The Best Skis 2021

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier, I’m sure you agree that skiing provides a unique feeling of freedom. The snow, the landscapes, the speed, and the adrenaline – it’s such an amazing experience! After a certain amount of time spent practicing, most people decide to buy their first skis or upgrade to a better performing model. That’s when the doubts arise.

Due to their shape, width, and weight, some skis will make beginners feel more comfortable descending their first slopes. On the other hand, some models are designed for the most experienced skiers. There are different characteristics for different needs.

In this article, I talk about the main features that you should take into account to find the best all-mountain skis for beginners. In addition, I’ll show you a comparison so that you can find the ski that best fits your needs.

Take a look at other articles to find the best ski boots, pants, jackets, helmets, goggles, down jackets, poles, and snowboards.

The Best Skis for Beginners and Intermediate Skiers:

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ATOMIC VANTAGE 75

FEATURES: It would be difficult to find a model that offers better performance for the price. Good skis, easy to turn, good stability, reliable brand, bindings included, and perfect dimensions for entry-level skiers. They are also great for intermediate-level skiers, so you can keep using them for a fairly long time.

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ROSSIGNOL EXPERIENCE 74

FEATURES: They are probably the Rossignol brand’s best skis for beginners. Lightweight, resistant construction and great overall performance. Although they are popular among beginners, you’ll also love them if you are an intermediate skier.

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HEAD V-SHAPE V6

FEATURES: Good construction and quality bindings. This is a mixed rocker/camber model, easy to maneuver on groomed runs. If you plan to ski off the piste, they may be a bit narrow.

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K2 KONIC 75

FEATURES: Another option for beginners, offering good features at an affordable price. Lightweight, great maneuverability, ease in turning, and good control. Bindings included. The construction is quite flexible but sturdy.

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K2 PRESS SKIS

FEATURES: These are “park skis,” but they have the perfect characteristics for the beginner or intermediate skier who is looking for some adventure. They allow you to make smooth turns. Keep in mind that they are ultralight and quite flexible, which can be a problem for not-so-slim skiers.

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SALOMON XDR 76 ST

FEATURES: Power, versatility, and control. They are easy to turn and provide a smooth ride over bumps and moguls. One of Salomon’s best models for beginners and skiers who already have some basic skills and want to keep making progress.

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NORDICA NAVIGATOR 75 CA

FEATURES: Great performance on groomed slopes. Also, they do a decent job on off-piste, bumpy descents. Sturdy and safe bindings. I think they are a pretty good value for money. A great option to help in your skiing progression.

The Best Skis for Intermediate to Advanced Skiers

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ROSSIGNOL EXPERIENCE 88 Ti

FEATURES: These great all-mountain skis work really well on groomed runs. They allow you to turn quickly and smoothly. Great design for carved turns. Great versatility, overall performance, and construction.

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SALOMON QST 92

FEATURES: Resistant and flexible construction. The wooden core is reinforced with carbon and other alloys. You can take these skis on practically any terrain, including groomed slopes, virgin snow, off-piste skiing, etc. Recommended for experienced skiers.

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NORDICA NRGY 90

FEATURES: These are really versatile skis, designed for people with some experience. Great stability so you can ski down the slopes at full steam, cross bumpy terrain, and venture into powder snow slopes.

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What is the difference between beginner skis and advanced skis?

Choosing the right ski comes down to the type of slope on which you are skiing, the type of snow, and your skills. Some people with experience continue using skis which are intended for beginners while others use more advanced skis after just a few weeks.

Several factors can help you find the best skis for your level. Pay attention to the skis’ weight, shape, length, width, and flexibility.

Although all these characteristics are important, the width of the ski is often the key consideration when one is choosing a beginner model. Narrow, short skis are easier to maneuver when the skier doesn’t have much experience. They allow you to easily control speed and trajectory.

Do I really need skis for beginners?

This is a very personal decision. It’s always said that it’s better to go slowly but do things well. On the other hand, it’s true that skis aren’t usually cheap. When it comes to investment decisions, many people opt for beginner-intermediate or intermediate skis. Thus, they’ll be using their skis for a longer time.

What I would never recommend is that you buy skis for an advanced level, as they could completely frustrate your learning process.

