Adult Beginner Level

Piste specific skis

Waist width - 75mm - 78mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for beginner and cautious developing skiers

Prefered Snow Type | prepared, flat piste

Typical Technology Info

example used Rossignol Arcade 78

Overview

Our range of models selected specifically for learning and developing early skiing skills. The key to skis in this category is ease of use and forgiveness – they give you time to correct a mistake before they react.

We have unisex skis and lighter skis specifically designed for girls.

Sidecut profile

Tip and tail widths allow the ski to be easily slid and skidded around, ideal for learning the basic essential skills of pivoting and snowplough. The sidecut profile is purposely straighter, therefore less aggressive than a higher-level ski, and skis are wider underfoot providing a stable platform for a beginner to stand on. This also means a relatively shallow depth of sidecut which is less catchy and will not throw the skier off balance with every mistake.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

A long-ish tip and rounded and turned up tail give a relatively short effective edge and allow the skis to be easily manouvered without the tip and tail catching – very important when learning.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

These are soft flexing skis so they’re easy to push into an arc helping the skier to feel the edge, to pressure the ski and to turn at low speeds.

A soft camber means reduced grip and adds to the forgiveness, preventing the tip and tail being catchy and making it easy to push the ski into reverse- camber with minimum resistance. This again results in the ski being easy to bend and turn.

Rocker technology

A small amount of rocker at both tip and the tail again makes it easier to skid and slide the ski around without the tip and tail catching.

Target skier ability level

Ski models are carefully selected for first time skier who wish to learn the early principles of skiing and progress quickly.

Ski types available

• Beginner specific skis (see models)
• Lower Intermediate skis (see models)

Adult Lower Intermediat Levele

Piste specific skis

Waist width - 75mm - 78mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for beginner and lower intermediate skiers

Prefered Snow Type | prepared, flat piste

Typical Technology Info

example used Rossignol Forza 40

Overview

Our next level of skis is aimed at developing skiers who that have got to grips with the basics - balance, snowplough etc. Skiers at this level are progressing from basic parallel, starting to ski in more control and learning how to use the edge and sidecut of the ski and carve their turns.

Models have been carefully selected with a slightly more performance bias while still being easy to use.

Sidecut profile

Selected models have a more defined sidecut profile than our pure beginner skis, wider at the tip and tail and narrower at the waist ( deeper depth of sidecut ) which means that when the ski is tipped over onto its edge and pressure applied through the centre of the ski the ski will bend, naturally form a curve and initiate a carved turn.

A slightly narrower waist of 75mm is still not too aggressive and gives a nice stable platform to stand on. The slightly deeper depth of sidecut means skis are slightly quicker edge to edge and slightly more reactive making it easier to develop a turn and carve the ski which is the goal at this level.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

At this level of piste skis, tip and tail technology becomes more relevant. Ski tips are short and snub nosed and tails are shorter and squarer. This allows the ski’s edge length to become more efficient i.e. longer effective edge for the overall running length of the ski meaning the skier van use more manageable and shorter skis on-piste without compromising edge grip.

One thing that is important is the soft but square tail, which helps to hold the ski in the turn but is catch free and easy to release and skid / slide at the end of the turn. This helps the skier to develop carving skills without the problem of being locked in the turn.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

Skis still have a relatively soft longitudinal flex meaning that they will still bend into an arc and turn easily, but they are stiffer than at beginner level so they better support the developing skier throughout the turn at slightly higher speeds. Torsion is also slightly stiffer and camber slightly more powerful than at total beginner level, again giving more stability and drive throughout the turn.

Rocker technology

Slightly rockered tip allows easy catch free turn entry making it easier to tip the ski over and engage the beginning of the turn.

Target skier ability level

This is the go-to category for skiers who have mastered the beginner stage and are looking to keep improving.

Ski types available

• Beginner specific skis (see models)
• Lower Intermediate skis (see models)

Adult Intermediate / Advanced Level

Piste Skis

Waist width - 72mm - 76mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for intermediate / advanced ability level skiers

Prefered Snow Type | prepared, flat piste

Typical Technology Info

example used Rossignol Hero Elite Ca

Overview

Our intermediate to advanced level skis cover a wide range of abilities and aspirations, from comfortable intermediate skiers to those who are pushing themselves to the next level. Skis in this range have a bigger engine, they will perform when pushed but at the same time allow you to take it easy and let you away with mistakes. Performance with forgiveness – that is the target!

We have over 20 different models to select from, each offering something slightly different but all for use on prepared piste with models suitable for intermediate to more proficient advanced skiers.

Sidecut profile

With a characteristic sidecut of around 124 / 74 / 109, skis are designed for smooth flowing turns on piste, transitioning between shorter, slalom turns and longer giant slalom-like ones, and everything in-between. Versatility is the name. of the game.

