Ski Design, Selection and Tuning

Assorted ski equipment lined up against a wall, featuring various brands and designs, arranged side by side.

Overview

  • Selecting the right race skis is crucial for ski racers, impacting performance and safety, with different designs tailored to skill levels.

  • Properly tuning and maintaining your skis play a vital role in optimizing their performance and lifespan.

Race Ski Design

  • Race skis are shaped with the front and back wider than the middle. The skis are arched in the middle creating camber.

  • Slalom skis are designed to make shorter arced turns and have the most shape and highest camber.

Diagram of a ski showing dimensions such as tail length, tip length, waist width, tip width, tail width, effective edge, length, sidecut radius, camber, and contact points.

Selecting Race Skis

  • Choosing the right race skis are essential and involves a careful balance of factors ranging from skill level to ski design.

  • Youth skiers and racers should work with their coaches and equipment providers to select the appropriate skis for them.

Skis for Masters Racers

  • Most ski brands create race skis specifically designed for Masters racers. Typically, Masters do not require FIS World Cup-level skis unless they have reached an advanced racing level.

FIS versus Masters Race Skis

The difference between FIS and Masters race skis is explained by Paul Lorenz.

Video by Projected Productions

Various brands of alpine skis displayed vertically

Selecting race skis involves considering three key factors: Radius, Length and Width. The Radius determines the turn’s length the ski is designed for, while Length depends on the skier’s weight, gender, and skill level. The width underfoot of skis vary to optimize performance for speed, precision, and turning capabilities.

Ski Tuning

  • Well tuned skis will improve results and reduce the risk of injury. Skis glide faster on the right wax and carve on icy courses with sharp edges.

  • View a series of videos demonstrating how to tune skis including Base Repair, Edge Work and Waxing.

Man tuning skis in a workshop with tools and ski equipment, text on image reads 'What is Ski Tuning?'"

Key Takeaways

  1. Race ski design includes shaped skis with wider fronts and backs than the middle, creating camber in the middle of the ski.

  2. Selecting the right race skis is crucial for ski racers, impacting performance, safety and enjoyment. Skis should align with the racer’s skill level, and there are specific designs tailored to different disciplines like Slalom.

  3. Well-tuned skis are essential for optimum performance. A link is provided to view instructional videos of how to tune race skis.

Suggested Learning Modules

Learn about Poles and Pole Straps

Return to Coaching Masters

Important Note: Skiing and ski racing come with inherent risks. As such, it is imperative to ski responsibly and remain within the boundaries of your skill level and personal comfort zone.