Keep in mind that most people learn to ski on groomed trails. Therefore, I recommend that you choose an all-mountain model. Later, if you like adventure, you can change to freeride or freestyle skis.

TYPES

Camber

Camber has been the most popular ski design for many years. Cambered skis are those with a convex shape. In other words, the middle of the ski is elevated off the ground. The tip and the tail are the contact points of the ski. They are not a bad option for beginners. However, the shape of the ski can make turns more difficult.

Rocker

Rockered skis have a concave shape. Skis which are 100% rockered have their contact point in the middle of the ski, while the tip and the tail lift off the ground. I wouldn’t recommend 100% rocker skis for beginners.

Camber and Rocker

Mixed camber/rocker skis have become quite popular lately. They have the camber shape in the middle section of the ski while adding a bit of rocker in the tip and tail. Many models are available depending on the percentage of rocker used in the end sections.

What kind of ski suits you best if you are a beginner or intermediate?

Cambered skis are great if you want to make carving turns and practice other advanced techniques. However, if you are just starting out, this shouldn’t be your priority. You’re not even going fast enough to make this kind of turn.

Mixed skis with a bit of rocker will help you make basic turns. In addition, the shape of the tips makes it easier to turn at a lower speed. Many experts recommend mixing camber/rocker skis for beginners and intermediate skiers.

What is the appropriate length and width?

Length is a really important factor when choosing the best downhill skis. It’s recommended that skis be 10 to 15 cm shorter than the height of the skier. Off-piste skis should be longer, though. If you are a beginner, you can opt for a model about 15 cm shorter than you are. For intermediate skiers, it’s recommended that the skis be 12 to 14 cm shorter than the skier’s height. Check out this ski size chart.

Important: Keep in mind that if you choose skis with a considerable “rocker,” they should be a little longer.

As for the width, I recommend looking for a ski that is not too wide. Most beginners start with narrow skis, from 75 mm to 80 mm. Wider skis would be good for backcountry skiing. However, if you’re starting, you are more likely to learn at ski resorts.

Keep in mind that when I say 80 mm, I mean 80 mm wide at the narrowest part of the ski.

Your ski should reach approximately your chin if:

• You are a beginner or intermediate skier
• You are slightly slim in proportion to your height
• You want to make quick turns
• You are looking for cambered skis, without much rocker

Your skis should be approximately your height if:

• You like to descend very fast
• You are not slim
• You like off-piste skiing
• You like skis with a considerable rocker

Turn radius

The turn radius is determined by the width difference between the end sections and the middle of the ski. This value helps us understand the ski performance to make turns. Skis with a lower radius can make tighter turns. For instance, slalom skis have a radius of 10 to 12 meters.

Skis with a low turning radius are usually better for beginners because they are easier to turn.

With or without bindings

I recommend that you look for models that come with bindings. Before using them for the first time, you might need to take them to your ski shop for adjustments, but this way you’ll be sure that the bindings are compatible with your skis. By the way, regular bindings should work well for many years. You really don’t need to spend a lot of money on the latest bindings on the market. You’d do better to save that money and invest it in boots, jackets, sunglasses, and other snow clothing.

Materials, construction, and weight

If you are just starting out, you should opt for comfortable, relatively lightweight skis. In this way, you’ll improve your movements quickly. Avoid models that are extremely lightweight, though. Advanced skiers usually choose heavier skis because they provide more stability when descending at high speeds.

Most skis still include a wood core in their construction. However, other layers (made of synthetic materials, carbon fiber, and various alloys) are used to build the ski structure. Latest-generation materials have managed to improve some important functions such as shock absorption, weight, and flexibility.

How to take care of your skis

1- Use a rag to completely dry your skis at the end of the day. By doing this, you will avoid ski damage and prevent the bindings from rusting.

2- Remember to wax your skis, not only at the beginning and end of the season, but also from time to time. If you see some white areas on the bottom sides of the skis, it may indicate that you should wax them.

3- Sharpen the edges when necessary. This will depend on the type of ski you practice, the type of snow, and how often you ski. For basic maintenance, many people use their own files. Other skiers, however, prefer to take their gear to the ski shop.

4- Once the season is over, leave your skis waxed.

5- Store your skis in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.

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