Choosing the right ski touring skis depends on your specific touring style, the terrain you plan to explore, and your skiing ability.
Selecting the ideal ski touring setup involves balancing weight for the uphill climb with performance and control for the downhill descent. Key factors to consider include waist width, ski length, weight, sidecut radius, and stiffness.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ski Touring Skis
Your choice should align with the type of ski touring you anticipate doing most often. Different skis are designed for different conditions and objectives.
1. Skiing Style and Terrain
The reference information highlights how your chosen terrain significantly influences ski design:
- Classic Ski Touring (Variable Snow): If you are a classic ski tourer exploring diverse snow conditions and prioritizing ease of use and forgiveness on descents, the reference suggests you choose a wide waist width of around 75-90mm. It also notes that soft skis with a short sidecut radius of around 15m will be easier to use and less demanding in the descents.
- Springtime, Couloirs, or Steep Terrain: For more technical skiing in firm spring snow, navigating couloirs, or tackling steep slopes, the reference advises favoring more rigid and straighter skis. These offer better edge hold and stability in challenging conditions.
- Deep Powder: While not explicitly in the reference, for maximizing float in deep snow, look for skis with waist widths typically exceeding 95mm, often with significant rocker profile.
- Ski Mountaineering (Speed/Efficiency): For fast ascents and minimal weight, skis tend to be narrower (often below 75mm), lighter, and stiffer underfoot for edge hold on hard snow or ice.
2. Ski Dimensions and Characteristics
- Waist Width: As mentioned in the reference, the waist width (the narrowest part of the ski underfoot) is a primary indicator of its intended use.
- < 75mm: Primarily for speed touring, racing, and firm snow/ice. Very lightweight.
- 75-90mm: Versatile range for classic touring and variable conditions, offering a good balance of uphill efficiency and downhill performance (as noted in the reference).
- 90-105mm: All-mountain touring, good in powder while still capable on firmer snow.
- > 105mm: Powder-focused skis, best in soft snow but less efficient on climbs or hardpack.
- Sidecut Radius: This relates to how quickly the ski turns. A shorter radius (like the ~15m mentioned for classic touring) makes for quicker, easier turns, while a longer radius is more stable at speed and prefers longer, arcing turns (often associated with straighter, more rigid skis for steep terrain).
- Flex and Stiffness: The reference differentiates based on flex: soft skis are easier and less demanding (good for classic touring), while more rigid skis are preferred for steep or firm conditions. Stiffness affects stability, edge hold, and energy transfer.
- Rocker and Camber: These profiles affect float, turn initiation, and edge hold. Camber provides edge grip, while rocker helps with float in powder and easier pivoting. Most touring skis use a combination.
3. Ski Length
Ski length is generally chosen based on your height, weight, and ability level.
- Shorter skis are typically easier to maneuver and lighter for climbing.
- Longer skis offer more stability at speed and better float in powder.
- A common starting point is choosing a ski length anywhere from slightly shorter than your height to slightly taller, adjusting based on the ski's design (rocker can make a ski feel shorter) and your preference.
4. Weight
Weight is a crucial factor in ski touring as you'll be carrying the skis uphill. Lighter skis make the climb easier and faster. However, lighter skis can sometimes compromise downhill stability and performance, especially in challenging snow. Consider the balance that suits your priorities.
Summary Table
Here's a simplified view based on common touring styles and the reference:
| Touring Style | Recommended Waist Width | Sidecut Radius | Flex/Stiffness | Typical Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic/Variable Snow | ~75-90mm (Ref) | ~15m (Ref) | Soft (Ref) | Mixed, all-mountain |
| Steep/Spring Snow | Varies (often ~80-95mm) | Longer (Ref) | Rigid (Ref) | Firm, icy, couloirs |
| Deep Powder | > 95mm | Varies | Medium to Soft | Soft, deep snow |
| Speed Touring/Racing | < 75mm | Varies | Rigid | Firm snow, uphill focus |
Choosing ski touring skis is a personal decision. Consider your goals, where you ski most often, and prioritize the factors that matter most to you – whether it's uphill speed, downhill performance, or versatility.
