Choosing a ski can be a minefield so at Snoworks we’ve developed a simple system that will allow you to easily choose skis to fit with your skiing preferences whatever make and whatever model.

There are three main factors you need to take into consideration when choosing skis:
1. Length
2. Width of the skis under the foot
3. Sidecut Radius

Everyone is familiar with selecting a ski by length but the other two factors, width under foot and sidecut radius determine how the ski performs in different terrain and are more important than length when selecting a modern ski.

Width under foot

The width of the ski under foot determines the type of skiing you wish to do, relevant to terrain and snow conditions. We have divided the width under foot into 3 categories so you can easily select your preference.

       Width                       Type of Skiing
1     less than 70mm         Firm Snow
2     70mm - 80mm          All Terrain
3     more than 80mm       Deep Snow

Sidecut Radius

The Sidecut Radius is the geometrical shape of the side of the skis. Don't confuse this with 'Turn Radius' as many people do. The sidecut radius is the shape of the ski when the ski is flat on the ground. Imagine drawing around the side of the ski, continuing the curve into a gigantic circle and the side cut radius is the radius of that circle. This determines the radius of the curve the ski makes when using its design to steer. The radius of the curves the ski makes can vary massively depending on how you steer but is hugely effected by the sidecut. Again we have 3 categories so you can easily select your preference in relation to your ability level and the speed you wish to ski at. The quicker you wish the ski to 'come around', the tighter you want the sidecut radius.
 
       Radius                       Size of Curve
1     less than 14m             Small Radius
2     14m – 17m                 Medium Radius
3     more than 17m           Large Radius

Exceptions

Ability
Depending on your ability level, it is possible to ski any ski in any conditions, steering different size curves and traveling at different speeds. Use the chart if you need help in selecting skis that will help you in your chosen skiing preferences.

Deep Snow
The side cut radius becomes irrelevant once you are in deep snow with no firm base. Then the stiffness of the ski is more of a determining factor on how easy the ski is to steer and the radius of the curve the ski will make in deep snow with no firm base.

Choosing Skis - A Selection

Pro-Race

SALOMON S LABS
Pure thoroughbred race skis. Fast and massively grippy. The speed these skis generate will have your pants running away in terror!

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon SL LAB                  155               no details
                                            165               no details

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon GS LAB                  175               no details
                                            181               no details
                                            187               no details

Firm Snow - Performance

SALOMON 3V
A notch down from the Slabs. Budding racers that need something they can ‘handle’. Stiff, grippy and fast. If it's all performance you want, you will love them!

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon 3V                         155                67               11.2
                                            160                67               12.0
                                            165                67               12.5
                                            170                67               13.2

All-Terrain - On & Off-Piste

SALOMON X-WING TORNADO T1
The All-Terrain Specialists. The width to ski most places combined with huge sidecuts. The ‘Jack of all Trades’, the All-Mountain specialist.

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon X-Wing Tornado   159                77               12.9
                                            166                78               15.6
                                            173                79               16.3
                                            180                80               18.2

Deep Snow - Off-Piste

SALOMON X-WING FURY
Select your off-piste weapon. Over 80 underfoot with great sidecuts. The flotation with the curve. You can't go wrong with a pair of these.

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon X-Wing Fury         163                 83               14.6
                                            170                84               16.4
                                            177                85               18.0
                                            184                86               20.5

Lord
If you need help in deep snow, then these are the skis for you - select a shorter length with a tight sidecut. If it's speed and freedom you want, go for the longer length and let it rip.

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon Lord                      161                85                13.6
                                           169                86                15.4
                                           177                87                17.4
                                           185                88                19.5

                 
Lady
Emma was skiing on these for the 2009 season and absolutely loved them, "The best all round ski I have ever used". The same ski as the Lord with different graphics.

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Salomon Lady                     153                84                11.9
                                           161                85                13.6
                                           169                86                15.4

          
Shogun
Phil has these for the 2010 season and absolutely loves them. You'll want to be in powder all the time. Deep powder!

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Shogun                                164                97               20.6
                                            173               99                23.1
                                            182               101              25.9
                                            191               103              28.7

                                          
Geisha
Emma has these for the 2010 season and we are awaiting her report. Same as the Shogun with graphics for the ladies.

Model                                   Length          Width          Sidecut

Geisha                                 164                97                20.6
                                           173                99                23.1

New For 2010: Snoworks In-Resort Test Centre

This year we have a selection of the Salomon skis shown above that can be hired directly from us in the resort, so no need to trudge down to the local hire shop. And that means we'll have the skis that are right for the job. We have a limited selection, so make sure you email us in advance if you would like to reserve a pair. They are going quickly! Choose from: X-Wing Tornado's, Lord's, Lady's.