8 different types of skis explained
In the Snowcountry webshop, we distinguish eight types of skis. Below we provide more information about the types of skis and for what purpose each ski is used.
Race skis
If you enjoy speeding down the slopes, then you can push yourself to your limit with a pair of race skis. These skis are stiffer than piste skis, which helps them remain stable at high speeds. However, you need to ski these skis with a certain amount of power, and they are not meant for slow skiing. The width of the ski underfoot ranges from 65 to 75 mm.
Race skis are often available in slalom (SL), giant slalom (GS), or crossover models. Each model has its own radius, so there is always a race ski that suits you.
Specs:
- Stiffer than piste skis
- Stable at high speeds
- Width underfoot between 65 and 75 mm
- Ski profiles: camber, rocker-camber-flat
Piste skis
Piste skis, also known as carve skis, are for anyone who enjoys gliding over the slopes, from absolute beginners to highly experienced skiers. However, these skis are specifically designed for on-piste skiing. Piste skis have a small rocker in the tip that helps to easily steer through a turn. The stiffer the ski, the more suitable it is for high speeds and carving.
Specs:
- Suitable for absolute beginners to highly experienced skiers
- Small rocker in the tip for easy turning
- Width underfoot between 65 and 80 mm
- Ski profiles: camber, rocker-camber-flat, rocker-camber-rocker, rocker-camber-small rise
Piste / All-mountain skis
These are narrow all-mountain skis with a width up to 90 mm. They are designed for on-piste skiing but are also suitable for cutting through the off-piste or skiing alongside the piste. The wider the ski, the more it focuses on all-mountain skiing. These skis have a rocker in the tip to help making turns easily. A wider all-mountain ski has a larger rocker, providing extra float in softer and deeper snow.
Specs:
- Suitable for adventurous piste skiers who occasionally venture off-piste
- Rocker in the tip for easy turning
- The wider the ski, the larger the rocker for additional float
- Width underfoot between 75 and 90 mm
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-small rise, rocker-camber-flat, rocker-camber-rocker, camber
View all piste / all-mountain skis
All-mountain / Freeride skis
These are highly versatile skis that perform well all over the mountain. You can carve on the piste with them, and they have enough float for enjoyable off-piste skiing.
Specs:
- Suitable for adventurous skiers
- Width underfoot between 90 and 100 mm
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-small rise, rocker-camber-flat, rocker-camber-rocker, camber, rocker-flat-rocker
View all all-mountain / freeride skis
Freeride skis
Freeride skis are designed for skiing off-piste, seeking freedom and fresh untouched snow. In terms of usage, these skis fall between all-mountain skis and dedicated powder skis. They are versatile skis with a clear focus on off-piste skiing.
Specs:
- Suitable for off-piste skiers
- Width underfoot between 90 and 115 mm
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-small rise, rocker-camber-flat, rocker-camber-rocker, rocker-flat-rocker, full rocker
Powder skis
You won't get more float in powder snow than with powder skis. These are very wide skis with significant rockers, designed for fresh and deep snow. They provide a true surfing sensation in powder snow!
Specs:
- Suitable for true powder enthusiasts
- Width underfoot 110 mm and wider
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-small rise, rocker-camber-rocker, rocker-flat-rocker, full rocker
Freestyle skis
This type of ski is for people who love tricks. Jumping, tail grabs, riding switch—these skiers see the mountain as a big playground. Freestyle skis have a twin-tip design, where the skis are sometimes fully symmetrical in the flex. This allows you to ski not only forward but also backward. The skis are designed for stability and agility to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease and control. Freestyle skiers are often found in the fun park or backcountry seeking jumps. All skis in this category are playful and best suited for an open-minded skiing style. The skis come in various widths. Thus, the narrower ones are more piste and park-oriented and the wider skis for good performance in powder.
Specs:
- Suitable for skiers who love tricks
- Twin-tip design for riding switch
- Designed for stability and agility to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease and control
- Width underfoot ranges from 85 to 120 mm, depending on usage
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-rocker, rocker-flat-rocker, camber
Touring skis
Essentially, these are good freeride skis with a focus on lightweight construction for climbing and walking on steep terrain. Within touring skis, there are two types to distinguish. There are tour skis, where the emphasis is on efficiency when climbing. The design here focuses solely on being as light as possible. Then there are touring skis that are more downhill-oriented. These touring skis provide a bit more comfort in the descent and may be wider for more float in powder snow, for example.
Specs:
- Suitable for touring skiers
- Ski profiles: rocker-camber-small rise, rocker-camber-flat, rocker-camber-rocker, full rocker, camber
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