I'm buying new skis, any recommendations?

Question

I'm female, 5'10", 135 lbs. intermediate/advanced level skier. Mostly groomers, some powder/backcountry, no trick skiing. I'd like something fairly fast & aggressive. My current sticks are 4 seasons old (Atomic BetaRide) and 180's, but I've heard shorter is the new trend. Any advice?

Answer 1

So far, all of the answers have been "use Ski X, it's what I use and it's awesome!" Of course, everybody thinks their skis are awesome because they have a blast every time they use them. And I'm glad, because skiing is the most fun thing to do on Earth.

Do you live near any ski areas? What I would do is find out the dates for "Demo Days" or whatever your local areas call them. Basically, a rental company sets up a tent at the base of the hill. You give them your driver's license, and they give you a pair of demo skis, FREE, for an hour or so. Then you give those back and take a different pair out for a few runs. It's a great way to try different styles and lengths. If you still haven't fallen in love with a model by then, pay the $30 or so to demo a pair or two for a full day. It's all a matter of personal preference, not about what's hot and new.

Length and sidecut are interrelated specs. The deeper the cut, the shorter you need. I personally prefer an all-mountain ski with medium sidecut, and about 8% shorter than the old straight skis I used to ride. If I remember correctly, your BetaRides are STIFF and FAST skis. Sidecut skis also tend to be slower--while they turn and carve much better than straight skis, they tend to "chatter" when riding straight down a mountain.

Ultimately, the only way to decide is to demo them and go for what feels right. Or, do what I do: demo, and then pick from a few models you liked based on what's on sale!

Answer 2

for youre height you need to be comfortable first off. Dont be led by others when choosing the right fit of ski.Whats good for them is not good for you!!! Unless you are a Olympic skier(fast,accurate & great)who instinctively know there limits due to hard work getting there see a reputable dealer with self experience so they can guide you in your choice of ski. Generally the sleeker thinner models are the best(speedwise) but the agression thing is all about you & how smart you are on skis.Shop around long term youll be better off. good luck

Answer 3

This is what I would recommend:

G3 Aviatrix Telemark / Randonee Skis - Women's

G-3's™ most versatile model, these are the guide skis built just for women.
•Compact lengths and sweet, round flex are appropriate for its lighter passengers
•Designed to travel--performs like a beefy ski yet it's light enough for touring
•Well-suited for self-propulsion and backcountry stashes, they're equally adept on lift-served terrain
•Sidecut radius was developed for superior edge-hold in suspect conditions and stability at high speed
•Twin tip for switch-skiing fun; tail is compatible with most skin attachment systems
•Removable tip plugs for emergency rescue-sled situations
•Waxable sintered base and sharpened steel edges

Price: $599.95


If you're looking for something a little less costly, I'd recommend these:

(from the website) "True Luv is the kind of girl who can turn any condition into a party. A friend to all ability levels, True Luv is known to bridge the gaps between those with less experience and the more advanced skiers on the mountain. A BioFlex core helps her initate turns with a consistent flex and her MOD Technology takes out un unwanted vibrations. Your best opportunity to take skiing skills on the whole mountain to the next level!"

Price: $280.00

Answer 4

I have heard that Rossignals are a favourite with the ladies. It sounds like you are a cruiser (like myself), therefore you don't need super fat skis. "All-mountain" skis are the way to go. I bought a pair of Rossi's last year and I love them. They are much shorter than what I used to ski on as a kid.

A general rule-of-thumb is to select a length equal to the height at your nose. Perhaps in your case around 165 -170 (just guessing where your nose should be!).

Answer 5

I have skiied my whole life and I have owned loads of skis. it boils down to what you like. I personaly like k2 and salomon. If you like the atomic then stick with them. if you feel like something else then you can demo pretty much any ski out there and its cheap to do. some ski resorts even have a demo rental pass where you can demo as many skis as you want to in a day.
you can also check out the gear guides in ski magazines to get any product info and see some rating on those skis.
good luck

Answer 6

I just got anew pair of skis last year. I'm about the same height and level as you. If your looking for a good stiff multi purpose ski I'd suggest the K2 Apachi 2006 model (took model of the year last year). I got those last year and they were amazing. Actually they still are. I'm using around a 160 ski, it's a parabolic with a mount for your bindings (rather than them being attached directly to the ski, it allows for better carving). These skis bite ice and cut through crud too. You'll not be sorry with them.

here's a link to the ski I'm talking about.

http://www.masseys.net/shop/product.asp?dept_id=4905&pf_id=PAAAAABGGKGKJMDG&ad_id=froogle&key_id=PAAAAABGGKGKJMDG&

Answer 7

The PERFECT ski's would be k2's. They are made for women and have them for all level of skiiers. I am the same weight as you and i am intermediate and that what i have. I love them. And they are sooo pretty and not too girly but still pretty.

Answer 8

G3 Aviatrix

Answer 9

You are about the same measures of my wife. Despite the fact we skied in CO, we are more used to the alpine (Switzerland , Austria, Germany, Italy). and because we live in Brazil much more to the andean (Chile, Argentina) powder. Last year we discovered something really new and very recomendable. See the link bellow. We did not try it in the U.S. yet but she loved these new skis.

Answer 10

You definitely want to go smaller based on your size and ability.
You should buy in the 155-165 range. I own 3 pairs of Salomon and love them all.