shorter skis more control?

The shorter the ski the more committed to the fall line you must be. If you don't want to commit to the fall line do not do it.

the people who are fitting your skis probably know best. Talk to them about it. Tell them what level skier you are (1-10) and what runs you like, don't like and why.

You might want to take a lesson and discuss with your instructor. They have been very helpful to me and my family.

Good luck. The fall line is your friend IMVHO.

 

I will say for sure shorter is better. I learned on 200-205 when i was a kid and over the years i have been slowly working my way down to the 160s i ski on now. They are great for control and they just turn so fast. Not really good for straight line speed but i would never go back to longer skies

 

Hopefully, you're beyond the wedge and stem christie stage. That said, a shorter ski is generally recommended for maneuverability. Don't go too short, though, which will basically make them un-skiable. They'll be too chattery and will bounce around on you. You just won't have the stability you'll need for speed, and they'll sink or won't float in the powder.

The trend has definitely been to go shorter and more shaped (wider shover and tail with a narrower waist) on packed powder, though. This promotes the turn-in itself and reduces the effort required throughout the turn. But, there are also lots of different sidecuts. Slalom skis have a much tighter radius as opposed to GS and therefore turn more tightly but are less stable. Stiffness will also play a role in how much the ski bites and how much effort you need to make them work for you. The stiffer the ski the more "on it" you need to be. And, if you're not yet there, skill-wise, you probably won't enjoy it as much as you would something less demanding.

The newest trend (I'm convinced it's something the industry has cooked up just to sell more skis) is rocker. To make these work for you, you really need to be "on edge", which means speed. But, lots of people like them and say they can do it all. You could demo a pair for kicks, and, customarily, the demo rental rate is applied to the sale price, if you purchase them.

There are so many factors to consider it's almost impossible to give you specific advice.

If you're looking for just one ski, you're going to have to make compromises. Not too stiff. Mid-radius. Mid-length. If you're looking for something that's good in all conditions (powder, packed powder and ice) , you're also going to make compromises as to width.

CW

 

Like CW said, rocker skis are the newest thing. I was at a major ski shop in Colorado a little bit ago and you'd be hard pressed to find a "normal" shaped ski. Most of what they had on the wall were rockers. That said, technology, and ski shapes, seem to be changing faster than ever. Depending on how many days/year you ski and how you ski, you might be better off renting some good equipment until things slow a bit. Most good shops also have demo programs where they apply the demo rate to a purchase.

 

+1

To me (and I switched to knuckle dragging years back) it's dependent on conditions and your level. IIRC, Rob said he skis a few times a year and considers himself an "advanced intermediate". [This of course means he's intermediate ]

Cruising the groomers is a lot different, equipment wise, to skiing snorkel grade powder.

Honestly, if I'm right about how / how much you ski, I'd say rent the appropriate kit. Get yourself a decent pair of boots, but rent the skis when you get there - The rental shops will even let you swap 'em out every evening if conditions change. You'll eventually find a pair you "love" - Buy 'em.

Cheers,
Ian

 

Agree...

Boots ALWAYS come first. Spend the money to get them fitted correctly. This may mean cooking them and custom in-soles at additional cost.

CW