. The styling is set off by leather trim and metal mesh vent covers. Superb helmet for free ride skiing or snowboarding. Pair it with the new Carrera Stealth, Stratos, or Chopper SPH goggles for the ultimate in comfort, fit, and protection.

Features of Carrera Viper ski helmet include:

• Light weight, exceptionally comfortable ABS helmet for skiing/snowboarding.
• ABS material provides exceptional protection and light weight
• Accepts chin guard for face protection
• Fully adjustable ventilation for perfect temperature control

Price $104.00

9. Smith 2007 Variant Brim Snow Helmet

Smith’s Variant Brim Snow Helmet features Hybrid construction and a sleek brim to produce an effective helmet with tons of style. The Hybrid construction includes an ABS/InMold PC shell and EPS liner to create a lightweight and high-impact-absorbing helmet. AirEvac 2 technology allows this helmet to work well with goggles by increasing air flow and reducing goggle fogging. The Smith Variant uses 16 vents for better climate control, so you don’t get a steamy noggin.

Features of Smith 2007 Variant Brim ski helmet include

• Material: [Shell] ABS / InMold PC; [Liner] EPS
• Ventilation: 3-Stage adjustable
• Adjustability: Slidelock chin
• Recommended Use: Snowboarding, freeriding
• Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
• Country of Origin: United States

Price $149.95

10. R.E.D. Trace Multi-Sport Snowboard, Skate, and BMX Helmet

R.E.D. Trace Multi-Sport Helmet takes you from Skateboarder to BMX Rider to Snowboarder. Go from warm weather to cold in a snap with the removable goggle clip and ear pads. ABS Shell takes the brunt of the hits from the concrete and the ice without damage to your brain! Use this helmet year round – get your money’s worth!

Features of R.E.D. Trace Multi-Sport helmet include

• Snow,Skate,Bike Crossover
• Injected ABS Shell
• Removable Goggle Clip & Removable goggle Gasket
• Front Vent Plugs
• Several colors to choose from!

Price range $44.95 – $69.99

Dan is an unusual thing here: an outsider. Originally he is from Boston and arrived to Andermatt in 2004 while he was hunting powder around Europe. He heard rumours of big untracked powder lines in Andermatt and was soon on his way.

“Arriving here I found just what I was looking for, big untracked lines and a sleepy little Swiss mountain village. Since then I have never left.“, he says. Of course love has something to do in this. He married a local girl Heidi and now hand-builds his cult Birdos freeride skis in the town. He lives with his wife upstairs of his skishop. Not bad.

Interview of Dan Loutrel, the father of Birdos Freeride Skis

[Homeboy] Dan, Birdos Skis are very special. What is your design philosophy?

[Dan Loutrel] Well, I wanted skis without compromises and skis which raw materials you know exactly where they are from. In factory produced skis you will never know what they have been made of and their features vary too much.

[Dan Loutrel] My philosophy is to hand made state-of-the-art skis of best local raw materials and customize every pair to fit best for every client personally. For example the steel edges come from a mill just over the Swiss border that has been producing for the ski industry for 50+ years.

[Homeboy] This sounds so good in these days when everything is made in China. Please name a few adjectives which describeBirdos skis most.

[Dan Loutrel] Unusual shape, unmatched stiffness and camber. You can customize nearly every detail from shape to materials and top sheet graphics. As I am producing only 70 pairs of skis per year I have the time and will to concentrate to fine tune the details. Birdos are exceptional and unique pair of skis, built specially to your desire.

[Homeboy] What is your ski choice for powder day?

[Dan Loutrel] I would say you need 120 mm minimum under foot, at least a bit of rocker tip and tail. For British Columbia style snow, steep trees and pillows, an inverse shape ski is super fine. Quick turning, massive float, the most playful powder ski you can find. For the  Alps you always have to deal with the hard windblown snow, slid out couloirs, etc. For big lines the high alpine I would go with a traditional shape, long radius and moderate rocker in the tips and tails. A ski that floats easily, but can run out the frozen debris at high speed and in fine style with full power. From my models they would be Fat Bird and Puder Luder.

[Homeboy] And what would be your choice for us in Finland, the flat land of icy slopes?

