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Skis for beginner skier girlfriend
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So my girlfriend has been a long time snowboarder, but has recently seen the light and is switching to skiing. Im looking for some advice on a few options of skis that she should consider.
5', 96lbs, brand new skier but picks up sports super quick. Wants something that she could learn on but won't outgrow quickly. Something all mountain. She's more interested in backcountry down the road, not park, if that helps at all.
We ski in the pnw, Oregon and Washington, for the most part. Thanks in advance!
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I've heard good things about the Atomic Vantage 85 Ws as far as a good beginner-intermediate ski from a friend of mine who rides them. Definitely more of an all-mountain ski, lightweight, a good amount of flex but not too soft, they are 85 underfoot so they will perform well on-piste and can deal with some powder. They can also be had for under $400 usually so you don't have to break the bank on new gear. Atomic does make this in a couple larger widths so if 85 isn't enough check those out too, I'm sure some other folks on here will have some good recommendations too.
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Yeah I was looking at the vantage 90 w as well, seems like a pretty good ski for what she's looking for. Would 153 on a slightly rockered ski be too long?
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It's a bit longer than she would typically want for a beginner ski at her weight and height but if she's athletic and picks things up quickly they would be perfect for advancing with, she might even be fine with them a little longer. It might be worthwhile to have her rent/demo a couple different sizes to see what she prefers.
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After looking more into the 85s, I think those would be a better first set of skis for her. 149 seems maybe a hair too short, but the next size up is 157
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But yeah, demoing a few sizes would probably be a good idea as well.
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That's what I would do first, doesn't hurt to try a few and see before jumping in on purchasing some. The 149 would probably be perfect in the 85s, but comes down to what feels right when she's on them.
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I've owned 2 pairs of Atomic Vantage skis. Really enjoyed both - super versatile. Definitely a good ski to use on all parts of the mountain.
My gf really likes her Volkl Pyras - a good option to get her into the twin game.
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Thanks again for the help guys, what's the min/max length ski she should be on? Just so I have a range to work with. The skis I've looked at have all had a little bit of rocker
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So im in a similar position, with wanting to get my gf a better pair of all-mtn skis.
What i would do for your gf's first year is go on craigslist and get some women's K2 skis in a 145-155. I did that last year and it was an inexpensive way for her to get on the mountain and take lessons.
That said I'm looking as the Atomic Vantage 85/90 and the rossignol sassy 7. the sassy 7 is 90 underfoot and comes with a bindings at a good price point.
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I wouldn't go much lower than 145 for fear of her progressing quickly and overpowering them early on, not to mention a little extra length will help float on the west coast powder and you could look at 155 maybe 157 if she's comfortable with a larger ski to learn on.
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I would say rent or get something cheap on craigslist and she can always upgrade down the road if desired. Boots should be the main concern.
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