 My Best Ski Length - Ski Jasper
Choosing My Best Ski LengthHere, we focus on choosing your proper ski length.
Which Ski Length:
It used to be that the way to find your right ski length was to measure the ski from tail to tip, against your body - the right ski length was one that reached the top of your head. While still a decent rule of thumb, modern skiing equipment design and skiing innovations have been put in place which allow you to choose ski gear ideally suited to you, and to the skiing you want to do.
With the changes and popularity of shaped skis, the new skiing trend has been towards shorter skis than the longer, straight skis of yesteryear.
Some general ski choice rules of thumb are:
If you have been skiing with narrow, unshaped skis, and want to change to a new shaped ski; reduce the length you are accustomed to by up to 10 cm. Shaped skis come in sizes from 160 cm to 190 cm, generally.
If you want to carve the mountains, all other things being equal, a shorter, lighter ski will allow you to carve more easily than a longer ski. A ski that reaches the bridge of your nose is a good rule of thumb here.
If you are a tentative skier, go for the shorter ski lengths; a downhill ski that reaches the bridge of your nose is a good rule of thumb here as well.
While your skiing skill grows, you may choose more alpine-like racing. For this type of skiing, you can afford to go with a longer ski for sheer speed.
Outside of these general considerations, there are three main factors to keep in mind when choosing ski length. The type of skiing you want to do, your skill level, and your weight.
Your Skiing skill level and your weight.
Choosing Ski Length and Your Skiing Skill Level
As you progress in skiing, you can afford, generally, to go with longer skis. Beginning skis, particularly skis with a good deal of sidecut ("shape"), can be shorter, and lighter, to slow your skiing speed down and make turns a easier. Longer skis will be faster, but they are also a little harder to control. The progression from beginning to intermediate skiing should involve incremental increases in length of 5 cm, and another increase of 5 cm when you truly move to advanced skill level of wanting to fly down ski slopes.
Choosing Ski Length and Your Weight
Body weight is even more important than height when looking at ski length. The heavier the skier, the longer a ski that skier can cut and control. Lighter skiers should have shorter, more responsive skis. Here, it is best to simply try out different lengths to see what works best with your body. Leg an torso strength may also be a factor in chossing your ski length. If you feel you are very fit, strong, and able to pick up agility tasks easily, you may want to choose a ski that is a little longer to challenge your abilities.
Ski Length and The Type of Skiing You Do
With the advent of shaped skis, ski lengths generally have gotten shorter over time. Skiing professionals have also moved to shorter skis for slalom and giant slalom racing. Skis measuring 165 cm is common on the slalom circuit.
In general, choose longer and fatter skis for skiing in powder or crud ski conditions. Shorter skis are suited for carving and more packed snow.
If you are planning on buying downhill skis, rent some skis of different lengths to help decide what length to go with. With shaped skis, you get more bang for your buck today, so choose skis that suit you. You will also want to consider your conceptually graduating skiing level. If you pick skiing up very fast, you may want to go with your "finishing" level of ski and take your cautious time to progress to this level of skiing to prevent being stuck with an unsuitable ski.
Types of Ski Gear to choose for skiing in Jasper Alberta.
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Jasper Skiing for Locals and International Guests
Skiing in Jasper National Park's winter playground is truly for all ages. Jasper's winter wonderland is treasured for an uncrowded hospitable atmosphere.
Marmot Basin's downhill Ski Mountain offers ski enthusiasts spectacular opportunities.
Cross country skiers enjoy over 300 kilometres of ski trails that make Jasper one of the largest cross country ski areas in Canada.
Backcountry ski enthusiasts also love Jasper's day trips and multi-day ski trips to opportunities all over the national park.
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