If you’re planning on hitting the slopes this year, you might be wondering about the differences between women’s and men’s skis. The truth is, there are a lot of differences – and not just in looks. It’s time to shed some light on how men’s and women’s skis are different, so you can get the most out of your skiing experience.
Table of Contents
Size
The obvious difference between men’s and women’s skis is in size. For starters, let’s discuss length. While men’s ski boots are generally around the size 14-16 European shoe size, women’s are closer to a 12. It’s not just length that is different – women’s ski boots are usually narrower and shorter than their counterparts.
The next differences you’ll notice when skiing are the snow flaps. These are the little triangular chunks of plastic or metal that stick out from the top of the ski boots and help you keep your feet warm on those cold winter days. In general, men’s snow flaps are larger than women’s, and they are also longer. In fact, you’ll often see men’s snow flaps extend nearly to the ground while women’s are a bit shorter.
While this may sound like a minor difference, the sizing of the snow flaps can have major implications for the way you ski. If you’re used to skiing in a large snow flap environment, you may unintentionally pull on the snow – causing lots of unwanted accidents (trust me, I’ve been there). Instead, try out smaller flaps and use the wind to help you navigate through the snow. This is the key to efficient and easy skiing as the feel of the wind on your cheeks is just indescribable.
Shape
Another major difference between men’s and women’s skis is in shape. This is obvious if you look at them next to each other. While men’s skis are generally pointed at the front and blunt at the back, women’s are exactly the opposite: pointed at the back and blunt at the front. As a beginner, you may want to go for either a classic shape or a reverse banana shape, as they’re both easy to turn and quick to navigate. Once you get more confident, you can try out other shapes like a V or an eggplant, which are both more stable and faster than a classic or reverse banana.
The next difference you’ll notice between men’s and women’s skis is the taper. The taper is the middle part of the ski, which gradually gets narrower from the front to the back. This is where the pointed nose and the blunt tail meet. So while the front part of the ski is wide open, the back is tighter and steeper. The taper is a critical part of a ski – you need to master it in order to become an efficient and confident skier.
Material
You’ll also notice that the materials used in making the skis are different. Generally speaking, men’s skis are made of wood, metal, and plastic, while the materials used in making women’s skis are typically wood, metal, and fiberglass.
The first and most obvious difference is in the material used for the blades. While men’s skis use metal for the blades, the material used for the female counterpart is typically fiberglass or plastic.
For decades, men’s fiberglass skis have been used to dominate the slopes. They’re strong, light, and have the perfect balance of stiffness and flexibility – making them easy to maneuver on the ice or snow. If you’re a hardcore skier, you can also download specialist skiing apps that work with your phone’s location service to alert you of any nearby terrain that you may want to check out.
Flexible, lightweight fiberglass skis are also perfect for tricks – like snowboarding. They’re less likely to break, and if they do it’s a simple fix – like riveting the metal edges. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be doing tricks like the Bielli brothers before you know it.
On the other hand, plastic skis are typically preferred by female skiers. These are either made of hard plastic or injected molded plastic – creating an outer skin that’s thinner than the typical fiberglass ski.
Plastic skis are great for two things: carving and skiing in the summer. Carving and skiing in the summer is great because it’s hot, which makes it easier to stay cool. The downside to plastic skis is that they’re less stable than metal ones. If you’re planning on doing any serious skiing, then metal is the way to go.
Style
The final difference between men’s and women’s skis that you’ll notice is in style. Women’s skis tend to be shorter than their counterparts and have a sleeker shape. For example, women’s Apres-Ski/Pre-Race style skis are generally narrower and have a shorter tail than regular men’s skis. This creates a sleeker, more dynamic overall look.
The style of the skis can also vary. Some men’s skis have a traditional shape, while others are shaped like an airplane’s wing or a car’s rear bumper. The options are endless – it’s all about personal preference.
As you can see, there are many differences between men’s and women’s skis. The truth is, not all the differences are major – some are quite minor and easily overlooked, but they can all have an impact on the way you ski. After all, the way you ski is completely up to you and depends on your personal preferences and what you’re used to.
As a beginner, start out simple and go for either a women’s Apres-Ski or Pre-Race style ski. They’re both great for getting used to the feel of skiing – and you can always change the style of your ski later on, once you’re more experienced. The key is to try out different things and see what works best for you. You may find that one style dominates all your other activities, like walking or driving – in which case, you may want to consider an adaptive ski jacket. This type of jacket can transform your entire experience. It provides you with the freedom of movement you need to change the way you play and interact with the world around you. So, if you’re curious about how men’s and women’s skis differ, just remember to stand up tall, extend your arms, and feel the wind on your cheeks as you ski toward the mountain.