The shape and size of mountain skis: a detailed review for the right choice
The right choice of skis plays an important role for your comfort and control of movement on the slopes. Let’s consider different types of skis according to their shape and size. But first, let’s focus on the main parameters.
LENGTH
The first thing we pay attention to in skis is their length. It is known that the longer the skis, the more effective and faster they will slide on the snow. This is why alpine and cross-country skis are usually long. However, sliding speed is not the only parameter that matters. Longer skis are harder to turn and heavier than shorter skis.
So, since the length of skis affects their maneuverability, stability and speed, alpine skis are divided into three main categories:
Short skis: are less than 150 cm long and are designed for skiing on slopes with many turns and for performing tricks. They have great maneuverability and are easy to control, but are less stable at high speed.
Medium skis: have a length of 150 to 170 cm and are a versatile option for skiing on and off the slopes. They have greater stability at high speed than short skis.
Long skis: have a length of more than 170 cm and are designed for fast skiing on open tracks. They have high stability at high speed, but are less maneuverable than short and medium skis.
FORM / Side cut
In addition to different lengths, skis also come in different widths and shapes. Some are narrow, some are wide, some are ‘Y’ shaped and others are more like an ‘X’. Almost all alpine skis have a wider raised toe at the front, a slightly narrower tail and a pronounced waist.
We measure this shape by taking the width of the toe, waist and tail, for example 125-85-112mm. For the same length, the greater the difference in width between the wider toe, tail and waist, the faster the ski will turn.
The side cut of the ski determines the turning radius of the ski. This is determined by the size of the side cut, the length of the ski and is measured as follows: if you put the ski on the ground and trace the curve of the ski from the toe to the tail with a pen, then continue to draw that curve until it becomes a complete circle. The turning radius is the length of the radius of this circle in meters. For slalom skis with fast turns it can be as little as 10m, and for wide freeride skis it can be 24m or more. Most mountain and touring skis have a turning radius of approximately 16-20 m.
However, each ski parameter affects the others. If we consider a model of skis of different lengths that have the same sidecut, it is obvious that the shortest skis will have a smaller turning radius than the longer skis. In numbers it looks like this:
Length / side cut / radius
166 cm: 131-102-127 mm / 16 m
178 cm: 131-102-127 mm / 19 m
188cm: 131-102-127mm / 21m
OR
Changing the shape/side cut of different lengths to maintain a more constant turning radius for all lengths (although changing the width also changes the behavior of the skis):
Length / side cut / radius
162 cm: 123-87-106 mm / 18 m
169 cm: 124-88-107 mm / 18.5 m
176 cm : 125-89-108 mm / 19 m
183 cm: 126-90-109 mm / 19.5 m
In general, skis with a smaller waist width perform better on hard and icy snow. Instead, the wider the skis, the better they will perform in loose snow and variable conditions.
There is a wide selection of ski widths from 65 mm to 120 mm at the waist. Here is our simple recommendation for choosing the right skis:
85mm and under – Great for piste and hard snow with ice
90-100mm – Great for piste, hard snow with a bit of ice and occasional loose snow
100-105mm – Great for pistes, bumps, light ice and loose snow
115mm – Great for loose snow, bumps, a variety of mixed snow conditions
120+mm – Specialized for loose snow
As universal, we recommend the width of skis in the range from 90 to 105 mm at the waist.
Let’s consider the types of skis according to their shape and size.
Carving skis:
Carving skis have a narrow waist and a large turning radius, which allows them to make precise turns on the track. The waist width of carving skis can vary from 65 to 85 mm. These skis are ideal for slalom. They allow you to develop high speed on smooth prepared slopes. Carving skis have a small turning radius, usually up to 15 m, which allows you to easily control the change of direction.
Alpine skis (touring skis):
Alpine skis have a medium width and bend radius, which gives them versatility on different types of trails. They are suitable for a wide range of skiers, from beginners to experienced skiers. Alpine skis have a moderate turning radius, usually up to 20 m, which provides good maneuverability and control over turns. The speed that can be developed on alpine skis depends on the length and stiffness of the particular model. The width of alpine skis can varyfrom 75 to 95 mm.
Freeride skis:
Freeride skis have a wide shape with a large contact area with the snow. They are designed for skiing in loose snow, off-piste and in extreme conditions. Freeride skis usually have a larger turning radius, from 20 m, which makes it easy to control them on steep slopes. The width of freeride skis can vary from 95 to 125 mm.
Freestyle Skis:
Freestyle skis have a wide profile and shorter length designed for tricks and jumps. They usually have an average turning radius of about 20m, which allows you to ride the track and control the turns while performing tricks. Freestyle skis usually have an average speed, since the main emphasis is on maneuverability and precision of tricks. The width of freestyle skis can vary from 80 to 95 mm.
Universal skis:
Universal skis have a shape that combines elements of carving and freeride models. They often have a medium width, which allows for stability and handling on the trail, as well as sufficient snow contact area for skiing in loose snow and on groomed trails. Universal skis can have a slight lift of the front part (rocker), which facilitates control and improves smoothness when skiing in loose snow. The size of all-purpose skis usually depends on your weight, height and skill level. The higher your weight, the larger skis may suit you. Average sizes for adult all-purpose skis usually range from 160 to 180 cm. Larger sizes provide more stability and speed on open trails, while smaller sizes allow for more maneuverability and control.
To choose the right size and shape of skis, it is better to consult with a specialist or use the size chart provided by the manufacturers. Always remember that the shape and size of the skis can also vary depending on your skiing style, personal preferences and the conditions of the slopes you intend to ski. Before choosing skis, carefully analyze your needs and skills, consult with professionals and try different models to find the ones that suit you best.