How to choose the right ski equipment?

What we’re tempted to do

• Buying powder skis “because the picture in the advert is too pretty” (when all we do is slope skiing)
• Take the same skis as Alexis Pinturault “because he’s my hero” (even though we prefer quiet skiing).
• Choose shoes one size larger than your usual size (“too comfortable! They look like slippers!”).

What we should do:

• Choosing the right equipment
• Choosing the right equipment for your level
• Choosing the right equipment for your size

1. How many days a year do I spend on skis on average?

• 100 to 150: “I’m a monitor!”
• A dozen: “I go on skiing vacations at least once a year”.
• Less: “I go on ski vacations every two or three years”.

The number of days you spend, on average, on your spatulas each year is a good indicator: if you ski very irregularly, then you’re better off renting your equipment rather than buying it. That way, you’ll benefit from the latest equipment every time you go skiing.

2. What do I do with my skis 90% of the time?

Piste? Off-piste? If you’re going to buy skis, choose a pair suited to your most popular activity. Are you used to skiing on piste all week long, and (occasionally) treating yourself to a morning off-piste with an instructor? Then invest in on-piste skis and rent your equipment for the day when you go off-piste.

Do you enjoy a wide variety of activities, but are not very intensive? Versatile skis may be just what you’re looking for. Bear in mind, of course, that a versatile ski will be “average in everything” rather than being very good in one or other discipline.

Do you regularly ski both on and off-piste? Then you should consider investing in two pairs of skis for optimum comfort (grip and buoyancy) on all your outings.

3. What is my level of skiing (real, not dream!)?

There are no such things as bad skis: only bad choices! And if you don’t feel like you’re having fun with your tips, it may be that you’ve overestimated your level (a little too much)… A skier who engages will need skis that respond, and therefore skis that are rather rigid. Do you prefer a more leisurely style of skiing? Then look for less demanding, more flexible skis that aren’t too long (5 to 10 cm shorter than your height is perfect with parabolic skis): in other words, skis that are easy to handle, that turn on their own and that you can have fun with! After all, that’s what vacations are for!

Shoes first!

If your budget doesn’t allow you to invest in skis + bindings + boots + poles, then always start with boots. That’s your priority! You’ll always get by with good boots and moderately adapted skis, whereas the reverse is not true.

In particular, don’t be tempted by boots that are “too” comfortable on the first try. Ski boots are not, in essence, very comfortable! What is required is good support, so you can be more precise on your skis. Ski boots that are too big lead to overheating (the heel rubs on the back), cramps, shin pain, etc., and don’t allow you to be precise in your turns. As a general rule, you should touch the toe of the boot when you’re standing, and not touch it again when your legs are bent in the skiing position.

(Re)upgrade your skills!

Equipment is constantly evolving, and with it, skiing practices. Have you learned to ski with long, straight tips? Don’t be shy about taking a few more lessons to get the most out of your new equipment : with parabolic skis, we’re talking about carving rather than skidding turns, and we’re saying goodbye to tight knees – our feet are spread out instead!

Not too many tests!

The more ski comparisons and tests you read, the more confused you’ll get. Limit yourself to two or three pairs, and try them out in a short space of time. That way, you’ll really be able to compare equal snow conditions, equal levels of fatigue and equal levels of ski wear.

Watch out for fasteners!

If you’re buying a new pair of boots but keeping your old skis, make sure your sole height is adapted to your current bindings. Otherwise, you may not be able to remove your boots properly in the event of a fall…

What explains the price difference between two pairs of skis or boots in different ranges?

Ski construction :

• Is the ski made by hand, in a sandwich, with wood or metal construction, etc.? Knowing that it takes 70 steps to make a ski!
• Or is it injected, all plastic?

Materials used :

• Does the shoe’s plastic change much depending on the temperature? In other words, is the flex regular or highly variable depending on whether you’re in the store, on the slopes in the middle of January or at the end of April?
• Are the materials resistant? Durable?
• Are the materials noble?