[Dan Loutrel] Heh, I think Joker and Ghetto Chicken 172 cm would work fine in your country. Ghetto Chicken is good for jibbing. However, it should be a ski at least 100 mm under foot to give you decent flotation, but probably not more than 115 mm to make it possible to ski aggressively on hard, icy snow.

[Homeboy] Good that there were something for us too! By the way, how do you see the future of skiing? Which skis will we use in 2015?

[Dan Loutrel] Perhaps the next big revolution will be in the materials. Materials that adapt as you ski, a real integration into the skis that transforms even as you ski. Almost an extension of your feet. But we have to wait a long time for this…

[Dan Loutrel] Ski business would change too, I would say there will be more innovative custom companies with special shapes for special needs. Also all the big companies will have to increase their special model range to stay in the market.

[Homeboy] Thank you for this Dan. Skiing seems to be living its renaissance and, thanks to guys like you, the developing never ends.

Interested in Birdos skis? Please visit www.birdos.com

Photos by Antti Zetterberg. All rights reserved.

Here is a quick look on some new skis – some really interesting concepts, some pretty wild and weird designs too. All this information is found on the Internet this time. Let’s see if we can manage to get some on-location info from ISPO (1.-4. Feb), Munchen?

This Wednesday we are also testing e.g. some this season’s (08/09) Armadas on the local little hill, at least the conditions are nice and slushy (= some decent observations on wider skis can be made) …but more on that later this week, now let’s get a look on some new beauties to drool for the 2009-2010 season!

Atomic Bent Chetler (image above). This is basically a 183cm Thug with “recurve” (a.k.a some sidecut and camber in the middle with rockered nose and tail). Thug is said to be awesome ski in general and one of the best “conventional” design powder skis – I guess this ski going to be fun in the soft stuff!

Rossignol S3, design by Kya Koopman. This ski is going to be like the mini version (98mm ski middle) of this season’s S7 - a hybrid concept with some sidecut and camber in the middle with tapered (not as heavily as in S7) and rockered nose and tail.

Speaking of Rossignol S7, here is the next season’s graphics. It is also rumored to be available at the “men’s size”, 195cm (very cool in our opinion!)

Black Diamond Justice seems like a one of those quite “reasonable” skis; 115mm middle, rockered nose but nothing too radical.

Now, this is a wild one – Movement Fly Swatter. Check out the binding mount carefully! (At first it doesn’t look that weird). This might work but is probably pretty much one trick pony – pure back country jibbing? Props for Movement for crazy and brave design though! I wonder if they are going to press a big fleet of these for sale?

Another interesting piece of news is that K2 is going to rework their entire telemark and AT lines into one series of skis called “K2 backside“. Read more on Lou Dawson’s excellent blog. I don’t think that is such a bad news (as some hard core telemarkers might feel?) but I will kind of miss the simple and easy insert system of current K2 telemark skis – this is almost like a reason to buy some of the current favorites in the K2 telemark line?

Are you kinnding me? “Forever” sounds pretty heavy…

First of all Ski-Mojo fits under clothing to provide support and help skiers hold a tuck without leaving their thighs burning. Despite of the funny name, Ski-Mojo really uses springs strapped to the side of the legs to boost thigh power, according to the inventors of this thing it’ll help you ski all day long without feeling tired.

They say Ski-Mojo is equivalent of adding power steering to a car. I wonder how it would feel to ski powder while wearing Ski-Mojo?

“The ski~mojo works by supporting your body-weight, reducing strain on your thighs and knees by up to 33%. Powerful springs act like shock-absorbers, improving stability and smoothing out bumps. The result is that you can ski further for less effort“, says Ski-Mojo website.

If you think you don’t have power enough to ski Vallee Blanche of Chamonix, consider purchasing Ski-Mojo. The Ski-Mojo website says that it took 11 years to innovate the product. Not really sure if this thing works but if it does then it’d be good news for those with weak knees.

I just wonder why most of these “great innovations” never become super popular. Shouldn’t they sell “automatically” if they are so life changing? just wondering…

Source [SkiMojo via Guardian]

Almost every major manufacturer is offering an AT boot these days. So, this shouldn’t be big news. However, Dalbello boots have a certain cult following as do Full Tilt boots too – they’re kind of the descendants of the legendary Raichle Flexons that still have fanatics fans all over the world. And many of the big name freeriders/freestylers all over the world swear by the original flexon system, as you can read on my last winter post Dalbello Krypton Il Moro Ski Boot Review.

