How to choose the right skis?

You are excited for your skiing holiday, but you are missing the most important piece of equipment? We have several useful insights and tips on how to choose the right skis that will give you the true skiing experience. Although choosing skis may seem challenging at first glance, we will show you what to focus on so you can enjoy the joy of skiing from the very first ride.

What are your skiing skills?

Before you start searching, try to define yourself as a skier or clearly determine your skiing level. Are you a beginner, an occasional recreational skier, or do you have sporty or even racing ambitions? Many parameters and features directly linked to the skis depend on your experience. You must be able to control the skis on the slope, and they should work in your favor.

Beginner skier – Spends a few days on the slope during the season and collects first experiences. Skis with a softer core that do not create much resistance are suitable. Usually skis with a smaller turning radius, allowing you to make turns even in shorter sections.
Recreational skier – Can ski very well on groomed slopes and cannot imagine winter holidays without skiing. Has good reaction abilities and can adjust their skiing style depending on slope conditions. They will need stiffer skis with a medium radius, providing comfort and the possibility to improve speed.
Advanced skier – Has enough experience and seeks more challenging conditions. They are agile and their skiing style is sporty rather than recreational. They should choose high-quality skis with a reinforced core, providing stability. However, mastering them requires better technical skills. The width and radius should be chosen based on terrain and skiing style.

How to choose skis based on terrain/environment?

Terrain selection is often linked to skiing skills. Recreational skiers prefer groomed slopes with predictable conditions. Good choices are skis for groomed slopes and light terrain, marked as all-round or all-mountain. Their advantages are versatility and a wide selection of sizes, materials, and prices.

If you have outgrown groomed slopes and want to avoid collisions with less experienced skiers, you may be drawn to more difficult mountain terrain where it is all about your skills. High-quality off-piste skis are marked as freeride skis. They provide flotation, movement in powder, and stability. They require advanced skiing skills. For those who enjoy demanding winter hiking with uphill climbs and want a great descent as a reward, skialp skis are ideal.

A separate category is snowparks, made for tricks and jumps. Skis that can handle impacts are called freestyle skis. They have a robust construction with raised tips and tails and very durable edges.

Women’s, men’s or unisex skis?

Do not assume the only difference is in design or color. Although women’s skis do look different, the essential differences lie in construction.

Women’s skis are lighter, softer, and more cushioned. Their tips are slightly wider to help with turning. Bindings (and center of gravity) are placed further forward for easier control. Unisex skis offer a compromise suitable for occasional skiers.

Basic ski parameters

Turning radius tells you how large the turn will be when skiing. The lower the radius, the easier the ski turns in smaller curves.

Short turns – radius up to 13 m: agile and easy to control, suitable for beginners.
Medium turns – radius 13–16 m: the most versatile and popular.
Long turns – radius above 16 m: for technically advanced skiers who enjoy long curves.

Ski length

What is the correct ski length? It is not an easy answer. Ideal ski length depends on skier height, terrain, and skiing style.

The general rule says skis should reach between your chin and eyebrows.
You can follow the formula: (skier height in cm) minus (5–15 cm). If the skier measures 175 cm, they should choose skis between 160–170 cm.
Beginners should choose shorter, more maneuverable skis reaching to the chin. Advanced skiers should choose skis up to the eyebrows.

It is good to know that…

…such calculated ski length takes into account mainly the skier’s height. Experts watch skiing style as well. For skis with long radius (above 16 m) intended for long turns, it is suitable to choose skis almost as long as the skier. Freeride or skialp skis may even be slightly longer.

Ski width

Modern skis are not the same width along the entire length. Width is given in three numbers: tip width, waist width, tail width (e.g., 121–84–106 mm).
Narrow tips perform well on hard slopes at high speeds. Wider tips make turning in soft snow easier.

The most attention is focused on the width of the middle of the ski:

Up to 75 mm – slalom, all-round skis for groomed slopes.
75–90 mm – all-mountain skis handling groomed, windblown, or mixed terrain.
Over 90 mm – freeride, skialp, freestyle skis offering stability in demanding conditions.

It is good to know that..

..wider skis have more surface contact with snow – more stability and less sinking. Narrow skis offer less resistance, higher speeds, and quicker edge transitions.

How to choose skis for children?

Is it worth passing on skis inherited from older children? In most cases, no. Skis must suit the child in several ways, otherwise they will run away from the slope before they learn to ski. Children’s skis are lightweight and come in attractive colors and patterns. They should provide the child with sufficient stability, but also maneuverability, so that their first skiing experiences do not turn into memories full of painful falls.

When choosing the right length, consider the child’s height and current skiing abilities:

For a child on the slope for the first time: skis to shoulder–chin level.
If they know basics: skis under the nose.
For experienced child skiers: skis up to eyes/forehead.

Children grow, and the skis you buy will last them one, at most two seasons. If you don’t want to invest in regular purchases, we recommend using ski and ski suit rental services.

If you still cannot choose the right skis even after using our tips, contact Najšport.sk. They will advise you via online support or through their personal shopping consultant at +421 220 924 810.

You can also find a rental shop for ski and snowboard equipment for children and adults in our Kubínska resort, where they will gladly help you choose skis. In winter season we offer 14 km of groomed slopes, 2 chairlifts, 8 drag lifts and lots of opportunities for unforgettable family experiences!