Ski Types and Conditions

Recommended practice time: 25–35 min

Introduction

The right ski transforms grip and fatigue. Link waist width, length, rocker/camber, flex and sidecut to the day’s snow.

Steps

  1. Ice / hardpack
    Narrower waist (65–85 mm), pronounced camber, strong torsion, sharp edges. Length ≈ body height to +0–5 cm.
  2. Powder / deep snow
    Wide waist (95–115+ mm), rockered tip/tail, softer flex zones for float. Length height +5–10 cm.
  3. Mixed snow – all-mountain
    Mid-waist (85–100 mm), camber underfoot with moderate rocker. Versatile 14–18 m radius.
  4. Bumps / trees
    Slightly shorter, a touch softer for quick flex and short arcs. Waist 80–95 mm; stable camber for precision.
Ski selection for conditions: hardpack, powder, mixed and bumps—choose width, rocker, length and tune.
Match width, profile and length to conditions for safer, more efficient skiing.

Typical Mistakes

  • Too-wide skis on ice—slow edge-to-edge response.
  • Too-short powder skis—tip dive and extra effort.
  • Ignoring flex—too soft on fast hardpack, too stiff in bumps.
  • Wrong wax/tune for snow temperature.

Beginner Questions

Do all-mountain skis cover everything?

Great for “a bit of everything,” but extreme ice and very deep powder are better with specialized skis.

How do I pick length?

Hardpack: around height to +0–5 cm; Powder: height +5–10 cm; Trees/bumps: nearer height or −5 cm for agility.

What about radius and flex?

Smaller radius/softer flex = shorter turns and easier initiation; larger radius/stiffer flex = stability at speed.

Instructor’s Tip

“Look at the snow before the model: conditions dictate width, profile and length—the model comes second.”

Conclusion

When ski type matches the conditions you gain grip, save energy and ski with safer rhythm—whatever the day brings.