Basically ski boot reviews are pretty useless – it is all about the last and fit anyway. Flexons/Kryptons/Full Tilts are a bit different though. At least I believe that the basic design of these boot have something very special on them. I was a strict Lange guys (those just fit my feet) for years but after trying Il Moros for even couple of days, I was immediately a believer of the Flexon design (in freeskiing, gates might be a totally different thing) So, if some of those three brand’s boot  fit, it is at least wort a try. Still, some skiers love this desing, some don’t consider it any better than “normal” ski boot design/engineering.

Well, at least the legendary Glen Plake is on Dalbellos. And one of the posters in TGR forum already speculated that Plake tours quite a lot these days, and Dalbello wants the mohawk man (=their most visible skier) on their boots and not a competitor’s pair. Sounds quite wise to me!

The final version is said to be Dynafit compatible, which probably is a delight to all the hard core touring guys/girls. The weight shouldn’t be too much either, around 1600 gr. Time will tell if this boot is cabable of driving big skis and take “freeride” type skiing approach… or is it more up-hill and long tours oriented? In best case the Krypton/Flexon desing can offer the best of both worlds?

Here are some more pictures (picture source: www.skiforum.it)

Wally Yachts of Monaco who are famed for their carbon fiber bases yacht’s also make carbon fiber skis. Wally’s skis are made with a solid ash wood core and a carbon fiber structure making them incredibly light weight. They are tough and have much of control because the edges of Wally skis are made of steel.

Wally skis were invented by Luca Bassani

Wally skis are a product of the company of wealthy Italian Luca Bassani who spends his summers on water and winters on snow. They say Luca Bassani spends much time in his St. Moritz hideaway in Switzerland, so it is no wonder why this business man decided to start making luxury skis as well.

In 2001 46-year-old Luca Bassani started applying his company’s carbon fiber knowledge to build skis. His skis were made with a wood core then laminated to produce a strong, stiff ski that is lighter than conventional skis. While other ski manufacturers use metal and fiberglass, Luca Bassani decided to try something totally knew.

What makes Wally skis so interesting?

Wally skis are worth of $1500, so they must provide something unique, or at least something great compared to other skis. Wally skis don’t have any technical little things, and their design is almost ascetic, so what’s the secret? Wally skis are damn light compared to other skis. Probably this is the big thing, although there are few other advantages as well. Anyhow, people say Wally skis are very nice to ski especially on hard snow because they are light and tough.

Wally skis are not the only carbon fiber skis out there. If you are interested in carbon fiber skis, you should check also Goode skis, another interesting ski model. Unfortunately we haven’t tested none of these skis, so our information relies on “Internet research”.

So we wanna test ride Wally skis right away

Although Wally skis sound more like “James Bond gigolo ski gear for showing off” than real mountain sport weapons, we would definitely like to give Wally skis a try. You know, it’s easy to imagine James Bond skiing through a slope restaurant, catching a bad guy, and finally buying a drink to some foxy ladies. I’d like to do the exact same – with Wally skis naturally!

You should never judge skis before testing them, so I hope we can get a pair of Wally skis to our “Homeboy Ski Test Lab” one day. Wally has several ski models including powder, freeride, carving and traditional all mountain skis. I guess it won’t be easy, but we’ll try. If you’re quicker than us, please tell us your thoughts about Wally skis.

Hublot All Black Ski model is based on the idea of monochrome black colour. I must say these guns really look good and stylish, but I’m not sure about the quality. This ski is clearly made for those with money, and quality might come as a second priority. Everybody knows that people skiing Hublot All Black Ski want other skiers to notice their wealth, and I’m cool with that. We all ski the way we want. I just think that quality and performance is not the priority with Hublot All Black Ski.

The ski is made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, steel and rubber. The surface of the ski is coated with a rubber bracelet to resemble the chronograph. It’s a pity that there will be only 111 pairs of Hublot All Black Skis available. You can try to get one pair through Hublot and Zai outlets. Unfortunately we have no idea of the price, but I guess these skis won’t be cheap. It would be interesting to know what pro skiers would think about Hublot All Black Skis.

