Choosing skis for beginners

Winter outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular with the development of ski resorts, special stadiums and trails. That is why modern manufacturers of sports equipment are focused not only on professional athletes, but also on amateurs. The choice of downhill and walking skis is a crucial moment that requires taking into account different nuances.

The first skis are difficult to choose. Novice athletes first of all need to understand the characteristics of the main types of skiing.

• Walking. This option is most often chosen by beginner ski enthusiasts. The category is the most massive, in it you can find budget and universal models. All of them are appropriate for classics and skating, you can walk on them in an open area, in a forest without a ski track. The models are quite wide, stable in the snow, and are suitable for beginners.

• Fitness. This category of skis is suitable for those who do not seek to compete, but set themselves the goal of maintaining good shape. In the manufacture of this type of inventory, the latest technologies are used, very high quality materials, so the price is higher than that of the previous category. The cost is close to racing.

• For a classic move. The choice of such a model is a difficult task, since the classical move has its own characteristics. Here it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of weight, height, pushing power of the legs and even the weather. Beginners should choose a softer model, while experienced skiers prefer harder options. It is better to test skis when buying on a flex tester.

• For skating. Personal preference should be considered when choosing in this category. In general, this variety has greater rigidity than the classics.Balance is a problem, so the skis should be easy to handle. Soft options are better for walking.

Fans of recreation in the mountains prefer ski models. Alpine skiing should be chosen based on what technique of movement you plan to adhere to.

• For trails. Here the skier will need equipment that can fit into sharp turns, take good acceleration, and move dynamically. These skis are designed to be used on very tough trails. The assortment is wide enough in relation to the professional level.

• Universal. A multifunctional category that is appropriate for movement on crust, ice crust, thin cover, small snowdrifts. Such models will suit someone who is not a professional, but loves to ride from time to time. You don't have to think about whether there is fresh snow on the track or it is as smooth as possible. Of course, the characteristics are inferior to the varieties of the Olympic level, but they are quite suitable for amateurs.

• Women's. These skis are singled out as a separate type only in the mountain category. They are more flexible, somewhat shorter and softer than male ones. To carry out maneuvers, women have to act more actively, spend more energy, therefore, models that are easy to control are created especially for the fair sex. The design is quite plastic, smooth type, it is easier to accelerate on it. The boot stock is shifted slightly forward.

• For freeride. This type of ski differs primarily in its width - at least 10 cm. For those who first decided to get on skis, this model is hardly worth considering. If the basic freeriding techniques are mastered, and in future plans - to learn how to ride on difficult "wild" areas, this option is just right. It requires not only excellent physical fitness, but also knowledge of safety rules. Freeriders work on ice and snow-covered areas without a ski track, paving a route through virgin snowdrifts. Skis of this type are characterized by high rigidity, wide width and bright color.

• For ski touring. This type is intended for use on rough terrain without lifts and equipped trails. They are lighter, have excellent geometry, make it possible not only to go down the slopes, but also to ski.

• Park and mountain. Freestyle equipment: very soft, special construction and original design. They can even move backwards and land safely.

This criterion is not found in the accompanying product documents. It is determined only empirically, by taking the skis in hand and bending them. As mentioned above, for beginners, you need to choose a softer pair. The material from which the skis are made, more precisely, the metal content in it, also matters. The more it is, the harder the skis. Likewise, the stiffness depends on the width of the board. Ski designs are of two types:

• evenly rigid along the entire length (for special routes);
• the middle is hard, the ends are softer (for rough terrain).

Skis for adult beginners need to be selected taking into account many important parameters. Experts recommend trying to start with rental options in order to determine at least the category and basic details. For beginners, you should evaluate where and how they are going to ride, characterize the terrain, and also take into account individual physical data. These parameters can be called basic when choosing a pair of skis.

Here, runners that are suitable for a person's build are important - height and weight cannot be ignored, since the length of the inventory directly depends on this. To use less energy and ski efficiently, you need to choose the right model and brand for the beginner, not forgetting about age and gender. Weight must be taken into account from another point of view.Fragile people will have a hard time with equipment designed for large skiers: it is more difficult to control such a pair, low body weight will not allow using the skiing technique correctly. The more weight and height, the more carefully you need to select skis for rigidity and strength.