The wider tip allows easy turn initiation when the ski is tipped over and driven, while the 74mm waist provides a good stable platform but is narrow enough to facilitate the ski bending and carving while providing excellent grip.

Ski tails at this level are generally wider and stronger helping with the ski grip through to the end of the turn.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

Tips are typically snub nosed, and tails are flattish and relatively square – the ideal shape for piste specific skis.

A snub-nosed tip engages quickly when tipped over for fast and accurate turn initiation while a more aggressive and flattish, square tail ensures that the ski will hold on to the turn through to the end if required. At the same time the tip is slightly tapered and not too stiff so it will still release from the turn easily if your carving technique is not quite there yet or to get out of a tricky situation.

Effective edge length is typical longish compared to standing height for good piste-specific skis allowing the skier to optimise ski length relative to edge grip.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

Models in this category are generally slightly stiffer both longitudinally and torsionally, and cambers are stronger. This means skis are more performance orientated, will be more responsive and reactive, will grip better on firmer snow and will be more stable at higher speeds.

Rocker technology

Although skis at this level are aimed at more developed skiers a piste tip rocker is still common and will give the ski the forgiving characteristics required – easy to transition between turns with no unwanted surprise.

Target skier ability level

These are the go-to ski for on-piste intermediate to early advanced level skiers with a reasonably developed technique that are reasonably confident carving turns on most types of pisted slopes, whether they are happy at this level or see it as a stepping stone to the next stage.

We have an excellent choice of unisex models and slightly lighter and softer female specific models.

Adult Advanced / Expert Level

Piste Specific Skis

Waist width - 68mm - 76mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for advanced / expert ability level skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste

Typical Technology Info

example used Rossignol Hero Elite Ca

Overview

Our range of piste-specific skis for high-end skiers is designed specifically for more advanced use on prepared piste and firm, hard snow.

We have over 15 different models to select from offering a range of turn.

Sidecut profile

Typical characteristics of more advanced piste skis include a more defined sidecut - a narrower waist and wider tip and tail. This gives the ski a deeper depth of sidecut which means when tipped over on their edges, skis will allow the skier to make clean, strong, carved turns. The narrower width underfoot also contributes to exceptional grip in icy conditions.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

A wide, snub-nosed tip gives maximum liveliness and allows for fast, strong turn initiation and initial grip when entering the turn. The tail is also wide, strong and flat which allows the ski to grip and hold onto the turn right through to the end. Effective edge is long compared to the running length of the ski giving strong grip without compromising manoeuvrability.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

In general these skis will have a stiffer flex and powerful camber which results in excellent grip in icy conditions and greater stablility when skiing at high speeds. They do need to be skied at higher speeds though.

Rocker technology

Most models will have a small amount of tip rocker- say 5% - which helps with turn initiation but tails will be flat for grip to the end of the turn.

Construction Technology

We often see more complex construction techniques and materials used in more advanced performance models such as the use of titanal laminates and more complex fibreglass lay ups. Traditional sidewall construction is also predominant at this level (watch out for cheap look-alikes which have caps and foam cores)

Target skier ability level

Models in this category are generally more aggressive, stiffer and harder to ski on. Skiers therefore need to be more advanced with a reasonably developed style and confident in carving a ski no matter the difficulty of the slope, the snow conditions, or their speed. If you are at this level, these skis are a huge amount of fun.

Ski types available

• Short radius turn ( slalom ) skis
• Medium radius turn ( racecarve ) skis

Adult Advanced / Expert Level

All Mountain - Piste Skis

Waist width - 84mm - 90mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for advanced / expert ability level skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste - especially strong in icy conditions

Typical Technology Info

example used Black Crows Sato

Overview

The all mountain skis in this category are designed as the name implies for use both on and off-piste in softer, slightly deeper and more variable conditions than the pure piste options which excel on harder snow. They are equally at home in spring snow in the back-country, a few inches of new snow off the edge or choppier, bumpier or slightly deeper snow on-piste.

Sidecut profile

All mountain skis differ from true piste skis by being slightly wider through their length – in the tip, waist and tail. Because the ski is wider, especially at the waist, it will float more allowing it to perform better in more variable snow conditions such as new snow falls, chopped up snow, crud and slush while still having enough definition in the sidecut for respectable edge to edge performance and grip for carving on harder snow.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

The tip of all mountain ski is generally slightly longer than a true piste ski which helps the front of the ski to ride up above the snow in more variable conditions – this is a key feature of any all-mountain ski.

A wider waist makes it easier to navigate in choppier snow while the tail is often slightly more rounded and turned up, again making skiing easier in less favourable conditions.

