Types of Skis Explained
Park skis: If you plan on park skiing, you'll need a pair of slightly shorter skis. Many park skiers will opt for a pair of twin-tip skis. This ski style allows you to ski easily -- or land -- forward or backward.
Powder skis: For backcountry and powder skiing, your skis should be slightly on the longer side, but generally speaking, they shouldn’t be too much taller than you are. You’ll also find that powder skis are typically much wider- underfoot or at the tip and tail - compared to all-mountain skis.
All-Mountain skis: We recommend sticking to the sizing chart for a versatile, all-mountain ski. A good all-mountain ski should be one you feel comfortable riding on most types of trails and in most conditions.
Racing: As their name indicates, racing skis are designed specifically for competitive ski racers. Typically, racing skis are characterized by a narrow waist and a large turning radius, as well as very thin -- but sharp -- edges to promote large turns at high speeds.
Big Mountain: Generally, big mountain skis are designed for expert backcountry skiers who want to tackle steep terrain and deep powder at high speeds. They tend to be wider underfoot; in addition, they tend to have a longer turn radius compared to an all-mountain ski.
