So you’re ready to try out some new skis! You’re probably excited, but when you get to the ski shop, you might feel a little overwhelmed at the number of choices. With so many different skis available, you likely need some guidance on where to start — and what to do on your demo day.
Tygart Mountain Sports is here to help you choose the right ski equipment. Our highly knowledgeable technicians can help you sort through all the different ski construction, material, and size options. In the meantime, this blog post can give you an idea of how to make the most of your ski demo time.
How to Choose a Ski to Try
Before you choose a ski to try out, it’s good to understand the different types of skis. Ski construction can work either for you or against you, depending on what you want out of your ski. Some skis are built with:
A narrower or wider waist width. Narrow skis are often designed to carve on groomers, while wider ones are designed for pow.
Different materials in each layer of the ski (base, edges, side walls, structural layers, wood core, rubber damping, and top sheet). Stiffer materials like metal laminates are more stable in variable snow and at speed, but softer materials are more forgiving to beginners and do better with bumps.
Construction. Camber construction is a convex bend that gives a ski edge contact when flexed, so it’s common in all-mountain and groomer-oriented skis. Rocker construction is like a reverse camber that works well for powder skiing. Sandwich-type construction gives better edge grip and power, while cap skis are lighter and have less edge grip.
Ski length. In general, shorter skis do better with shorter turns but provide less stability. Aside from that, you should generally choose a longer length if you’re going with a fatter waist-width or a more rockered ski.
Gender. A ski doesn’t care what gender you are, but some ski models are designed for larger or bigger skiers. The differences between men’s/unisex and women’s ski models are often just the size and the top sheet, although some brands also make women’s skis with lighter materials. A stronger or bigger woman might be better suited to the men’s or unisex model, and a smaller man might ski better with the women’s model.
Think about what type of skiing you like to do best. On piste/groomers? Trees and bumps? Backcountry? A little of everything? Where you spend most of your skiing time will change which ski model is best for you.
There’s also the question of your skiing style. Turn shape, aggressiveness, and how speed plays into your skiing all can help determine the ski you should try. For instance, let’s say you’re looking at all-mountain skis. An all-mountain ski with more camber in the design might be more “directional” and feel stuck to the snow, making it great for carving but harder to maneuver. A ski with more rocker in the construction might make turns easier and feel more “playful.”
A good ski shop like Tygart Mountain Sports can help point you in the right direction based on your skiing style and preferences. Our technicians know quite a lot about skis and have firsthand experience with different equipment.
During Your Ski Demo
While you’re demoing a new ski, you should try out all the terrain you would normally ski. Think about a ski demo like an extended test drive of a car. The main difference is that with a ski demo, you get to spend the whole day trying out the ski!
Take the ski to all of your favorite places. It may react differently to the terrain and your movements than what you’re used to, and you’ll want to see whether you like the differences or not.
You’ll know you’re in the right ski when you catch yourself not thinking about the ski and just skiing. If you find yourself constantly analyzing what the ski is doing and trying to make it work for you, you should move on to another ski.
FAQs About Ski Demos
How much does it cost to demo a ski?
A: At Tygart Mountain Sports, you can demo a ski for $55/day. The cost of up to three demos ($165) can be applied toward the purchase of a new set of skis.
What’s the best time to demo a ski?
A: There’s no particular time you should demo a new ski. We recommend doing your demo in the conditions you typically ski in. If you wait for perfect snow and no crowds, you may lull yourself into a false sense of comfort with a ski you may not like when conditions aren’t perfect.
Should I try out other new equipment (like boots) at the same time I’m trying out a new ski?
A: No, you should only try out one new piece of ski equipment at a time. We recommend thinking of ski demos like test driving a car. You wouldn’t want to try out new tires using a brand-new car you’ve never driven before.
We always recommend getting your boot situation sorted before you demo skis. Getting a properly fitted boot from a professional fitter such as Tygart Mountain Sports can make a big difference in your skiing.
Which ski brands would you recommend trying?
A: The best ski really depends on the skier. There are very few brands that make bad skis (and they’re not ones we carry at Tygart Mountain Sports), just ski models that work better for some skiers than others. Rather than picking a brand, the concentration should be on deciding which types and categories of skis make sense for you.
Try a New Set of Skis Today
Tygart Mountain Sports has the largest ski demo fleet in the Okemo area. If you demo skis through our store, you can apply the cost of up to three demos toward the purchase of a new pair.
Ready to try a current model year ski that fits your skiing preferences? Reserve a demo today!
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