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Skiing on the wrong type of ski for your height, weight, and ability level makes the sport a whole lot less fun than it should be. Professionals at the ski shop do a great job of hooking you up with the appropriate skis, however here are some basic tips to go by.
As a rule of thumb, beginner-level skiers should ride a ski no longer than the top of their chests. Shorter and softer flexing skis are easier to control, making turning easier and gaining speed less intimidating.
The length and waist width of your skis determines how much surface area your ski is touching on the snow. A longer, fatter ski will float more in deeper snow, as well as gain speed faster as your weight is more dispersed along the ski. The tradeoff is that longer skis are harder to control. Leave long, wide skis to the experts: shorter skis give you the ability to turn more sharply, and respond better to your desired movements.
“Flex” refers to the stiffness of the ski. Soft skis require less power to turn and carve, behaving on the snow like a butter knife as you steer them from one direction to another. They are lighter and easier to maneuver, and forgiving during falls and bumps. Stiffer skis are great for more advanced skiing, when you start carving your turns and traveling at high speeds.
AIM Adventure U’s Intro to Skiing course is designed to take you through the basics of skiing, without actually having to step foot on the hill. The six-week online course can be completed from wherever you are, on your own time. Through interactive lessons, which include photo and video instruction, you’ll be prepared to navigate everything from the rental shop to your first turns on the slopes.
