How to Choose Skis for Beginners?

Skiing is a thrilling and enjoyable winter sport that offers a great opportunity for beginners to get out and enjoy the snow. However, choosing the right skis as a beginner can be daunting with so many options available. Short skis are an excellent option for beginners who are just starting out, and in this article, we will explore how to choose skis for beginners.

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.

2. Consider your skill level

As a beginner, it's important to choose skis that match your skill level. Short skis are a great option for beginners because they are easier to control and maneuver than longer skis. 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.

3. Determine your ski size

When it comes to choosing the right size of ski, there are a few factors to consider. Your height, weight, skiing ability or style all play a role in determining the size of skis that will work best for you. As a general rule, shorter skis are easier to control and maneuver, making them a great choice for beginners. If you want to have fun on the mountain, doing all kinds of twists, jumps and tricks, the shorter size is definitely better for you. If you love carving more than anything else, chose longer ones with narrow waste width.

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.

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.