You've been debating whether to buy or rent your skis for a long time. And, finally, you've decided to buy!
However, the real conundrum lies in how to choose your skis wisely from among the variety of models, brands and ranges, sometimes leaving a feeling of confusion amid the shelves of ski equipment. HawaiiSurf is here to enlighten you and provide you with all the essential information to guide you in the acquisition of your first pair of skis. Follow our guide!
Questions to ask before you buy
Every skier has his or her own unique identity, skills, style and preferences. Choosing the perfect pair of skis is all about self-knowledge. It's imperative to consider elements such as your current skill level, your potential for improvement, your preferences in terms of ski terrain, your body size, as well as your budget.
Before you dive into HawaiiSurf's vast selection of skis with attractive technologies and designs, take a moment to ask yourself these four essential questions:
- What's my skiing profile?
- What is my current skill level and where do I want to go in my skiing?
- Which ski size is right for me?
- What is my available budget?
Once you've clearly defined your needs, you're ready to explore our range of skis and accessories to complete your equipment wisely. In fact, take a look at our buying guide on"Which ski program to choose?", to find your favorite discipline(s)!
What's your skier profile?
- The beginner:
For your first runs on the slopes, you generally opt for green or blue runs. Your preferred technique is snowploughing, which is simple, effective and, above all, safe. Rather than seeking speed, you prefer to maintain a moderate pace, with a few moments of faster descent from time to time. Your main concern is to ensure your safety and that of other skiers, by avoiding falls and minimizing the risk of collisions.
Tips from the Hawaiisurf team: We advise beginners to wear a helmet, which is an essential safety accessory. Less well known but just as useful as a helmet, you can also use a full back protector, which will protect your entire spine in the event of impacts, shocks or collisions!
- The intermediate holiday skier:
Since you were very young, you've been going on vacation to the mountains with your parents, and year after year, this tradition has been perpetuated, covering 1 or 2 weeks of winter vacation. But it's been a long time since you've taken a course to rework your technique. You go just about everywhere, adapting your pace to suit the conditions. You're not a fan of high speeds and powder, but you do dare to skirt the slopes with caution from time to time, just for fun.
- Le Racer:
The racers get up early and take full advantage of the opening of the freshly groomed pistes. Speed is your trump card, and you'll be carving wide curves, showing off your technique that's been ingrained since your first steps in the resort's ski-club.
- Freestyler:
It's in the resort's snowpark that these acrobatic skiers and snowboarders take on the biggest lines in the park! Your trump card will be the jumps and the adrenaline rush they provoke in you. Tricks, grabs, doubles, the technique is there, and spectators stop en masse at the bottom of the lines to watch you. You link up tricks in the park or in the powder, constantly striving to push your limits!
- The Freerider:
Why let yourself be confined to marked trails when the mountains have no boundaries and offer an idyllic setting far from the tourist crowds of the resorts? Powder, committed lines, pushing yourself to the limit... Pure adrenalin! Mother Nature's wide-open spaces on a good day make your legs ache, and you love it!
Tips from the Hawaiisurf team:In addition to specialized freeride skis, we advise you to exercise extreme caution when skiing freeride! It's imperative that powder enthusiasts check the weather conditions and the safety flags posted by the resort's pisteurs warning of the risk of avalanches. They should also be equipped with the latest avalanche safety gear, including an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel. You can also supplement your gear with a back protector and an airbag backpack!
How can I assess my level?
Estimating your level of skiing also, and ESPECIALLY, means taking your personal feelings into account! Do you feel able to :
- Skiing on all types of snow?
- Control your skis according to obstacles and speed?
- Responding to emergencies?
- Braving changing weather conditions?
It's not just a question of standardizing yourself to the "beginner", "intermediate" or "expert" category, but of analyzing your behavior in relation to your technical skills, so as to get a clear idea of your level.
There are two approaches to purchasing:
- Choose a pair of evolutionary skis that will accompany you perfectly as you progress.
- Choose a specific model that you'll need to change as you progress.
For example:
- An evolutionary ski will never adapt perfectly to you. In fact, they will never lack in maneuverability, adapting to all levels and situations. An evolutionary pair is ideal if you ski for 1 or 2 weeks/year, as they'll be easier to get the hang of and avoid the legaches of the first few runs!
- A ski dedicated to a particular sport will have specific characteristics designed for a certain level on a particular playing field. It will therefore be excellent in its field, but will limit its maneuverability in others. This type of ski is therefore recommended for regular skiers looking to evolve their skills, changing them step by step as they move up the range!
Tips from the Hawaiisurf teamWhen buying your first pair of skis, it's best to opt for a beginner's model, which will ensure optimum maneuverability and correct small edge errors! This will make gliding easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable, so you can learn quickly and effortlessly!
What size skis do I need?
- Short version: -5 to -10cm below your waist
- Long version: This depends on your level, practice and preferences. Beginner skiers can also count on between -5 and -10cm.
However, specific models have a summary table of recommended sizes according to ski type and level.
What about my budget?
You can buy entry-level skis for around a hundred euros, or even less if you find a bargain during sales or promotions. If you ski for several weeks a year, this option is already cheaper than renting.
For more advanced models, prices can reach over a thousand euros. In this range, you'll find state-of-the-art skis designed for the most experienced skiers.
The price range is therefore quite wide, enabling you to find skis to suit your budget. Of course, price is generally proportional to quality. Entry-level skis tend to have a shorter lifespan than high-end models. In addition to technical features, cost also takes into account the durability of materials and the quality of finish.
And now you have all the reassurance you need to find the ideal pair of skis, by asking yourself the right questions to assess your level of ability!
Discover our range of skis that will perfectly match your progress, your expectations and, above all, your limits at the best prices!
