What To Look For
Ski equipment has advanced from the days of long, skinny, straight skis that were taller than the skier. Shaped skis make it easier to turn and help intermediate skiers advance. There are a wide variety of skis, including twin tip designs for doing tricks and skiing backward. Skis are offered in different stiffness as well. Skiers who are hard-charging experts prefer a stiffer ski that can withstand a lot of force. Powder skiers often prefer a softer flexing ski. And intermediates doing all-terrain will enjoy a medium length midstiff to soft ski. In addition, skiers who are telemark skiing or alpine touring often look for a different type of ski, especially because many alpine skis come with integrated bindings. Popular skis include offerings from Head, Nordica, K2, Volkl, Rossignol, Salomon, Movement, Dynastar and Atomic.
Common Pitfalls
When buying skis, be careful not to just go with the salesperson's recommendation on length and width. It is important to demo skis before investing in them. Some skiers will find they prefer longer skis, which are more stable at speed. Others will prefer shorter skis that are easier to control. With wider skis, it is possible to choose shorter lengths. Wider skis will float better in powder but might not be easy to turn on packed powder. Don't just choose a ski based on a review or a friend's recommendation. You might find your skiing style demands a different type of ski.
Where To Buy
Local specialty ski outlets are a great place to buy skis as they often have a wide selection. Several online retailers such as Backcountry.com offer a good selection and good deals.
Cost
Skis vary widely in price. Entry-level models can run as little as $300 to $400 a pair as of September 2009. Models for racing top out at more than $1,000. Most skiers can find a good ski to suit their level and needs in the $500 to $800 range.
Accessories
Consider buying a ski rack to mount your skis. It makes it significantly easier to carpool. Racks can be bought that will hold four or six pairs of skis. Some are also designed to carry both skis and snowboards.
