COMPARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIS

WISCONSIN SKIER'S GUIDE: Comparing Ski Types

Want to know how the differences between one ski to the next?

Want to find the best ski type for your next Wisconsin ski adventure?

.........Review the Wisconsin Skier's guide to comparing the different types of skis!

 

Downhill Skis:

 

1. All Mountain - Also referred to as all terrain, this type of ski is best for groomed trails and beginner to moderate ski types. 

 

2. Powder - This type of ski is best for side country skiing and for is for deep powder conditions and is typically used by advanced skier levels.

 

3. Alpine Touring - Also known as randonee or abbreviation AT, this type of ski is best for back country skiing where the bindings allow the skier's heel to move freely when traveling uphill and stay locked in when traveling down.

 

4. Telemark - With a similar build to a cross country ski, the heel remains free entirely.  The ski is more lightweight and made for off-piste (back country) adventures.

 

5. Free Style - Known by many names from free ride to park and pipe.  Their most notable feature being their twin tips, these skis are best used for performing tricks and riding both forward and backward on groomed terrain parks.

 

6. Race Skis  - Skis constructed for competitive racing purposes.

 

Ski manufactured names vary from company to company.

 

If any of your favorite ski types were missed, feel free to comment below.

SKI EQUIPMENT SIZING CHARTS

WISCONSIN SKIER'S GUIDE: Ski Gear Checklist

Want to know how the pro's decide what ski package is best for you?

Want to make sure your buying the right sizes when shopping online?*

.........Review the Wisconsin Skier's gear sizing charts to determine what equipment is best for you!

Ski Sizing:

Longer Skis - Are for more advanced skiers who require stability during aggressive turns and faster speeds. They will also be helpful when skiing untraditional terrain or powder snow conditions.  For those who weigh more than what is traditional for your height, a longer ski may be required.

Shorter Skis - Are for beginner/intermediate skiers who seek quick turning ability and better manuvering.  Different skis will be measured different so always seek advice from a professional ski sales person.

Ski Waste Width -  When looking at ski widths it is usually presented in three number increments.  Tip Width/Waist Width/Tail Width - You typically find this number at the top of your ski.

Turning Radius - This element refers to the sidecut radius, and the shape of the ski will determine the turning radius of the skier.  Notice some skis have a smaller waist and a larger tip and tail, and some skis are closer to the same size throughout.  The skis with the smaller waist and large tip and tail will have a better turning radius than the ones that are closer to the same size.  Each sidecut radius will be better for certain snow conditions and skier abilities than others.

Ski Boot Sizing:

Ski Pole Sizing:

*Please note when shopping online you should always visit a retail location first for professional recommendations.  Be aware that online companies legally cannot sell you skis with bindings attached.

If I missed any key elements you consider when sizing yourself for skis, feel free to comment below.

SKI GEAR CHECKLIST

WISCONSIN SKIER'S GUIDE: Ski Gear Checklist

Trying to decide what to bring on your next trip?

Want to make sure you don't forget any of the ski-essentials?

.........Review the Wisconsin Skier's gear checklist to pack for your next big adventure.

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Equipment:
Skis - Bring the right ski for conditions - All Mountain, Powder, Park, Touring, Race, Trick etc.
Ski Boots - Bring your boots, and buckle them up (as you would when wearing them) after use to avoid warping the plastic
Ski Poles - See chart to the right to determine your ski pole length
Goggles - The goggles you need will depend on the weather conditions and time of day - tinted goggles are best during the day
Helmet - Bring a helmet to protect your head especially if you are a beginner or if you are doing any terrain park riding

Outerwear:
Jacket - Bring a waterproof/resistant, windproof/resistant Winter jacket
Gloves - Bring a warm and waterproof pair of gloves or mittens
Snow Pants - Bring a waterproof/resistant, windproof/resistant Snow Pant
Balaclava/Ski Mask/Neck Gator - Often forgotten, these items will be the ones that keep you the warmest
Hat/Headband - Protect your ears from the cold, a lot of heat escapes from your head so a hat would be most recommended

Clothing:
Base-Layers - Base layers are thin and tight and should lay next to skin for moisture-wicking properties
Mid-Layers - Mid layers should go over base layers, good options include fleece material, sweatshirts, comfortable pants, etc. and can be added or removed depending on temperature
Socks - Wear socks that are thick enough to keep your feet warm and ones that will sit at least mid-calve to avoid rubbing of ski boots on ankles

Traveling Cases:
Back Pack - To keep your essential ski items in and for easy carry
Ski Bag - Protect your investment during your trip by storing your skis in a ski travel bag
Protective Cases - For those who like to bring their electronics and don't feel comfortable leaving your phone or money behind, make sure these items are protected if you fall or get wet - leave items in jacket inner pockets and make sure they are zipped up, Put cash and IDs in a money clip

Accessories:
Hand-Foot Warmers - For extremely cold conditions there buy warmer packs made for skiing
Electronics - MP3 Player, Camera, GoPro, GPS, Cell Phone etc.
Padlock - Most ski hills have lockers to keep your personal items in so bring a padlock to keep your backpack and other items safe while skiing

