Ski types are like snow on the mountain

When it comes to renting skis, there are as many different models as there are people who want to try them out. There are long ones, short ones, wide ones, narrow ones, sometimes sporty ones, sometimes ones for leisure, totally modern ones or wholly traditional ones. Finding the right pair of skis among this crowd can seem as difficult as finding Mr. or Mrs. Right.

That's why you’ll find out here what you need to keep in mind in order to find the right type of skis for you. Plus what else is important when renting skis.

A serious skier or a happy hobbyist

Apart from your weight and height, it is crucial that you determine what type of skier you are. To make it easier for you to do a self-assessment before renting skis, we have put together an overview with corresponding ski-type recommendations for you:

Beginner and cautious skier

Technique: Hardly any
Mode of skiing: Slow, cautious
Terrain: Blue and red pistes only
Recommended type of skis: Easy carver + All-round carver

Advanced and Skis for pleasure

Technique: Possesses basic skills
Mode of skiing: Medium speed, problems on black or heavily frequented pistes
Terrain: Predominantly prepared pistes
Recommended type of skis: All-round carver + All-mountain skis

Ambitious and advanced skier

Technique: Relatively confident at edging or wants to learn how to do it
Mode of skiing: Medium to quick tempo, sometimes leisurely,sometimes sporty
Terrain: Predominantly pistes
Recommended type of skis: All-round carver + All-mountain skis + Slalom carver + Sport carver

Advanced to highly skilled

Technique: Good technique
Mode of skiing: Medium to quick tempo, dynamic and sporty
Terrain: Piste and terrain
Recommended type of skis: All-mountain skis + Slalom carver + Sport carver + Cross carver + Race carver

Seven rules of thumb for renting skis:

● Slow, inexperienced skiers can choose skis that are 5-10 cm shorter

● Fast, good skiers can choose skis that are 5-10 cm longer

● Shorter skis are a bit more maneuverable

● Longer skis are a little smoother

● Skiers who do not weigh much should make sure that they choose a softer pair of skis

● Skiers who weigh more should make sure that they choose a tougher pair of skis

We now wish you every success in renting skis and hope you have a good trip!

P.S: More about the perfect length for your skis we'll tell you in the next blog article.