Are Narrower Skis Better for Beginners?

Are Narrower Skis Better for Beginners?

When it comes to skiing, choosing the right equipment is crucial, especially for beginners. One question that often arises is whether narrower skis are better for beginners. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using narrower skis for beginner skiers. 

What are narrow skis?

Narrow skis are typically less than 85 mm at the waist, which is the narrowest part of the ski. They are designed for groomed runs and hard-packed snow, where they can carve turns with ease. Narrower skis also tend to have a shorter turning radius, which makes them more maneuverable and easier to control.

Pros of narrow skis for beginners

One of the main advantages of using narrower skis for beginners is their narrower shape which makes them lighter and easier to maneuver and control.  Another advantage of narrower skis is that they are more forgiving. When a beginner skier makes a mistake or loses balance, narrower skis are easier to recover from. This is because narrower skis are less likely to catch an edge or veer off course.

However the advantages of light and easy movement can be provided by short and wide skis, too. Wide and short skis, namely skiboards and snowblades, provide the advantage of a firm base which makes the learning process much easier. They are also easy to control and to learn. 

Skiboards, snowblades, skiblades by Snowfeet short skis little skis

Cons of narrow skis for beginners

Despite their advantages, there are also some disadvantages to using narrower skis for beginners. One of the main drawbacks is that narrower skis are less stable at higher speeds. This is because they have less surface area, which makes them less effective at carving turns on hard-packed snow. This can be a problem for intermediate or advanced skiers who like to ski at high speeds.

Additionally, narrow skis are less effective in deep powder or off-piste terrain. This is because their narrow waist makes it harder for them to float on top of the snow. This can make it more challenging for beginners to ski in these types of conditions.

 Skiboards snowblades skiblades by Snowfeet

Wider and shorter skis appear to be more suitable for beginners than narrow skis. Wide skis provide additional support which can be a welcomed feature for everybody who doesn't feel sure on the slopes yet. Short skis provide the advantage of lightness and easy movement. 

In conclusion, wider and shorter skis seem to be the best possible choice for beginner skiers, as they provide all the advantages of the narrow skis plus much more. 

Reading next

Skiboarding / Snowblading Sport - Complete Guide
How to Choose Skis for Beginners?

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