Snow skis

[FROGMAN524]

I grew up skiing but switched to snowboarding in college. I’ve still got the snowboard still but I got the wife some nice skis last year and want to get some for myself this season. What does everyone recommend? I’m a proficient skiir, or was, but not into freestyle and don’t need twin tips. I’m 6’2”/275LBs with a size 13 wide foot. I’m cutting down to 225 or so as we speak but figure I’ll still need some rather large skis. What’s your recommendation?


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[Instigator]

Solomon Crossmax

 

[Dan Lorenze]

It all depends on what you like to ski, groomers or all mountain. Most skis these days for all mountain are at least 100 under foot, but they actually do great on the groomers. Lots of great skis these days, I sure like my Nordica's. (yes they make skis too). But if you're into sticking to fast groomers all day then by all means get a ski with a smaller waist then will shoot you through turns. Where are you going to ski mostly?

 

[footer]

I'm 6'2" 215 and 55 yo, and also am a skier/rider, with a bias to skiing. I'm only on the mountain 10-12 days a year, so don't ski enough to have more than one pair. I hit everything from blue groomers to steep powder in the trees. Park is the only thing I don't do. I'm on my second pair of Blizzard Bonafides, and really love them as an all around ski. Sometimes I wish I had a dedicated powder ski or a real GS ski, but the Bonafides perform very, very well in any situation.

 

[RCDave]

I was an AVID skier before the evolution in skis. I skied on 203-207cm slalom skis. Both racing and all mountain boards. Mostly K2's and Dynastars.

What compares to these in the current environment?

 

[footer]

I was an AVID skier before the evolution in skis. I skied on 203-207cm slalom skis. Both racing and all mountain boards. Mostly K2's and Dynastars.

What compares to these in the current environment?

So much has changed over the last 20-30 years it would be difficult to predict what's going to feel right to you, especially having been off skis for a while. The changes in equipment have actually changed technique to some extent. Ski instruction is different today than it was years ago. If you're thinking about getting back into it, it's wise to rent skis for a few days and figure out what works for you.

 

[FROGMAN524]

It all depends on what you like to ski, groomers or all mountain. Most skis these days for all mountain are at least 100 under foot, but they actually do great on the groomers. Lots of great skis these days, I sure like my Nordica's. (yes they make skis too). But if you're into sticking to fast groomers all day then by all means get a ski with a smaller waist then will shoot you through turns. Where are you going to ski mostly?

I will not be doing Moguls or deep powder but mostly steep and fast groomers. I like speed not super technical stuff. I’ll be skiing snowbowl in flagstaff, purgatory in Durango and the park city resorts. Telluride as well.


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[FROGMAN524]

So much has changed over the last 20-30 years it would be difficult to predict what's going to feel right to you, especially having been off skis for a while. The changes in equipment have actually changed technique to some extent. Ski instruction is different today than it was years ago. If you're thinking about getting back into it, it's wise to rent skis for a few days and figure out what works for you.

Also need to find comfy boots. The thing I like least about full days is foot pain, at least in my snowboarding boots.


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[nameisbond]

Good question, that I don't have an answer. I do ski a few times per year. Do a Whistler trip, close enough can be a day trip. I do a local mountain near downtown Vancouver, Grouse. But not often enough to buy boots and ski's. I rent and it works well.

 

[Bobby V]

I grew up skiing but switched to snowboarding in college. I’ve still got the snowboard still but I got the wife some nice skis last year and want to get some for myself this season. What does everyone recommend? I’m a proficient skiir, or was, but not into freestyle and don’t need twin tips. I’m 6’2”/275LBs with a size 13 wide foot. I’m cutting down to 225 or so as we speak but figure I’ll still need some rather large skis. What’s your recommendation?


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Have you checked with the ski resorts you will be skiing this year. Like many on here I am a IKON pass holder for Mammoth and they will have some restrictions for skiing available to non pass holders. Not sure about the other resorts.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Also need to find comfy boots. The thing I like least about full days is foot pain, at least in my snowboarding boots.


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There's a substantial rabbit hole to go down here https://blisterreview.com/ is a great resource with what is new in the ski world. I worked at a ski shop in flag while I was in college and provide some insight.

For what you are describing you want to do, an 80-100 underfoot with a little bit of tip rocker, and a flat stiff tail will suit you well. I enjoy skiing fast on groomers too, but want something more versatile. My philosophy is that it is easier to make an all-mountain type ski work on groomers than it is to make a groomer ski work on the rest of the mountain.

In the past, I rode Line Influence 115's (186cm length, 115 underfoot) and loved them for groomers and fast wide open powder runs. However, their wide, flat tail hurt float in low speed soft stuff and their stiffness made them not maneuverable. Before last season I switched to 4FRNT Devastators (194cm length, 112 underfoot) due to their fully rockered profile and I love their all around performance.

Sizing, for someone your size I would say it has to do more with ability than anything. I wouldn't go much shorter than 180ish but if you are looking for some Alaskan heliski planks you can go well over 200 no problem. I would say for what you described, 185ish is a good all around size to shoot for, you want more stability go longer, more maneuverability go shorter.

Boots, another rabbit hole. It is most important with boots to get your foot professionally measured and fit. For example my feet don't work in FullTilt boots, i wish they did because of some performance features. For some your size, focus on good stiffness to match your ability. A common trap people fall into when buying ski boots is buying them too big because that feels the most comfortable in the store, you want to shoot for even tightness throughout your foot with your toes barely touching the end of the boot. Any wiggle room will create hot spots throughout a long day of skiing.

 

[footer]

Also need to find comfy boots. The thing I like least about full days is foot pain, at least in my snowboarding boots.


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Find a shop that's has a great reputation for boot fitting. There must be good options in SLC or up in Park City. My wife and I used a custom boot fitting service a few years ago, and it was 100% worth the money. They weren't cutting up the boots at all, just pointing us towards the brands and models that were the best match for our old feet.

 

[caribbean20]

Here’s my old and current boards. I’m 6’2”, 220 pounds and 63. Used to ski on 195 (Rossi), now 180 (Sollys). Mostly bumps and steep blues and blacks at Mary Jane here in CO. Hope this is helpful as a reference. As mentioned, quality boots are probably most important. These shaped skis are very fun, I just tend to run out of stamina these days

 

[RCDave]

Here’s my old and current boards. I’m 6’2”, 220 pounds and 63. Used to ski on 195 (Rossi), now 180 (Sollys). Mostly bumps and steep blues and blacks at Mary Jane here in CO. Hope this is helpful as a reference. As mentioned, quality boots are probably most important. These shaped skis are very fun, I just tend to run out of stamina these days
View attachment 932219

Love Mary Jane. Best bumps I ever skied

 

[FROGMAN524]

Find a shop that's has a great reputation for boot fitting. There must be good options in SLC or up in Park City. My wife and I used a custom boot fitting service a few years ago, and it was 100% worth the money. They weren't cutting up the boots at all, just pointing us towards the brands and models that were the best match for our old feet.

We’ve got SkiPro here locally and PC has black tie ski rental where I’m sure I can try quite a few different options. I am looking at All Mountain options in the 185-190 range. Not sure on stiffness, rocker or underfoot width yet.


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[Backlash]

Not the same size as you, but I used to ski on 200-205 Rossignols back in the day when I lived in Wyoming. I sold those suckers at a yard sale for pennies on the dollar and have since dropped down to a 177 all mountain ski. I've been happy with them and they are more ski than I'll ever have the ability to push to their limits. The technology and overall shape of skiis have changed so much in the last few years.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

We’ve got SkiPro here locally and PC has black tie ski rental where I’m sure I can try quite a few different options. I am looking at All Mountain options in the 185-190 range. Not sure on stiffness, rocker or underfoot width yet.


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Ski Pro usually has some people at each location that are good fitters, just could be luck of the draw on who you get. There is an Asian guy at their location on Camelbak that seemed to be pretty good. If you end up in Telluride, Boot Doctors are some of the best in the world.

I'd look into the Nordica Enforcer Line, the Rossi Experience Line, the 4FRNT MSP line, Elan RipStik line, Blizzard Brahma, Volkl M5 Mantra, ON3P Wrenegade. Don't get too wrapped around the quoted length, each company measures differently. My 186 line influences straight measured at 183ish, my 194 4FRNT's measure 192ish

 

[rrrr]

I was an AVID skier before the evolution in skis. I skied on 203-207cm slalom skis. Both racing and all mountain boards. Mostly K2's and Dynastars.

What compares to these in the current environment?

Me too, even those same skis. The Dynastars were great. I won a few of the old NASTAR races on them.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I'm 5'8 and I have 169's. I also like the steep stuff and that's why I don't want anything longer. The wide all mountain skis do everything great.

 

[RCDave]

Jeez these skis seem really short these days! lol

 

[Cobalt232]

These are my Rossignol FP's from college (early 80's) 195's. Now I have a pair of Nordica 168's which I Love!

My advice for skis is to demo a set from the high-end demo/rental place on the mountain. Not the resort owned rental place. All good resorts will have one. You can try several pairs in a day and see what you like. If you like a pair, and it is near the end of the season they will sell them to you. If it is the beginning of the season, just find what you like and buy anywhere. I usually demo a pair or two every trip to see if I prefer something to my beat up Nordicas but usually I prefer what I already own. The closest I have found that I liked were a pair of Dynastars.

For boots, forget about finding a pair in SoCal. You need to be in one of the resort towns/areas to see a good selection. I mean like a wall of boots, not just a few select pair. Since college, I have only had 3 pair of boots and currently have a pair of Solomon's which are pretty good but not perfect.

 

[footer]

Here’s my old and current boards. I’m 6’2”, 220 pounds and 63. Used to ski on 195 (Rossi), now 180 (Sollys). Mostly bumps and steep blues and blacks at Mary Jane here in CO. Hope this is helpful as a reference. As mentioned, quality boots are probably most important. These shaped skis are very fun, I just tend to run out of stamina these days

I hear you on the stamina thing! Skiing is the reason I hit the gym all year long. And I have a HUGE soft spot for Mary Jane. I did the ski bum thing from '85 to '87, working food service at Winter Park. Emphasis on the bum. Most care free time of my life.

 

[hallett21]

Demo on the mountain, take advantage and ski a few different sets.

Like has already been said your skiing style will dictate what you buy.

I’m 5’9 175 skiing 182s.

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[Ziggy]

Here’s my old and current boards. I’m 6’2”, 220 pounds and 63. Used to ski on 195 (Rossi), now 180 (Sollys). Mostly bumps and steep blues and blacks at Mary Jane here in CO. Hope this is helpful as a reference. As mentioned, quality boots are probably most important. These shaped skis are very fun, I just tend to run out of stamina these days
View attachment 932219

That was me. I owned 210s back in the day but quit skiing due to a blown knee. Was on a trip to Butte, Co after a decade + of not going and finally dared to ski with a giant knee brace. I was astounded they fit me to the new style 180 parabolics. It totally took the strain of my knee.

 

[caribbean20]

That was me. I owned 210s back in the day but quit skiing due to a blown knee. Was on a trip to Butte, Co after a decade + of not going and finally dared to ski with a giant knee brace. I was astounded they fit me to the new style 180 parabolics. It totally took the strain of my knee.

Yup, I know what you mean. They’re hard wired to your brain, just THINK turn and yer already half way around the bump.

 

[Ziggy]

Yup, I know what you mean. They’re hard wired to your brain, just THINK turn and yer already half way around the bump.

I was blown away how different they handled.
I was really attached to my Kneissl's, got them from a client/friend whose grandfather was Mr Kneissl.

 

[Cobalt232]

Yeah, it is amazing how the shaped skis handle. A little inside edge and you are turning without even trying.

 

[traquer]

Not a skier, but with snowboarding, boots make a huge difference.

Also, snowboards have evolved so much over the last 10-20 years, I bet skiis are the same. Everything is much better than in the old days.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Ok I'm thinking about these. Does anyone think an 84 underfoot width is too little?

Men's All Mountain Skis Experience 84Ai (Konect)

Play any terrain and make everyday another best day. The Experience 84 AI is the ideal all-mountain ski whether carving perfect groomers or exploring mixed snow and terrain. Our race-developed construction and Air TIp VAS reduce vibration for increased snow contact and line control, while the...

www.rossignol.com

Rossignol Experience 84 Ai Skis w/ NX 12 GW Bindings

Take advantage of all the playgrounds and live every day as if it were the best. The Experience 84 AI is the ideal all-mountain ski for perfecting your curves on groomed snow or going on an adventure on snow and mixed terrain. Our racing construction and Air Tip VAS technology absorb vibrations...

www.the-house.com

 

[kurtis500]

I will not be doing Moguls or deep powder but mostly steep and fast groomers. I like speed not super technical stuff. I’ll be skiing snowbowl in flagstaff, purgatory in Durango and the park city resorts. Telluride as well.


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I live in Park City. Let me know if you need advice on where to go for skis or slopes

 

[FROGMAN524]

I live in Park City. Let me know if you need advice on where to go for skis or slopes

Thanks I will let you know. I used to live with the guy who owns/owned the BlackTie ski rental in town.

 

[kurtis500]

Thanks I will let you know. I used to live with the guy who owns/owned the BlackTie ski rental in town.

Cool, letme know. BTW, I ski and snowboard. If you just want to lap the resorts and cruise I would get a set of shaped skis. Powder or rocker skis wont be as easy to control on the groomers. If you show up on a big powder day you can always rent a set for the day. Dont take the shaped skis in deep powder...like 2ft plus. I mostly board but I have a set of shaped skis for the afternoon when I want to cruise around.

 

[snowhammer]

What worked best for me was to buy a pair of boots. I too have 13 wides. The pro shop shaped the boots to fit. Game changer.

I have been renting and using demos for the past few years and I feel that is a great way to go as I dont ski often enough to justify new skis. The bonus of renting/demos is you typically have access to the newest models, especially if you choose to upgrade to performance rentals.

My favorite ski for all around and groomed has been the Volkl RTM. It is fairly fast and the most "honest" ski I've been on. By that I mean there are no surprises and the faster you go, the better they perform.

My two pennies.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Ok I'm thinking about these. Does anyone think an 84 underfoot width is too little?

Men's All Mountain Skis Experience 84Ai (Konect)

Play any terrain and make everyday another best day. The Experience 84 AI is the ideal all-mountain ski whether carving perfect groomers or exploring mixed snow and terrain. Our race-developed construction and Air TIp VAS reduce vibration for increased snow contact and line control, while the...

www.rossignol.com

Rossignol Experience 84 Ai Skis w/ NX 12 GW Bindings

Take advantage of all the playgrounds and live every day as if it were the best. The Experience 84 AI is the ideal all-mountain ski for perfecting your curves on groomed snow or going on an adventure on snow and mixed terrain. Our racing construction and Air Tip VAS technology absorb vibrations...

www.the-house.com

Those would be fine for what you have described.

I am a weirdo and my default is to always go wider than you think would be normal. With good technique it is still very easy and manageable to carve up groomers on wider skis. My current skis are 115 and 112 underfoot respectively. My mom is on 88 underfoot and my dad is on 100 underfoot and they both spend virtually all day on groomers and love them.

Also, I understand the convenience of buying a ski with premounted bindings, but the demo track bindings that move back and forth to accommodate different boot sizes have the effect of lifting your boot higher off the ski and I'm not a huge fan of that feeling.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Well I’m a sucker for a good deal and bought these in a 189 from Ski Pro. Pete talked me into the longer ones as my height and weight can justify them and he said they’ll be faster than a 170 something.

Head Men’s Kore 99 Flat Ski 2018-2019

The KORE 99 is an advanced ski for deep powder turns. At HEAD/TYROLIA, our passion is skiing. In 1950, Howard Head founded our company and radically improved the sport with his metal-laminate aerospace ski designs. You will quickly discover that Howard’s legacy lives on and HEAD/TYROLIA...

skipro.com

Pete there spent 90 minutes talking to me about skis and bindings and we tried on about 8 pairs boots as well. Ended up getting some Rossi Speed 120s in a 29.5. They’re going to make them a little wider for me in the widest part of the feet snd mount some Solomon bindings as well. Also got a Head bag and some nice Solomon poles in a 52”. Everything was an additional 10% off even after the sale prices they had going. Walked out the door saving many hundreds. Very happy with them.


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[floatn turd]

I grew up skiing but switched to snowboarding in college. I’ve still got the snowboard still but I got the wife some nice skis last year and want to get some for myself this season. What does everyone recommend? I’m a proficient skiir, or was, but not into freestyle and don’t need twin tips. I’m 6’2”/275LBs with a size 13 wide foot. I’m cutting down to 225 or so as we speak but figure I’ll still need some rather large skis. What’s your recommendation?


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How many times you think you'll use them per year?

 

[FROGMAN524]

How many times you think you'll use them per year?

10-20 days a year


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[floatn turd]

10-20 days a year


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That's still a good amount.

My 2 cents.

If your not "Glen Plake" on the Mt. then I would recommend a fat ski or parabolic ski.
You can pick them up used for pennies on the dollar on Craigslist or Offerup.
(with good bindings)

Any manufacturer will be good enough for people like you or I.

I'd say size 195, 205's maybe even 210's.

But, buy a set of fat skies (2nd hand) for cheap and see if they float you boat.

Just my worthless 2cents.

 

[floatn turd]

The "man" himself!

 

[RCDave]

Back in the day when guys shredded the mountain on 210s

Scot Schmitt

 

[FROGMAN524]

That's still a good amount.

My 2 cents.

If your not "Glen Plake" on the Mt. then I would recommend a fat ski or parabolic ski.
You can pick them up used for pennies on the dollar on Craigslist or Offerup.
(with good bindings)

Any manufacturer will be good enough for people like you or I.

I'd say size 195, 205's maybe even 210's.

But, buy a set of fat skies (2nd hand) for cheap and see if they float you boat.

Just my worthless 2cents.

See post 35. He talked me into fatter skis than I would have picked. Longer as well.


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[floatn turd]

See post 35. He talked me into fatter skis than I would have picked. Longer as well.


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Well.......crap!
Guess I should've read the whole thing.
I will now take my leave.

Good day Sir.

 

[SBMech]

Really you should find an excellent boot fitter, then demo a few pairs. Tech has come so far since the heyday of the 80's and 90's ...that's why you can bomb on much shorter skis than before, they have much more usable ski.

Not to mention ability. I used to race on 195"s and 215"s and I am only 5'10", but I am a power house who grew up skiing and racing.

I snowboard now, but still rent a pair every now and then for shits and giggles...more than once I have been tempted to switch back...they are just so much better now.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Really you should find an excellent boot fitter, then demo a few pairs. Tech has come so far since the heyday of the 80's and 90's ...that's why you can bomb on much shorter skis than before, they have much more usable ski.

Not to mention ability. I used to race on 195"s and 215"s and I am only 5'10", but I am a power house who grew up skiing and racing.

I snowboard now, but still rent a pair every now and then for shits and giggles...more than once I have been tempted to switch back...they are just so much better now.

Well I got the boots fitted and they’re doing some custom stuff to make them just perfect. Excited to hit the slopes next month.


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[kurtis500]

Well I got the boots fitted and they’re doing some custom stuff to make them just perfect. Excited to hit the slopes next month.


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Good move on the boots. The skis should do well on most of the terrain you ski on. They'll be more work on days with hard packed groomed runs or REAL powder days. Have fun and if you come up to Park City let me know, Ill show you some lesser known areas on the mountain.

 

[That Guy]

Line - Sick Day
Trust me......have fun!

Edit - didn't see you had already made the decision. Have fun anyway!

 

[Havasu Hangin']

In the past, I rode Line Influence 115's (186cm length, 115 underfoot) and loved them for groomers and fast wide open powder runs. However, their wide, flat tail hurt float in low speed soft stuff and their stiffness made them not maneuverable. Before last season I switched to 4FRNT Devastators (194cm length, 112 underfoot) due to their fully rockered profile and I love their all around performance.

Good god, you ski on some fat skis...lol.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Good god, you ski on some fat skis...lol.

Yeah I'm a weirdo like that, the trend has been going towards wider and wider for the past 10ish years. I feel like the wider platform and increased weight offers me more stability when the speeds start to climb.

On the note of speed, whatever you do, do not download the SkiTracks app to your smartphone that tracks your skiing distance and...top speed. Obviously it becomes a high score game. Once we got into the 70's at one trip to Beaver Creek, the family unanimously decided to remove it from the phone.

 

[Havasu Hangin']

Yeah I'm a weirdo like that, the trend has been going towards wider and wider for the past 10ish years. I feel like the wider platform and increased weight offers me more stability when the speeds start to climb.

I've always leaned toward stiffer skis- even some of the wide ones these days get "slappy" at speed. Great in the deep stuff, but they definitely have a speed limit when you charge hard (especially for us "gravity-friendly" guys...lol).

On the note of speed, whatever you do, do not download the SkiTracks app to your smartphone that tracks your skiing distance and...top speed. Obviously it becomes a high score game. Once we got into the 70's at one trip to Beaver Creek, the family unanimously decided to remove it from the phone.

I think Epic Pass is trying to offer something like that on their app? Vertical feet, etc. I may have to try that app...hmmmmm.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Good move on the boots. The skis should do well on most of the terrain you ski on. They'll be more work on days with hard packed groomed runs or REAL powder days. Have fun and if you come up to Park City let me know, Ill show you some lesser known areas on the mountain.

I definitely will. I want to try Jupiter and McConkey bowl again. It’s been a long time.


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