SERVICES LATEST

Once again we have been adding to and updating our ski equipment hire range. Check out the latest 2009 Salomon skis that are now in stock - full range here

This season we introduce a packed lunch service. Freshly prepared and delivered to the meeting point in Courchevel 1850 each lunchtime - find out more

Selected skiing & boarding books and DVDs from Amazon - more here

Ali's massage skills are once again available exclusively to skivo2 guests. For treatment list and info - click here

Ski styles & their performance characteristics

>> selecting the right skis
>> current ski styles and performance characteristics

 

There are many make and models of skis available today, each with their own unique features functions that are individual to the model. Although most skis are based on the carving model, there are differences in the width, length and flexibility that will compliment the type of terrain and technical skiing you are doing.

So, what’s important when selecting a pair of skis?

Selecting the right pair of skis is a difficult and individual choice. If you ask around in shops or in the general skiing community the type of ski to purchase you’ll get a mountain of different answers. Be familiar with the various types of skis suitable to your skiing, as skis differ according to conditions. These days there is a vast range of skis suited to different conditions, weights, heights and styles. In addition, there are now skis which have been designed to meet the specific needs of women, who carry less muscle and body weight than the opposite sex. The popular makes and models of skis are:

Freestyle Skis

The term ‘Freestyle’ also includes the Twin Tip model of ski. This new generation of ski has been around for the past 5+ years and allows skiers to ski forwards, backwards (‘fakey’) and sideways. Generally these skis are to be found on the foot of the energetic skiers in the board park performing amazing jumps, spins, tricks and rails. Popular models in this range include:

Freeride / Powder skis

For unlimited fun in ‘the white stuff’ choose a Freeride or Powder ski. Freeride skis are excellent in tough conditions but are generally more suited to advanced or expert race skiers. Designed with floatation, stability and lots of fun in mind, the suitability of a powder ski will largely depend on the body weight of the skier. A heavy skier will tend to need the use of a larger ski with a larger surface area and is approximately head height or above. A lighter skier is suited to a shorter ski that is on average at nose height. Popular models in this range include:

Telemark or Alpine Touring Skis

The term telemark refers to a type of turn completed by the skier and was first developed in the ‘Telemark’ region of Norway. Instead of locking the heel into the skis, a telemark skier will drop their knee and thus lift the heel on their downhill ski to enable them to turn. In the early days, telemark skis were longer and skinny. Telemarkers’ used to use soft leather boots that were perfect for climbing and accessing backcountry instead of those commonly seen today. These days however are long gone, and telemarkers’ are now able to select between Hard pack rockets, bumpers, twin tip jibbers, all mountain skis, powder boards and freeride machines! Popular with backcountry and ski tourers, telemark and alpine touring skis look similar to regular alpine skis, differing in weight and flexibility. Choosing the perfect telemark or ski touring ski depends on the skier and snow conditions. Popular telemark skis in this range for different snow types include:

Cross Country Skis

Cross-country skiing is very different to downhill and it is a well known that cross-country skiing is one of the most difficult endurance winter sports as its uses many muscle groups in the body, and burns calories in their thousands on a hourly basis!! Generally, resorts will designate specific areas of the resort for cross-country skiing where tracks and trails are carved out specifically for that purpose. Prepared trails will have two parallel grooves cut into the snow to assist in the direction of the ski.

Cross country skis are very thin and lightweight. Typically, ski dimensions are 2 metres in length and about 5 centimetres in width, with a thickness of one to four centimetres, depending on the ski brand. Skis are generally fit to the skier based on height or weight. Like Telemark and Touring skis, the bindings in a cross-country ski are attached only at the toe. Boots used to attach the ski are similar to running shoes, and poles used will generally be longer to assist in the pushing motion.
There are four core techniques when cross country skiing:

Racing Skis

Slalom, Giant Slalom (GS), Super G and Downhill are all part of the Racing Ski family. Racing skis are designed specifically for groomed runs, firm snow and high speed terrain. These skis have a sharp edge, and are faster, and more responsive, the firmer / icier the conditions. Race skis are primarily aimed at the advanced to expert skiers who are meticulous when it comes to flex, stiffness, responsiveness as well as liveliness of their skis. If trying out racing skis caution is advised!!

Alpine Skis - All Mountain Terrain Skis

All mountain skis are best suited to those who ski on and off piste with the same regularity. These carving style skis provide easy turning and will glide through fresh powder with similar style, and will continue perform well in crud and slush. Popular models in this range include:

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