I guess Homeboys are not going to get one pair for testing purposes

There are a number of ways to find the right ski and this might not be the best or “the only one”. Rather, this is more like one good way to find the right ski. This is the method we have honed during dozens of years of skiing. We have been skiing since the late 70s, so I believe we know a thing or two about ski sizing and finding the right ski length.

Ski sizing starts with defining your skill level

Ski sizing starts with recognizing your skill level. How experienced a skier are you? Are you a beginner or an intermediate skier? Are you an advanced or expert skier, or even a race skier? It is important to be honest and clearly recognize your skiing skill level. Otherwise ski sizing lacks a solid foundation.

Think about your previous season. Did you prefer skiing blue, red or black pistes, or did you prefer conquering the backcountry? Do you like mastering the sport or do you feel a bit unsure on more difficult terrain? There is no chart in which you can pick your skill level. You just have to know it yourself. Comparing your skills to other people’s skills might help. All in all, you must be honest in defining your skill level.

What type of terrain are you going to ski?

The next question concerns where you ski. What kind of terrain do you prefer? What’s your favorite terrain or surface to ski on? Are you a powder hunter or do you prefer making new school tricks in parks and pipes? Are you looking for challenging moments in steep, narrow couloirs and mountain faces or would you rather relax on well-groomed pistes?

Before you continue sizing skis find out what terrain or surface you are about to ski with your new guns. Again, you have to be honest. Don’t make your decision based on what kind of terrain you would like to ski but rather on what kind of terrain you actually ski. Make sure you know your favorite terrain before you continue ski sizing.

Ski sizing continues with identifying your skiing style

The third question relates to your skiing style. When sizing skis, it is important to know not only your skill level and favorite terrain but also your skiing style. What kind of skiing do you prefer? Do you prefer cruising or a more aggressive skiing style? Are you into new school or freestyle tricks? Do you prefer looooong turns or short old school style slalom turns?

Whatever your skiing style is, it is important to keep it in mind when sizing skis since different skis are designed for different purposes. Think about your skiing style and make sure you recognize it before you continue with ski sizing.

What is your weight and height?

In this fourth phase of the ski sizing “process” we determine the weight and height of the skier. Back in the 80s this was the “one and only” thing you needed to know when sizing skis, but nowadays other factors also have an important meaning. Anyhow, knowing your body weight and height is also important, so hop on the scale now and get out your measuring tape.

Ski sizing chart gives you the initial ski length

Now you should know your skill level, the terrain you ski, skiing style, and your body wight and height. In this last phase of ski sizing we take a look at the ski sizing chart. Although the ski sizing chart gives some indication of the final ski length, the chart alone is not enough to pinpoint the right ski length.

Knowing your skill level, terrain and skiing style gives you the starting point for picking the right skis for you. Let’s say you have found out that you are an advanced skier who enjoys the backcountry and likes aggressive skiing, and your body weight and height is average. In this phase you know the type of a ski you are looking for but before you make your decision you should check the ski sizing chart in order to find out the right ski length.

Let’s first look at how skiers’ height affects the ski length.

Next we see how skiers’ weight affects the ski length.

In this phase you should have determined your initial ski length from those two ski sizing charts. Now that you know your initial ski length, it is time to see how your skill level, terrain and skiing style affect the final ski length.

Now you should have an idea of your ideal ski length. The final part of the ski sizing “process” is to find out how your skiing style and preferred terrain affect the ski length. Here are some reasons to pick a shorter or a longer ski.

Pick a shorter ski if

• you are a beginner
• you prefer short turns and carving
• you are lighter than average
• you prefer slalom or mogul skiing
• you prefer parks, kickers and pipes

Pick a longer ski if

• you are an experienced skier or a racer
• you prefer long turns
• you are heavier than average
• you prefer backcountry and powder skiing
• you prefer giant slalom or piste cruising

Please note that ski sizing charts only gives you a general idea of the right ski length because almost all ski makers provide their own special ski sizing charts. Therefore you should use our ski sizing charts only as general advice. After finding out your ski length, please discuss more with your dealer about the final ski length. Remember to explain the reasons why you have decided on a certain ski length.