Skis however still have a pronounced sidecut which allows them to ski well on firmer snow.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

In general flex and camber are slightly softer than an out-and-out piste ski, but still strong enough to provide adequate grip and stability when required on firmer snow.

Rocker technology

Skis typically have a tip and tail rocker, making them easy and light to turn on piste.In slightly deeper snow the rocker tip will ride above the snow surface and push through shallow snow that has been chopped up.

Target skier ability level

Narrower all mountain skis are generally very forgiving and versatile, great for all day use in variable snow conditions and much easier to ski for someone who is still pushing themselves but maybe not quite there yet than an out-and-out piste ski at a similar level..

Adult Special / Expert Level

Piste Skis

Waist width - 68mm - 80mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for expert ability level adult skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste - especially strong in icy conditions

Typical Technology Info

example used Salomon S/Race SL 12

Overview

A totally unique range of skis you’ll not find anywhere else, our Expert-level Piste category features 15 different niche models of the very best of the best skis on the market. Skis are designed for use on prepared pistes and are at home on firm snow and in icy conditions offering excellent grip and stability at speed. The range includes full on race skis as well race carve models and features a variety of profiles and construction features for short, medium or longer turn preferences.

Sidecut profile

High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.

Models are characterised particularly by their sidecut profile – wide tip and tails and narrow waists. When skis are banked over onto the edge, the tip engages pulling the ski into the initial phase of the turn. As the ski is pressured through the centre and the tail engages the ski will bend ( it’s forced into reverse camber ) and forms a curve. The wide tail finishes the turn by gripping at the middle and end. This is the essence of a carved turn.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

Another feature that is important with higher end piste skis is the very defined shapes of their tips and tails. Tips are short and snub nosed for very quick turn initiation and the tail is very flat and square to hold onto the turn for grim death right to the very end. Effective edge is generally long but varies depending on the intended turn preference of the ski.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

The stronger the flex and camber of the ski are the more powerful and stable the turn will be – the better the ski will grip on ice and the more stable the ski will be at speed. These skis are all very stiff both longitudinally and torsionally and have exceptionally strong camber, increasing effective edge contact when the ski is pushed and further adding to stability and edge grip on icy and steep slopes.

Rocker technology

Race and racecarve skis at this level tend to be full camber with no rocker.

Construction Technology

These skis tend to feature complicated construction technologies – multiple strengthening layers made of metal alloys combined with complex fibreglass or similar materials to increase rebound and liveliness and high quality wood layers in the core to give strength and smoothness combined with dynamism and response. Traditional sandwich/sidewall construction is universally used in these skis giving great torsional rigidity, immediate response and powerful edge grip.

Target skier ability level

For a strong, expert skier there is nothing like the feeling of effortlessly carving a proper high-end piste ski on a perfectly groomed slope. Not for the faint-hearted though – you do need to be able to make clean carved turns at high speeds to get the most from these skis. They are also not designed for use in deeper snow, heavy slush, or chopped up cruddy conditions.

Ski types available

• Short radius turn ( slalom ) skis
• Medium radius turn ( racecarve ) skis
• Long radius turn ( giant slalom ) skis

Adult Special / Expert Level

All Mountain Frontside Skis

Waist width - 84mm - 90mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for expert ability level adult skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste - especially strong in icy conditions

Typical Technology Info

example used Faction Dancer 1 86mm

Overview

Our Expert All Mountain Frontside category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best narrow all mountain skis on the market. Versatility is the key word when describing skis in this category. Our selected models are equally at home on flat, groomed snow on traditional prepared pistes, in slightly deeper snow, in slush, bumps and chopped up snow after a recent snow fall or in slightly deeper conditions off the side. Great fun all day, all over the resort.

Sidecut profile

All Mountain Frontside skis differ from pure piste-specific models in several ways, the most obvious being sidecut profile. Typically, a pure piste ski will have a profile like 121 / 70 / 101 whereas an all mountain frontside ski will be more like 120 / 86 / 110– a centimetre or more wider from the waist backwards. This wider profile is why all mountain skis perform better in deeper more variable snow conditions – they float better in deeper snow, riding above the surface making skiing easier, while the tip at a similar width to a piste ski still engages quickly in the turn on harder snow.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

Tip and tail profile is one of the most obvious features of all mountain skis which differentiates them visually and in every other way from pure piste skis. The wider you get, the more obvious the difference becomes. All mountain skis tend to have elongated noses to help with flotation and to enable the ski to ride above unexpected terrain variations. The tail is usually rounded and turned up meaning it’s less grippy than a piste ski and easier to slip and slide around.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

All mountain skis are softer both longitudinally and torsionally than piste models at the same sort of level, making the ski more able to cope with a variety of conditions, helping with flotation and making it less likely to dive in deeper snow.

