What To Look For
Slalom skis are more specialized skis designed for quick turns in slalom races. They also excel at mogul skiing and tree skiing. Most slalom skis are shorter, meaning they are not as good in powder and can feel unstable when railing high speed turns. Slalom skis generally have more sidecut, which refers to the difference between the skis' width at the tip and the waist. The more sidecut skis have, the easier it is to turn. Most slalom skiers also favor stiffer skis that can give some bounce back when the skier initiates a turn; this bounce back helps get into the next turn quicker. Though there is a trend towards wider and wider skis, most slalom skis will be trimmer at the waist, generally between 70 mm and 90 mm. Check the turning radius of the skis; most slalom skis have a shorter turning radius of under 18 meters.
Common Pitfalls
Keep in mind that with slalom skis, shorter is better, because the skis will be more maneuverable and quicker to turn. However, this shorter length makes the skis less suitable for recreational all-mountain use. Many advanced skiers like to build up a ski "quiver" for this reason, choosing the right type of skis for what they want to do on a given day. Professional slalom racers often choose skis in the 160 to 170 cm range. Make sure to demo the skis you are considering before buying them; one person's Holy Grail can be another's trash.
Where To Buy
Because there is so much difference in how skis feels underfoot, it is best to buy skis from a local mountain or ski shop who can help you narrow your choices to best fit your style. Many of these shops also have demo programs so that you can check the skis out first.
Cost
Slalom skis generally cost between $400 and $1200 (2010 prices).
Comparison Shopping
Nordica's Dobermann line of race skis is deservedly popular, and the Dobermann SL Pro XBI ($1149) is one of the better slalom skis on the market. Atomic's D2 Race SL ($999) also offers a high level of performance. Head's Worldcup iSL ($1150) is ideal for advanced skiers, as well as racers. K2's Stinger ($430) is a slalom sized ski aimed at recreational and intermediate skiers.