Other - Misc:
Ski Passes/Hotel Reservations - For those traveling and staying overnight
Map/Directions - This includes map of the ski resort, and if traveling distances map of the state and driving directions to the location if GPS is not available
Identification & Insurance Card - Bring these items just in case of injury, but more importantly bring you ID so you can hit the Chalet for a drink or two after skiing

First Aid:
Basic First Aid - Antacids, headache/pain relievers, bandages, gauze, medical tape, and medication for other conditions including allergies, asthma, diabetes, motion sickness etc.
Sunscreen - Make sure to always have a sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to protect your face from the elements
Moisturizers - For windburned or dry Winter skin, don't forget the lotion

Post-Ski:
Change of Pants/Shirt - Bring a change of clothing so you can remove wet ones and be more comfortable
Snow Boots - Bring a pair of boots to wear after - because let's face it, ski boots aren't always the most comfortable walking shoe


The list above includes all basic things needed for skiing.  Basic travel items were not included in this checklist, so if you are going a long distance and staying the night - don't forget your toothpaste!
Additionally more comprehensive gear will be required for adventerous skiing in ungroomed territories.

If any of your favorite ski essentials were missed, feel free to comment below.

SERVICING YOUR SKIS

WISCONSIN SKIER'S GUIDE: Servicing Your Skis

Trying to decide when to tune your skis?

Don't know whether to do it yourself or in a shop?

....Don't know the technical stuff behind the maintenance?

.........We can give you the info you need to make an educated decision.

What things are included in a tune?

Base Grinder

Base Grind: The shop will grind the base using a base grinding machine. They do this to level the surface of the ski and remove debris, minor scratches, and old wax from the base material.
- When doing this at home, you can use sandpaper or a belt sander.

Sharpened Edges: The shop will sharpen your ski edges using a ski edge sharpener machine or a metal file depending on their capabilities.  They do this to create a sharper edge so you are able to maneuver turns on ice and snow more easily as they get dull over time and use.
- When doing this at home you can use a steel file and an edge sharpening stone.


Edge Sharpener

Machine Waxing: The shop will wax your skis using a machine that has two rollers.  One roller is heated and applied with wax and the second roller has a nylon brush to remove excess and buff it out.
- This cannot be done at home.

Hot Wax: The shop will melt wax on your skis and iron it in the base material to remove the excess using a plastic scraper. The wax will absorb into the base material which will protect the ski and enhance the performance and speed.  This type of waxing will last longer and enhance performance better than  paste waxes, stick waxes, and machine waxes.  Before you wax, they will use a base cleaner that dissolves and removes old wax from ski.
- When doing this at home you can use wax, an old iron, and a scraper.  Alternatives to that include a paste wax or a stick wax. When using a base cleaner make sure all excess is wiped clean before applying wax.


Machine Wax

Storage Wax: The shop will apply a thick layer of wax as you would during a hot wax, however they will wait until your ready to slopes again to remove the wax. This is used when skis are in storage over the summer months to close the pores, protect, seal and rehydrate the base material. Then when you are ready to hit the slopes again you would bring it back to the shop to scrape off the excess.
- This can be done the same at home.

Binding Inspection: The shop will inspect the skis by double checking their dins, making sure that the boot is releasing from the ski properly, and also ensuring that nothing is cracked, broken, loose, or missing.  The shop will use a screwdriver to adjust the din if needed based on the skiing ability of the skier.
- Setting the din of a ski should never be done at home and for safety it should always be done by a professional.

PTex: Ptex materials is melted on the ski and smoothed in with an iron and the excess is then removed with a metal scraper.  This is used to fix scrapes, gouges, and other imperfections to the base material.
- This can be done the same at home.

Epoxy: The shop will use epoxy to fix skis that have chips on the top sheet or try to fix delamination of this ski. If skis are severely damaged, they may be past repairs.

Cutting the Line: Shops will typically charge a fee to let people become top priority and cut the line for those who need a tune right away.

Tunes with Structures: A structure is a pattern that embedded in certain skis (particularly race skis) and will require a different tune process that involves using a machine that will grind the structure into the base material. This will usually require additionally fees.
- This cannot be done at home.

Ski Mounts: There are two types of ski mounts. First there are system mounts where the bindings slide onto the mount and you open the catch and adjust to the size of the boot.  The second type is a hard mount where the bindings are permanently mounted to the ski.  During this process a ski shop professional will take a jig provided from the manufacturer that matches the binding. This jig then guides where holes are to be drilled in the ski, excess fiber glass and wood is removed, glue is applied to the holes, and the binding is then screwed into the drilled holes along with other assembly.  This is only for those who shoe size does not vary because this mount can only be performed 1-2 times without compromising the ski structure.

Do it Yourself: This is only for informed skiers only. I would not recommend doing this unless you know what you have experience with it.  If your skis have not been tuned in a while it is best to get a professional wax job.  A basic at home kit will usually come with wax, a metal file, a plastic scraper, a wire brush, an edge stone, a buffing pad, and ptex.  You can purchase paste waxes, base cleaners, or other supplies and tools separately. Watch a Demo!

Frequency of Tunes: How often you get your skis tuned will depend on how often you ski.  If you ski 1-5 times per year you can get away with only tuning your skis once.  If you ski more often you should tune your skis 2-3 times per year.

Servicing cross country skis and snowboards will have different procedures and techniques.

If I missed any of your favorite products or techniques, feel free to comment below.