Rocker technology

These skis tend to have a decent amount of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a fairly weak camber, reducing grip and meaning again that the ski can cope better with varying conditions. Effective edge is quite short compared to the overall running length of the ski.

Target skier ability level

All models are top of the range skis so skiers selecting this category must be technically good, however by their very design all mountain frontside skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and are more tolerant to slightly less competent skiers.

Adult Special / Expert Level

All Mountain All Terrain Skis

Waist width - 90mm - 99mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for expert ability level adult skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste - especially strong in icy conditions

Typical Technology Info

example used Faction Dancer 2 96mm

Overview

Our Expert All Mountain – All Terrain category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best medium width all mountain skis on the market.

Skis in this category are characterised by their wider profiles and are designed to be very versatile all over the mountain on- and off-piste. Even at the mid 90s underfoot, they are surprisingly good in most piste conditions but they’re also very versatile in deeper, more variable and chopped up snow and easy to throw around, skid and slide in changeable and tricky conditions. Of course they will never have the speed edge to edge or incredible edge grip of a full on expert level racecarve ski, nor will they float in knee deep powder like something 110 underfoot with an enormous rocker, but they’re not supposed to.

Sidecut profile

These skis are wide through the length of the ski. The typical sidecut profile of an All Mountain – All Terrain ski would be 127-96-117 compared to a piste ski at maybe 121 / 70 / 101 and a frontside all-mountain model at 120/86/110. The result is far greater floatation in variable and deeper snow with the compromise that the tip on an all mountain all terrain model will engage less quickly in the turn.

On the downside the increased width through the length of the ski does mean that skis are slower edge-to-edge ( further to travel when tipping the ski over ) and are therefore less responsive, accurate and reactive.

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

Tip and tail shape is also designed to help deeper snow performance and flotation. These skis have a long ,rounded nose coupled with a rounded and turned up tail .

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

All Mountain -All Terrain Skis tend to be quite soft flexing longitudinally with a smooth and even flex pattern along the length of the ski. Torsionally, now that we’re into the mid 90s underfoot you could expect the ski to collapse but actually many of the better skis in this category feature one or more metal layers and are reasonably stiff torsionally which helps with their performance in harder conditions and groomed snow.

Rocker technology

Skis in this category tend to have quite a bit of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a relatively weak camber, these help the ski power through chopped up snow and difficult conditions with ease. The big rockers do mean the effective edge is quite short so be careful not to go for a ski that’s too short in its overall running length otherwise you will badly hamper performance on harder snow and groomed piste.

Target skier ability level

All models in this category are top of the range skis so skiers must be technically good, however by their very design all terrain skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and therefore more accessible to slightly less competent skiers.

Adult Special / Expert Level

All Mountain Backsdie Skis

Waist width - 99mm - 108mm

Sex | unisex & girls

Skier Level | for expert ability level adult skiers

Prefered Snow Type | hard, firm piste - especially strong in icy conditions

Typical Technology Info

example used Salomon QST S/Lab Blank 108mm

Overview

Our range of 10 all mountain – backside (off-piste ) skis are specialist wide skis designed specifically for use in deeper snow conditions - primarily off-piste. You will not find this type of ski in many rental shops – period.

Sidecut profile

High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.

Skis in this category are characterised by their very wide profiles and are specifically designed for use in deep snow and more variable snow conditions all over the mountain particularly off-piste. All models are at least 99 mms at the waist and a typiclal sidecut profile is 139/112 /129. This means all models have great floatation properties when used in deep snow. Do not expect them to perform well on groomed piste, hard packed snow or ice though!

Tip & tail / effective edge technology

These skis generally have very very long tips and tails for increased flotation in deeper and softer snow and to give the tail plenty of versatility to deal with unexpected conditions. The affective edge tends to be very very short but it doesn’t matter, these skis are not designed for carving.

Flex / torsion technology / camber technology

We have a choice between skis with a softer flex pattern ( fibreglass only laminate ) that are ideally suited to lighter, fresh snow and stiffer or stronger skis ( titinal laminates ) that are great when charging through deeper chopped up conditions and slush. These stronger skis are also offer better edge grip on firmer snow and ice.

Rocker technology

Skis in this range tend to have huge rockers at both tip and tail. The “floaty” models have very little camber whereas the “chargy” ones do have a stronger camber for better drive and edge grip.

Target skier ability level

These skis are great at what they are designed for but they are not skis for all round skiing. They are designed for a purpose and need to be skied by technically skilled and strong skiers in the conditions they are meant for to get the most from them. For many people, more a ski to be swapped onto for a day with a guide off piste than something to rent for your whole week.