Case study of finding the right ski with ski sizing charts

Here is a case study of choosing the right skis using our ski sizing charts. Let’s assume that “average Joe” is looking for the right ski for himself. Here are Joe’s “stats”:

• height 178 cm / 5’10 –> Initial ski length based on height is 175
• weight 82 kg / 181 lb –> Initial ski length based on weight is 175
• skill level is beginner/intermediate –> Initially Joe should select a 10 cm shorter ski
• Joe prefers cruising on pistes and he loves moderate speed –> Initially Joe should select a 5 cm longer ski

Because Joe is a beginner or intermediate skier and he loves cruising the slopes with moderate speed he should pick a ski that is about 5 cm shorter. A shorter ski is easier to handle, but too short a ski would be too aggressive when making turns. Based on height and weight, Joe’s ski would be 175 cm, but when subtracting 5 cm due to other reasons, Joe’s final ski length is 170 cm.

Why is it important to understand different ski types? In a nutshell, you need to know the different choices available when selecting the right ski for your needs. Please note that there are many different categorizations of ski types. This ski-type categorization I present here is a basic one. We won’t go into detail this time, because for most skiers it is enough to understand the main differences between ski types.

Five basic ski types

In short, there are five main categories of skis. I will here define each category in more detail.

All-mountain ski is the biggest category of ski types. Most skis are all-mountain skis because most skiers prefer having one pair of skis that can be used on different terrain. All-mountain skis are general-purpose skis that can be used on different terrain with varying snow conditions. All-mountain skis are nice tools for beginners and intermediate skiers, but experienced skiers usually require higher performance. All-mountain skis are typically easier to handle than racing skis or special purpose skis.

As the name indicates, racing skis are for races. Racing skis provide high performance, but they are typically harder to control. Racing skis can be great tools for race skiers and experienced skiers, but for beginners and intermediate skiers they can actually cause harm, because racing skis require very good skills from the skier.

Special purpose skis are designed for very special use, such as new school ski tricks or freestyle jumping. Probably the best known and most purchased special purpose ski is the twin tip ski, which can be recognized from its curved-up tail. Twin tip skis were originally invented to provide easier backwards landing. They quickly became very popular, and now all major ski brands provide twin tip skis in their lineup.

Powder ski is a ski type designed purely for backcountry riding and powder skiing. One could consider powder ski as a special type of ski, but because powder hunting has become so popular, the powder ski has become its own main ski category. Powder skis are very wide, sometimes almost as wide as snowboards. Powder skis are designed to float atop powder snow. If you are heading to the backcountries of big mountains, the powder ski is definitely the right tool. Powder skis are sometimes called freeride skis.

Telemark ski is a very special ski type, because with telemark skis your heels can be released. Telemark skiing was invented by Lappish people in Norway, but during the last 20 years it has become very popular in Europe and North America.

These are the five basic ski types. Which one(s) do you prefer?

Let’s take a deeper look at our equipment – the skis. “Noob WARNING” to all experienced skiers! This article is clearly for those who have never touched a ski but want to understand the basics.

In this first part of a three-part series, I am going to explain the structure of a ski. In the second installment I’ll discuss about various types of skis, and in the third part I am going discuss about sizing skis and finding the right ski.

Different parts of a ski

Let’s go through the different parts of a ski one by one.

The nose is the front end of the ski, the end that is bent upwards. The nose always goes first, except when performing tricks.

If the nose is the front end, then the tail is the rear end of the ski. The tail is the end that is usually not bent, except when talking about special skis like snowblades. Anyhow, the tail is always behind your back when you ski.

The base is the part of the ski that is in contact with the snow, the bottom of the ski. If you wax your skis, the wax goes to the base.

If the base is the bottom of the ski, then deck is the top side of the ski. Just like with skateboards and sufboards, the deck is the area that your boots touch. The bindings of your skis are screwed on the deck.

One term you may be unfamiliar with is shovel. The shovel is the widest part of your ski and is located at the front of the ski, right below the nose.

Some years ago, skis used to be totally flat, but nowadays skis are bent. If you put your ski on the floor you can see that it touches the floor in two spots, near the nose and near the tail. These two spots are called the contact points of the ski.

