5 steps to choosing the right ski for you

When planning a ski holiday, having the ideal skis for you is essential to fully enjoy those precious days of snow-filled joy. However, 'the best for you' doesn’t always mean 'the most expensive'.

We kicked off the ski season early this year with a trip to Sölden, Austria, and we must admit - it was fantastic! We enjoyed plenty of sunshine and tested some amazing skis. This made us ponder, how do you select the right ski (especially with so many options available)?

Fortunately, we connected with Charlotte La Cour, Country Manager for MDV (Marker, Dalbello, Völkl) in Denmark, to get the answer. As a seasoned expert in the ski world, Charlotte has been skiing for the past 26 years and left her career as a lawyer to pursue her passion for skiing. She made this change simply because she loves the sport!

First things first - what do you want out of the experience?

"It’s really, really, really important to get the right gear! And when I say 'the right', I don’t mean necessarily 'the most expensive'. It’s about finding equipment that suits you and can enhance your experience! Of course, it depends on what you want," says Charlotte.

Even if you’re aiming for an easy, relaxed run down the slopes, it's crucial to take that into account. You don’t want to end up with stiff, professional, flashy skis that will make you work hard for the money you’ve spent.

"So, there are several factors, but the first one is the purpose. 'Do I want to have fun on the piste, and should it be easy?' - then you should choose skis that are easier and lighter. Or 'Do I love racing and want to go fast?' - then race skis are the way to go.

'Do I want to venture off-piste occasionally? And under what conditions? Are the conditions varied?' - then you need skis that can handle both hard pack and softer snow. Or.. 'Am I heading to...Japan?' - then wide and soft skis for freeriding in deep snow are necessary," adds Charlotte.

Four extra parameters you should think of

• Skier level

Try to assess how skilled of a skier you are, and be honest! Charlotte offers a simple guideline:

"Typically, when I’m in the shop and being a bit cheeky, I say that for men, I subtract about 50% from what they believe their skill level is. For women, I add at least 30%, maybe more! So, it’s important to be realistic!"

• Terrain

"Do you ski on-piste or off-piste? - be mindful of this and stay true and realistic," advises Charlotte.

We all dream of skiing in powder, but will we really have the opportunity? And how often? Consider the terrain you actually ski on during your trips.

• Conditions

"When do you go skiing? That’s another consideration. Is it when the pistes are hard and cold, or do you prefer when they are softer and the snow is more packed into bunks? So, the conditions - you definitely need to take that into account," says Charlotte.

If you’re not an early riser and prefer skiing in the afternoon when the tracks are already well-trodden, you’ll need skis suited for those conditions. Perhaps an all-mountain profile rather than an on-piste one?

• Physique

Yes, your body matters - a lot! Charlotte highlights the importance of fitness level here. Also, consider your weight and height, "which influence how stiff, wide, and long your skis should be," she says. So, factor that in and maybe skip that chocolate bar!

Invest in newer skis - it is worth it

"People can gain so much more by choosing skis with modern technology. Sure, you can always go for good old skis, but with a new pair, you’re signing up for so much more because there has been significant progress in ski development over the last 5 years.," says Charlotte, and we know it’s true because if anyone is a ski technology enthusiast, it’s her!

Getting a pair of newer skis will help you go further, ride longer, and enjoy your time in the snow even more!

If you’re still unsure which skis are right for you, check our ski guide or contact us and our in-house experts will assist you!