This week, we’ve prepared an introduction to different types of ski. While it may seem that a pair of skis are simply just a pair of skis, they are actually very diverse. If you’re hiring, choosing the right ski is crucial to ensuring the best experience. If you’re buying, then the choice matters more as your decision has to be well considered. Let’s dive into an introduction to the different types of skis!
Carving
Most recreational skiers are using carving skis for their on-piste skiing. They have an hourglass shape, which makes them very easy for turning. Because the ski is curved when the metal edges are dug into the snow they offer a natural turning circle.
All-mountain
The name says it all! With these skis, you are well prepared for every terrain on the mountain. A spontaneous ride into deep powder is just as possible as riding on well-groomed slopes – it’s up to your choice. They have a shape similar to carving skis and they are wider, particularly under the foot. Some of the all-mountain skis are the same shape as regular piste skis while others take more of a freeride ski shape, including a ‘rockered’ tip that helps float in powder.
Freeride
Freeride skis are similar to powder skis, but not that wide. With them, you can mainly ride off-piste but they perform well on piste too. They are a little wider than all-mountain skis, with an underfoot width of 100-120mm. Most of the freeride skis have a rockered tip to ensure the skis can grip on the piste as well as performing on the untouched snow.
Check our blog post for freeride skiing in Bansko!
Powder
Powder skis are wider and longer than piste skis. They range from 110mm in the waist right up to 140mm. The reason for this is so they can cope with the deepest snow. Most of the powder skis have a rockered tip for more stability. The difference between powder and general skis is the fact that the ski itself offers a reverse camber – with the tip and rail thinner than the mid-section.
Racing
They are the longest skis on the market. Nowadays, top racers use skis of about 160cm, while decades ago they would consider nothing less than 205cm. Flexible and responsive, they offer incredibly quick turning on firm snow, but they lack versatility.
Cross-country
Cross-country skis are lightweight and designed for self-propelled travel over a wide variety of terrain. The bindings let your heels lift off the ski. They achieve grip for forwarding movement by means of a texture set into the base of the skis. Wax-able skis require different wax for different snow conditions. Cross-country skiing can be practiced in Borovets, where you can hire cross-country skis from.
Ski & Board Traventuria is a leading provider of lift passes, equipment rental, airport transfers, and ski school for the Bansko area. To book your next ski vacation in Bansko with us, please check our website – www.skibansko.bg
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