How to choose your racing skis?

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What does a racing ski look like?

Each range of ski racing offers a variation of 3 key points defining the anatomy of the ski: the sidecut, the radius and the width at the waist.

Since the appearance of parabolic skis a few decades ago, racing skis have a streamlined shape with the aim of gaining speed. In order to compare the different skis, a common index is used: the sidecut. Streamlined skis are wider at the front and back, and narrower at the waist. In the jargon, we compliment "their wasp waist."

In addition to this, the radius is another measure to take into account. Theoretically, this is the distance the ski would take to initiate, turn and complete a full carving turn. The smaller the radius, the better the ski is able to chain very tight turns one after the other. In giant skiing on the other hand, longer radiuses are to be favoured.

Finally, the last technical point specific to racing skis: the width at the waist. With their wasp waist, racing skis are usually very narrow under the boot. The thinner the waist, the faster the edge-to-edge transition. That is, a carving ski allows you to switch from a right-edge curve to a hard left-edge turn in an instant.

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The performance slopes ski

When you're new to carving, this is the first model to play with: the performance slopes ski (or performance piste). This is a range of skis designed to perform on piste at high speeds. With a traditional camber and a narrow waist, the change from edge to edge is both lively and fast. Highly effective, they are still accessible to beginner carvers, while forgiving the technical weaknesses. In addition, they will satisfy your need for versatility by switching from the ease of cut skiing to glide skiing.

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The racing ski

A notch more nervous than the performance ski, the race model is a derivative of racing skis. The opportunity to benefit from all the novelties brought by the competition without bothering with all the FIS homologations and regulations. It therefore has all the skills to offer you unforgettable moments on the piste while remaining controllable for most good skiers.

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The slalom ski

It is easily recognisable because the initials SL are added to the model's name. It can also be found in its FIS-approved version, so it meets the standards for competition.

The slalom ski is, as its name suggests, designed for tight turns, chained very quickly. It is therefore a mono-task ski, for a very precise use. Nevertheless, one will still be able to have fun on the slopes or train on the course.

With a marked wasp waist, it has a very short radius to facilitate tight turns between the poles.

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The giant ski

Like its compatriot the slalom ski, the giant is intended for a single use. It's a ski that requires excellent technical basics and rock-solid fitness. Longer than slalom skis, giants are less manoeuvrable and more difficult to control. With a radius of more than 25m, they carve very high-speed turns with an extreme angle and a lot of elegance. But these are skis that have to be earned! However, the consumer version has a softened flex to become accessible to very good skiers, outside of competition.

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Competition skis (FIS homologations) vs racing skis

FIS skis are the equivalent of Formula 1 in the world of skiing. They are therefore jewels of innovation, designed by the greatest geniuses in the world of skiing, made with the noblest materials. We might as well say it, FIS skis are worth their weight in gold. They are true racing beasts, designed to offer maximum precision, a top speed and a stability that is beyond reproach. Intended for competition, they are not to be put in every hand.

In amateur or racing, choosing your racing or competition ski is like choosing your trusty stallion. Sidecut, radius, technology: "the athlete makes the ski", but the opposite is equally true. For outstanding performance, do not skimp on the quality of the equipment that will follow you and allow you to evolve and progress.