The Best Women's Intermediate Skis

The Best Women's Intermediate Skis
It took a while for ski manufacturers to realize that women are not small men. This enlightenment inspired a new product--the female-specific ski. Ski expert Jeannie Thoren explains that a woman's lower center of gravity causes her to shift her weight to the tail of skis, placing her in an alignment that ski instructors call "the back seat." Carved turns and mogul skiing are impossible from this position. Women's skis have a forward binding mount, which corrects on-slope alignment and gets the female skier out of the intermediate rut.

Head: The Perfect One

The story of Head Skis is an inspiration to both male and female skiers. The company was inspired by Howard Head's failed attempt to master the sport. Head revolutionized ski design in 1947 by doing away with the heavy wood materials and using lighter, aircraft metal and aluminum. The Perfect One is an indication that the company has continued its dedication to problem-solving. This intermediate ski uses a patented Torque Turning Technology, which solves the flexibility vs. edge control dilemma. The ski has torsional stiffness, which resists twisting when you place the ski on edge, but longitudinal flexibility, which minimizes the amount of strength and energy required for turn initiation. This ski, with its 67mm waist, is perfect for the intermediate ski who is developing her carving muscles on groomed terrain.

Head USA
Shore Pointe, 1 Selleck St.
Norwalk, CT 06855
(203) 855-8666
head.com/ski/ski.php?region=us&tag=women&id=2086

Volkl Attiva Luna

Volkl's Attiva line was created to solve the problems associated with women's susceptibility to ACL injuries. The Bio-Logic technology was co-designed with Marker bindings. It neutralizes the hamstring/quadriceps muscle imbalance that is often exaggerated in women. Turns become more fluid, and mogul skiing is safer when quadriceps dominance is minimized. The 72mm waist makes this an efficient ski for the intermediate female who wants to ski in all conditions.

Marker Völkl USA Inc.
112 Etna Road
03766 Lebanon, NH
(603) 298-0314
volkl.com/ski/attiva/skis.php

K2 True Luv

The K2 T-Nine series takes its name from Title IX, the 1972 amendment that prohibited discrimination against girls in athletics and other educational opportunities. T-Nine skis are often featured in "best-of" surveys in various ski publications and websites. The True Luv is no exception. It uses the K2 patented, vibration-dampening Mod Monic technology, which minimizes that chatter and "bad vibes" associated with variable terrain. Like all female-specific skis, the True Luvs have a forward binding mount to accommodate a women's lower center of gravity. Its 74mm waist can carve and handle powder. This ski provides stability and forgiveness for the intermediate female skier.

K2 Sports USA
4201 6th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98108
800-426-1617
k2skis.com/skis/tnine/true-luv

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword