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InTheSnow heads to the SIGB Ski Test, where we got the chance to test some of the top skis in the market for the coming season. With so many key brands and knowledgeable figures from the ski industry around, it’s the perfect place to get the lowdown on exactly what you should be looking for when it comes to buying your first pair of skis.
So, you’ve decided to splash out and purchase your first pair of skis – what should you be thinking about?
Firstly, consider your needs and your preferences. Do you stick to the pistes or do you like to explore off the beaten track a bit more? If you’re a piste enthusiast, you won’t need a wide waisted ski with an all terrain rocker and twin tips, for example. But equally, if you’re going to be skiing in powder a lot, you don’t want a piste-oriented race type ski.
Secondly, visit your local ski shop and speak to someone. At the SIGB Ski Test, testers from a whole host of retail outlets get the chance to actually ski on the products they will be selling, so they are incredibly well informed. They will be able to have a chat to you about your skiing experience and preferences and give a well-informed opinion about what it is you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either – this is going to be quite an expensive purchase and you’re likely to have these skis for a while, so you want to make sure they’re perfect!
It can also be a good idea to do your research and consider what you’re looking for before heading to your local retailer. The internet is a great place to start as there is a huge amount of information available and you can read what each retailer says about their skis. However, definitely visit a store and speak to someone in person once you’ve done this as what a ski is actually like may be very different to how it’s portrayed online by the brand!