Yellow, blue, black, fluorescent... Today, there is something for everyone and of all colors. But the most important is to choose your pair of skis according to your level. DON'T HESITATE TO ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR ADVICE AND TO GO TO A SPECIALIZED STORE.
Step 1: YOUR LEVEL
We will define 4 main categories of level. In which category are you?
Beginner: 1st time on skis in your life. Or your skiing experience is limited to a few runs several years ago. Type of ski: A ski that is easy to turn and light enough to have fun quickly.
Intermediate : You are able to ski down the blue and red runs of the ski area at your own pace. Type of ski : A comfortable ski, which allows you to progress and gain confidence.
Advanced : You are no longer afraid of black runs and you are comfortable in all types of snow : hard, transformed, trafolle (with bumps)... Type of ski : A high performance ski, which will allow you to ski in all circumstances with all types of snow and in all terrains.
Expert : Nothing will stop you. Type of ski : you will need several pairs of skis to allow you to enjoy the carving as well as the powder.
Step 2 : THE CHOICE OF THE GROUND :
The ski has evolved with technology: manufacturers offer products dedicated to different styles of practice. Off-piste, ski-cross, leisure skiing, slalom competition or freestyle ... Here are the main ones
Groomed slopes (for all levels)
From the leisure day to the quest for strong sensations on groomed slopes, the type of ski sought will be rather short, with a narrow skid (= the width of the ski under the boot will be less than 80 mm), which will bring more reactivity and precision in the turns.
These skis are suitable for all levels, the main difference being the stiffness: the higher the level, the more rigid the ski needs to be to take committed turns. If for you, ski vacations rhyme with tranquility and skiing pleasure, choose a ski for the slopes that is more flexible and light, which will make you enjoy yourself in all simplicity.
All Mountain: The "all-round" ski
Are you an adventurer who doesn't want to limit yourself to well-groomed trails and fresh snow in January? Having the same skis for powder, cold January snow and spring days is possible. With their 80mm skid and large tip, the All-Mountain will allow you to be comfortable in all types of snow and terrain, and have the right amount of lift to go off-piste or ski on spring snow.
They are the perfect skis for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Freeride : The pleasures of freedom
Reserved for experienced skiers who want to have fun in the powder. This range of skis is designed to promote lift in fresh, ungroomed snow. The skis must be big enough, with a width at the skate at least superior to 90mm to have fun in this type of snow. As with piste skis, you should choose a ski that is more or less rigid depending on your level of practice, your physical condition and your desires. Stiff freeride skis, with normal camber and flat heels are for expert skiers, ready to take speed and go straight down the slope. Softer, or reverse camber skis are more playful, and perfectly suited to those who want to have fun with beautiful curves in virgin spaces.
Freestyle (with double tip):
For those who love tricks and rails in the snow parks. These skis are both light to allow you to pull off your best tricks in flight, and strong to take on the rails of the Park. These are fun skis, you can ski forward and backward thanks to their double tip (the front and back of the ski are curved).
Step 3: ADAPT YOUR EQUIPMENT TO YOUR MORPHOLOGY
We choose the size of his ski according to his level but also his own size.
The size of the ski :
A beginner skier will take a rather short ski, about 10 to 15cm less (under the chin for example) than the size of the person for a ski of track.
A skier already comfortable will find happiness in a ski equivalent to his size, or even slightly larger.
The rigidity of the ski:
A light skier will be more oriented towards a soft ski to facilitate the pivoting of the skis. The lighter the person, the more difficult it will be to turn a ski too rigid, and it will not take advantage of the qualities of recovery of the ski.
Similarly, a heavier skier will quickly become bored with a ski that is too soft.
The stiffness is also related to the level of skiing:
The very good skiers, with a strong physical condition, can afford to choose skis much stiffer than their weight would recommend in order to enjoy a more committed practice.
To really appreciate the sensations that a ski can bring you, the best thing is to test them!
In Courchevel, a store offers to test the best of the ski market for a few runs. The ATELIER COURCHEVEL
Let's go, you know "almost" everything about choosing your skis. You're finally ready to hit the slopes of Courchevel! But ... wait ... Do you have a ski instructor to help you discover the 3 valleys area ?