What are the different types of skis? Which ski should I choose? How to choose based on my budget? A Ski is a curved blade placed under your foot to slide properly on snow. Considering your budget and your level, you choose the most adapted Ski to enjoy fully your winter holiday. 

To ensure you have the right ski, you’ll need to know your ski level, terrain preferences & your holiday plans.

WHAT IS A SKI?

A ski is composed of 7 parts : tips, underfoot width, the tail, the sides, the deck, the edges, and the base.

• The tip & tail allows the ski to adapt to every curve and to soften impacts. It influences how the ski responds to the terrain thanks to its length, its shape, and its thickness. The wider it is, the more the turn will be optimized. 
• The underfoot width, which the central part of the ski, right under the bindings. This supports transmission and the angle between the skier and the ski is mostly linked to this part. It is the width under the foot of a skier that determines how fast the skier can switch side and edges. The narrower the waist is, the faster the change can be. A slalom competition ski would have a width of 68mm. A freeride ski can be width up to 115 mm.

Piste : width between 65 and 80mm

All-terrain or freestyle : 80 to 90mm

Off-piste : 90mm and more. 

• The tail is the part that is at the ack of a ski. It is useful to stabilise and balance the skier, but it also helps with turns, especially at the end of them. 
• The sides are the lateral parts of skis. They protect and make the ski firm. Straight sides allow more power and more precision.
• The deck, the part that is on top of the ski, is important for the skier’s lift on snow, and has an aesthetical aspect that could be important.
• The edges are the sharp parts on the sides. It is used to sink into the snow or the ice the base of the ski. It allows a better grip on turns, without loosing speed.
• The base is the part that is in contact with the snow. It is mostly made out of polyethylene PE. It reduces friction to make the ski slide properly on snow.

To help you choose the right skis, we will review two main criteria :

• For which level? We will talk about the construction of the ski
• On what type of terrain? We will talk about the width of the ski’s waist. 

The construction of the ski does influence the price. 

FOR WHAT LEVEL?

At Audacius, we have 6 options for Ski Rental : 

• 1★ Eco & Accessible
  Simple, reliable and affordable skis, ideal for learning without breaking the bank. Lightweight and easy to handle at a small price.
• 2★ Easy & Soft
  Flexible and lightweight models, perfect for discovering skiing without stress. They provide comfort from the very first runs.
• 3★ Progression & Confidence
  Skis that are stable, forgiving and comfortable, supporting smooth and enjoyable progress. A great balance of ease and sensation.
• 4★ Performance & Control
  Models from Atomic, Blizzard, Elan and Rossignol — precise, smooth and enjoyable. They deliver comfort, control and pleasure in every turn — ideal for taking your skiing to the next level with confidence.
• 5★ Premium & Precision
  Very high-end skis from Kästle, Fischer, Nordica and Dynastar.
  Powerful, stable and easy to ski — offering comfort, safety and exceptional sensations. The perfect ski to progress quickly and have maximum fun.
• AUDACIUS – The Haute Couture of Skiing  A selection of exceptional skis by Porsche, Volant and Buttner, chosen for their singular personality and unmatched smoothness.  The pinnacle of excellence: striking design, razor-sharp precision and effortless glide — a refined, artisanal skiing experience crafted to stir emotion

ON WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN?

• On Piste : 

The 5★ and Audacuis Skis : in this range, we have both skis that are ‘Sportive’ and ‘Accessible’.  Sportive skis are more tailored for deep carving or competition, and are therefore more adapted to skiers looking for a slalom (short carving turns & speed) or giant slalom option. Slalom skis gave a underfoot width of 62mm & a radius (difference between the tip/tail width & the underfoot) of 11M. Giant Slalom (larger turns) will have an underfoot width of 65mm & a radius of 17M.  Our ‘Accessible’ options are general All-Mountain skis – comfortable, stable & perfect for short & large parallel turns & all snow conditions.

Our 3★ and 4★ skis. A more affordable option. Easily adaptable to your progression, smooth turns without gripping, forgiving & precision in carving. More tailored to varied snow conditions – choose an All Mountain option. Their underfoot width will vary from 72mm to 80mm.

• Off-Piste / Freeride & Freestyle:

4★ and 5★ Range: If you are looking for a versatile ski for varied snow conditions & one that can carry you from on piste carving to off piste powder – choose an All Mountain ski. Powerful, stable & easy to ski,  thanks to their wider underfoot width, they can carve on piste, but are also efficient off-piste, thanks to their rocker.

If you are a skier that likes challenging skiing. The Audacius Team recommend that you take between 80mm and 90mm for the underfoot width. The purpose is to have a 70%-60% on piste ski and 30%-40% off-piste ski, for skiers that are more technique-oriented and who want to go on fresh snow, not yet groomed. 

For Off-Piste skiing, on fresh and untouched snow, Audacius recommend you take “fat/powder skis”, that are part of our 5★ or Audacius range. They will have a much wider underfoot width that measures 100mm with a rocker shape to help you ‘float’ in powder.

You are now ready to choose skis that will be perfectly adapted to you! You only have to click the button below!