A Quick Guide to Buying New Skis

Thinking of buying new skis this winter? We asked Tom at First Run Ski Shop for tips on how to find, try and choose the perfect new set of skis for you.

When approaching the ski wall in your favorite ski shop like First Run right here at Stratton, looking at the selection can be a little overwhelming. Just like shopping for new ski boots there is a ski for you, each with subtle differences in shape, flex and build to match your style of skiing and ability. 

The ski wall at First Run Ski Shop

The shape of the ski is a good place to start. Shaped skis have wide tips and a relatively narrow middle with wider tails that let the ski make smaller or tighter turns than skis with little difference between the tip, middle and tail. Wider skis combined with rocker technology gives a skier more versatility to tackle different snow conditions.

Top, a straighter Scott ski; bottom, a more shapely Rossignol.

Next, think about how you like to ski and ask your ski expert to steer you to the selection of skis that suit that style, and let the test begin! Demoing skis is easy and fast so don't fret about losing time for turns.

When demoing skis, look for a ski that is most compatible with the way that you ski. Find one you’re comfortable on, one that turns when you want it to turn and responds to your demands when you want to ski more aggressively. Here are few things to try with a potential pair of skis: 

1. Get out on the hill and use your favorite trail as your test run.
2. Make turns of different shapes and sizes. Try out short, fast turns, then wider turns. 
3. Take the ski to a little faster speed to get a sense of stability and ability to hold an edge while in a turn. Take a little section of the trail and ski slower to see how the ski performs while turning and stability. 
4. Remember that ski reviews in magazines are written by professional skiers, so use that information as a guide but rely on your own feelings when using new equipment.

Once you have tested a few to several models, you should know what you need to know to choose the ski that is right for YOU! Again, the staff at your ski shop is there to help you with no pressure – ask as many questions as you need to! They want to make sure that you continue to love skiing as much as they do.

Try First Run's Demo Card for three full days of as many skis as you want to try plus a $100 credit toward your new pair of skis. It’s only $60 and only on sale until October 31.