Level 1 – Just starting out
Skiing is new to you; you may have had some lessons on a UK dry or snow slope, or maybe 1 or 2 weeks on snow.
A ski with a softer flex rating will be ideal, usually a piste ski or freestyle ski to get you started. This is the first step up from a rental ski, offering far more enjoyment on the snow!
Level 2-4 – Intermediate
2 – You’re still using a snowplough to stop & have discovered how to manoeuvre to the left & right. Sticking mainly to the nursery slopes at low speeds.
3 – You’ve started to link snowplough turns & are happy cruising down shallow terrain, exploring blue runs.
4 – You’ve mastered the basics & are confident on less challenging slopes. On more demanding slopes you’re cautious & often still use a snowplough to slow down.
For levels 2-4 a ski with a soft to mid flex rating will be suitable, offering easy turn initiation with more control at modest speeds. This will help you build on your technique & style. You’ll probably want to go for a piste ski, but don’t rule out a freestyle, all mountain or freeride ski with a softer flex pattern.
Level 5-7 – Advanced
5 – You are now starting to develop your technique, occasionally using the snowplough for easy turn initiation. You’re happy skiing on easy red runs & turn up the pace on mellow blues.
6 – You’re perfecting your parallel turns on less challenging terrain, gaining in confidence on reds. You manage to get down most black runs.
7 – You are confidently linking parallel turns on most slopes with great technique. You can get down steep & icy blacks, but style goes out the window! You may even have attempted some slope side powder.
For levels 5-7 a ski with a mid to firm flex rating will be suitable, offering grip & control at a variety of speeds. This will help you maintain a smooth & fluid technique on all types of runs. You may want to consider an all mountain, freestyle or freeride ski. These will help if you’re skiing on piste whilst it’s snowing.
Level 8-9 – Expert
8 – You’re happy to ski on any run in most conditions, maybe venturing into the powder without much worry. Skiing at high speed is not a problem & you have mastered carving turns.
9 – You’ll tackle anything that the mountain has to offer, steep icy blacks, off piste & may even unclip your skis to hike up & hit some fresh lines.
For levels 8-9 a ski with a firm flex rating will be suitable, giving you grip & control at high speeds. This allows you to burn down the piste without having to worry that the ski is going to feel twitchy & unpredictable. You should know what type of skiing you’re into, or maybe you’re up for a new challenge. You’re probably looking for an all mountain, freestyle or freeride ski; if you love the powder consider a big mountain ski.
Level 10 – Race
10 – Congratulations, you are a pro! You’re probably a qualified instructor or regularly participate in competitions.
You’re an expert skier who is looking for a set of stiff aggressive skis.
You’ll want to pick a race ski to give you the ultimate piste performance. Loads of grip at top speeds!
I've done about 6 days of skiing so i think this ^^ is a bit off! Anyway, i weigh about 80kg and i'm 5'11''., The stuff around by me (when there's snow!) is fresh powder snow and steep mountains so what skis would you recommend?
Thanks for the help in advance.