For athletes, the choice of ski length is more important than for beginners. At the beginning of the journey, it is enough to take into account the following recommendations:

• if the skill level is average, it is better to subtract 20 cm from the height when choosing the length of the inventory;
• if the sports form is tall, there is a focus on the result - the length should be 10 cm shorter than the height;
• those who are confident in themselves and their abilities to conquer the slopes should choose the option according to their height;
• women should purchase models that are 5 cm shorter than their height;
• if the weight is above average, you need to add 5 cm.

Downhill and walking skis for beginners can be purchased in special markets, where the range is always wide. Below is an overview of the top models for skiers.

• Head Supershape Rally. This hit has been significantly updated and changed for the better. The updated version is slightly wider than before. The radius has been slightly increased to make it easier to work on corners and easier to control. The stiffness of the longitudinal type also changed towards smoothness.

• Kastle MX83. Austrian model, recommended for those who have already mastered or are planning to master the flawlessly correct riding technique. Ideally withstand different types of dynamics, suitable for all slopes. A lightweight sock and other technical details ensure maximum riding comfort. The model itself is not new, but it has recently been significantly updated in terms of geometry. The profile has become less strict, the rocker is small.

• Atomic Vantage. The lightest skis that retain all the qualities of the bestsellers in this category. The riding dynamics is assumed to be average, the level of comfort in use is high. Great for both self-confident and beginner skiers.

• Rossignol Experience. A wide model that does not lose maneuverability, it works well in corners. The toe is lightweight, the radius is short. Suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers.

• Salomon S / Force 11. A universal version, powerful, suitable for different riding dynamics, especially high-speed. The shape of the side walls is quite original, the titanal layer is of a double type. The skis are superbly controlled, gripping tenaciously on the track, even with poor training.

• Fischer RC One 82 Gt. The difference between the model is a special design with a triple-type radius. It is a little short in the toe, medium under the fastening. Thanks to this, the skis work great on turns, clearly controllable. Ideal for hobbyists.

When it comes to cross-country skiing, the following models are worth paying attention to.

• Salomon Rs 7. They are suitable for skating style of riding, do not depend on gender, riding degree is medium. They are made of plastic, have perfect sliding, the fastening is the most reliable and comfortable. French skis are recommended for those who are taking their first steps in skiing.

• Fischer CRS Race Jr. Suitable for young skiers of all genders who are learning classic and skating moves. Made of plastic, cute design, perfect for junior age.

• Atomic Mover XCruise Grip. A walking model designed for the classics. Plastic skis have notches that eliminate slippage, work well on the rise and on difficult tracks. Their rigidity is average, but the weight of the skier should not exceed 70 kg. The skis are quite stable, comfortable, and allow you to develop a decent speed.

• Nordway XC Skin. The model is medium in rigidity, provides excellent grip when pushing off, while sliding does not deteriorate.Great for walking, but not the best for high speeds. The weight of the skis is light, yet they are durable and of high quality, with a reinforced heel.

• Salomon R 6 Combi. A universal model for any style, perfect for those who are just starting to master the technique of the move. Average hardness, durable plastic, good sliding on any surface. There are no notches, so it is more difficult to work on the rise. Best of all, this option is suitable for those who already skate a little with the classics and are mastering the skating course.

In addition to these criteria, it is important to pay attention to the radius of the side cutout when choosing. The smaller it is, the better it will maneuver. A number from 17 mm indicates a model that is designed for a smooth ride. It is this indicator that is optimal for beginners, as it makes it easy to control the skis. More complex models can be viewed with experience. Choosing a ski model with an existing range is a difficult task, in which it is very important to take into account your own feelings. Any discomfort is a reason to consider another option. Test your skis in a store, rent them to determine the category and brand. With this approach, it is easier to assess both the pros and cons, without fear of making a mistake in choosing the right kit.

For information on how to choose the right skis for beginners, see the next video.