The camber of the ski is the area between the two contact points. Note that we recently reviewed a camber keeper product.

The edges of the ski are the metal strips on both sides of the ski. The edges are needed to make turns and to control the skis. Without edges skiing would be very difficult. In fact, skiing without edges would mainly be uncontrolled sliding.

Most important measures of a ski

Now that we are familiar with the structure of a ski, let’s also define the most important measurements of a ski.

The length of the ski is the distance from nose to tail, measured in centimeters.

The turning radius tells how long it takes for the ski to turn. It is not an exact number, but it can be a pretty good comparison tool when looking for the right ski. A smaller turning radius tells that the ski turns faster while a bigger turning radius indicates that the ski turns slower. A ski with a small turning radius could be called a carving ski, while a ski with a bigger turning radius could be called a cruising ski. A ski with a small turning radius works well in parks, while a ski with big turning radius works well in powder snow. An all-mountain ski is somewhere between these two.

If you happen to live on the flatlands the hiking possibilities are limited though – it is time to hit the shops and surf the internet for cheap equipment and discount sales, thinking about the following season.

It is kind of strange how people like me rush to the latest equipment every year. E.g the Marker Duke binding I reviewed few weeks ago, is pretty much beta tested by the consumers on its first release season. I bet the next season’s model is much more defined and even better. Same goes for the skis in general. Take Völkl Gotama for example – the manufacturer has fine tuned the ski for years and today you can be hundred percent sure the model is proven from years of hard skiing by many different type and level skiers.

Sure there has been very much innovation in the ski design in the lastest years and  e.g. in the new shapes category there has been something very appealing every year (next year no exception, see some candies here, I drool for several pairs very badly already).

However, it is very misleading to think that the new supershapes and technological wonders will make you any better skier.  Check any old school mountain guide, almost anywhere in the world and be ready to get humbled by old farts on 210′s (ok, a bit of exageration here but I guess the point was pretty clear, and if not check out the article and cool video about the long board day of the Kirkwood, California locals).

That being said, my principle is to stick with a year or two old skis, buy from spring discounts and not worry too much about my gear (core shots, edge burns etc.). You see, I’ve never had a sponsor - except if you count some good deals from local retailers that I happen to know. But when I got a bit older I noticed that it is easier to just work for your money and buy cheap ski equipment from good deals (mostly online) than try to convince someone that I am good enough for a “light” sponsor/pro form deal (and yes, I’ve noticed long time ago that I am not good enough for a “heavy” or “real” deal, heh.  Hars realities of life, one can say).

Anyway, here is the deal.

Anyone can go and check through your local ski shops. And I recommend to do that. The shop guys you know might give you THE deal after you’ve visited the shop twenty times and drooled over those sexy sticks you have been eying the whole season.

Also, searching and checking online shops is open for everyone. I recommend that too.

Still, I have a CONCRETE HINT for you.

Check out the German E-bay website www.ebay.de

And look for a (German) shop called “Ski Bilek“.

And wait! Here’s the point. They won’t tag their offerings with the shop name. You have to know what your looking for. Click e.g. “Sport” –> and under “Skisport“, “Alpin“. Now search for the model you want to buy. Note that some of the Ski Bilek’s offering are under the category “Sofort and neu“, meaning you have to pay the fixed start price. But sometimes, especially at the beginning of the new season and in the end of season, you can find lots of great deals here. There has been Blizzard Titan Pros at around 100 €, Völkl Gotamas at around 200€, Völkl Sanouks at around 250€ and so on. I’ve scored myself a pair of Salomon CR Johnson Pro Models at 120(!) Euros and Fisher Big Stix 106′s at 130 Euros. Talkin’ about a good deal!

At the German E-bay, and all the other auction sites in general, be ware of the so called “snipers” (meaning the program that is coded to optimise the auction process). I’ve lost couple of really tempting deals for some late second one Euro offers. That is quite frustrating. I even asked some hints on TGR forums for this. The general opinion was that there is no use to download a sniper program to yourself – just use common sense and decide on the price your willing to pay in the end and stay with it. Usually that price is higher than any of the “snipers” are willing to pay, and you still get a good price.