It is fair to say that winter sports are enjoying a bit of a revival. From the once-popular snowboarding to the appeal of cross-country skiing and the rise of telemarking, the winter sport market is a lucrative one.
Of course, not all winters are created equal, and a number of factors can impact the ease with which you will be able to engage in your favorite winter sport. The most important of these factors is the shape of the snowflake.
In this article, we will discuss how to fit your snow skis. We’ll cover everything from the ideal shape for your body to the length of your poles, along with giving you some helpful tips on how to find the perfect fit for your skiing style.
Table of Contents
Find The Right Shape
To ensure that your skiing experience is as enjoyable as possible, it is imperative that you find the right shape for your body. Just because you are not an elite-level athlete, it does not mean that you should feel restricted by traditional measurements. There are many benefits to being able to ski in a shape that fits you, ranging from reducing back and neck pain to improving balance and giving you a better experience overall.
Of course, none of this will matter if you are not able to snowboard or ski effectively due to your shape. Luckily, there are many ways to improve your odds of being able to ski comfortably, whether you are gifted naturally or have struggled your entire life to find the perfect fit. We’ll discuss a number of ways to enhance your skiing experience in the next section, so keep reading!
Rocker
The first thing you will need to consider is the shape of your hips and the angle at which your legs are arranged relative to each other. If you sit back on your tail, your skis will want to stack up and you’ll likely hit yourself in the face on something.
The ideal shape for your hips is narrow, with your legs arranged so that your backside is firmly planted on the ground and your belly is gently curved inwards. This will help you to maintain your balance while standing on the pedals and prevent you from falling over the front of the ski. When choosing your skis, make sure that the angle at which your legs are arranged relative to each other is such that they do not want to twist and turn like an airplane’s wing, which could potentially cause you injury. It is also important that your legs are spaced apart so that your knee joints have room to breathe.
Bend Or Flat: The Shape Of Your Hips
The next thing to consider is the shape of your hips and the angle at which your legs are arranged relative to each other. If you sit back on your tail, your skis will want to stack up and you’ll likely hit yourself in the face on something.
There are two basic hip shapes: bent and flat. The first one is ideal for powering down the mountain with all of the force you can muster, while the second one is better suited for carving turns and maintaining your balance. For those seeking adventure, the flat shape is the one you should go for, as you will have less drag while skiing.
Thickness
Thickness also plays an important role in how well your skis will perform. The thicker the better, as the thicker the ski, the more durable it is and the more responsive it is to your input. Thicker skis also tend to roll more easily, which in turn, makes for a more enjoyable ride. If you are planning on skiing throughout the winter, you should opt for at least mid-thickness ski’s to keep your body heat contained and minimise the risk of frostbite. If you are pursuing an activity-packed ski holiday, opting for very thin skis may be the way to go, as you will have more speed and less dependency on the snowflake’s consistency. Naturally, this also varies from resort to resort, and the type of snow and snowfall you will experience there.
Length Of Your Poles
Just like your hips, your poles also play a crucial role in your skiing experience. The longer your poles, the more stability you will have while skiing, and the more power you will generate when you push down on the snow. The amount of time you need to find the right length for your poles will vary according to your height, but it is a good idea to go for a compromise between the two in case one extreme is too short or too long. Naturally, the more stable you are while skiing, the more enjoyable the experience will be.
Skiing Style
The last thing you need before hitting the slopes is the right style of skiing. This is all about you and what you prefer, so take some time to sit down and think about what feels right for your body. Are you a fast and furious skier who charges down the hill like an animal, delighting in the thrill of the ride? Do you prefer to ski with elegant grace, floating past the snowflakes and enjoying the view as you fly by?
As you can see, there are many variables that can influence the perfect skiing experience. Nevertheless, by following these guidelines, you will be able to find the right skiing equipment and shape for your body, before hitting the slopes for the first time ever or the second time this season.