How to Choose Skis for Beginners?

Choosing the first skis is an amazing journey, yet many first-time skiers can be daunted by the amount of information they need to absorb before they will decide for the one pair. We are here to provide a simple guide.

1. Determine your skiing style

Before you begin your search for the perfect pair of skis, you need to determine your skiing style. Do you want to cruise down groomed runs, take on the bumps, or explore the backcountry? The type of skiing you plan to do will determine the type of skis you should consider. If you're a beginner, it's likely that you'll be skiing mostly on groomed runs, so a pair of all-mountain skis would be a good choice. However, you might be beginner in other skiing disciplines, too. Fear not, we've got you covered.

All-Mountain Skis

As the name suggests, all-mountain skis are versatile and designed to perform well in various conditions and terrains. They are an excellent choice for beginners who wish to explore different aspects of skiing without committing to a specialized type. Our favourite all-mountain skis are definitely Skiboards 65 & Skiboards 99. Skiboards are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. They allow easy movement and they are very forgiving when you make a mistake. Short boards ensure easy turning and perfect control over skis.

Skiboards Snowblades Skiblades by Snowfeet

Freestyle Skis

These skis are lighter and more flexible, tailored for those interested in tricks and park skiing. They often feature twin tips, allowing skiers to ski backwards (switch) and land jumps easily. Freestyle skis need to be both short to allow agility of movement but they should offer support at the same time. When you are a beginner in free style skiing, Skiboards 65 or Skiskates are a great choice.

Short boards allow an unrestricted movement necessary for performing tricks but give you support when landing.

Alpine Touring Skis

Designed for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering, these skis are used with special bindings that allow for both uphill walking and downhill skiing. When you are a backcountry rookie, or even a pro, we recommend opting for shorter backcountry skis. Short touring skis are less heavy, so you don't get tired as easily, plus short board allow you to react with agility to difficult terrain.

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Race Skis

Built for speed and precision, race skis are for more experienced skiers and are not recommended for beginners due to their stiff nature and sharp responsiveness. Plus, race skis are usually very long, making control over them very challenging. In fact, racing skis are suitable only for Olympic racers!

2. Consider your skill level

As a beginner, it's important to choose skis that match your skill level. Even though many ski shops still follow the outdated rule of selecting skis based on your height, choosing skis based simply on what feel most comfortable and suitable becomes more and more important.

Short skis are a great option for beginners from a number of reasons. Short skis are typically between 99-140 cm long , but you can also get 65 or 45 cm short ones. Short skis, also called skiboards, snowblades or skiblades and are great for learning the basic skills of skiing. They are also more forgiving and easier to turn, which is essential for beginners who are just starting to get the hang of things.

Agility

Short skis excel in maneuverability, ideal for weaving through challenging spots like moguls or terrain parks. Their easy turning ability boosts confidence when tackling difficult areas.

Fast learning curve

Skiboards are the skis which are the easiest to learn. You can progress in a quick pace and make big steps very fast. Many skiers get the basics within a few rides.

Fun Factor

Short skis are a top pick for freestyle enthusiasts and terrain park lovers. They allow for rapid transitions and offer a lively, dynamic ski experience unlike any other.

Wide Range of Sizes

The selection of short ski lengths is vast, ranging from compact 65 cm Skiboards to longer 120 cm Skiboards, catering to every preference and need.

3. Determine your ski size

As a general rule, shorter skis are easier to control and maneuver, making them a great choice for beginners.

However, different lengths of short ski make a huge difference in what your skiing is going to be like.

4. Look for skis with a forgiving flex

As a beginner, it's important to look for skis with a forgiving flex. This means that the skis are more flexible and easier to bend than stiffer skis, which can make them more forgiving if you make a mistake. A forgiving flex is especially important for beginners who are still learning the basics of skiing and may not be able to control their movements as well as more experienced skiers.

5. Don't forget about bindings

When choosing skis for beginners, it's important not to forget about bindings. Bindings are essential for safety and performance. When it comes to shorter skis, you can choose either non-release ski boot bindings or snowboard boot bindings. Go for what feels the best. Look for bindings that are easy to adjust and provide a secure fit for your boots. It's also a good idea to have your bindings professionally adjusted to ensure that they are set up correctly for your skill level and skiing style.

Skiboards snowblades skiblades by Snowfeet

6. Length

Length is an important factor to consider, too. Shorter skiboards, 60 to 80 cm long, give you more freedom of movement, plus they are great for quick and short turns, jumping over moguls, very lightweight, and easy to transport. They’re also great for kids thanks to the size. On the other hand, they’re not as good for powder, you’ll also get less front-back stability and they’re not made for long, deep carves if that’s what you’re looking for.

Longer skiboards, more similar to long skis, still offer freedom of movement, but not as much as shorter ones. They are great for powder, easy for landing in snowparks, and perfect for long, deep carves. The most common lengths are 90 and 99 cm, but you can also get skiboards as long as 120 cm.

7. Width

Wider skiboards perform better in powder, while thinner ones are better for the ski slopes. For most of you, it’s probably best to choose something in between, which means tip and tail width around 11 cm and waist width around 8 or 9 cm.

Waist width is particularly important. The thinner this is, the easier it will be to turn the skis on the edges and perform carving.

8. Radius

The smaller the radius, the smaller and faster the turns. Aim for a radius between 4 - 8. The shorter the skis, the smaller is the radius usually.

9. Tip and Tail Height

It is usually 4-5 cm. The higher, the better for ungroomed terrain, but as long as it’s not below 3, you’ll be fine. Tail height is also important for skiing backward.

In conclusion, choosing the right skis for beginners can seem overwhelming, but by considering your skiing style, skill level, size, flex, and bindings, you can make an informed decision. Short skis are an excellent option for beginners because they are easy to control and maneuver, making it easier to learn the basics of skiing. With the right pair of skis, you'll be hitting the slopes in no time and enjoying all that skiing has to offer.