With so many downhill ski options out there, choosing the right one for yourself can be quite a challenge. Not to mention if you’re new to the world of skiing! Ultimately, the best skis for downhill for you will be the ones that are designed for the type of skiing that you enjoy and that’ll fit you perfectly. So, ask yourself, do you like to ski the trees? How about groomed trails? What length downhill skis do I need? Well, there are lots of factors that you should also consider. However, don’t worry! Here, we’ll help choose the right pair for you! So, stay with us and enjoy reading this post!
Skiing with your kids? Then make sure to equip them with the best ski goggles, ski poles, and ski boots bag available out there!
How To Choose The Best Skis for Downhill
Choosing the best skis for downhill is different from choosing the best cross country touring skis. When you decide to buy the former, there are a few things to consider, which include:
Type of terrain
It’s important to understand the type of terrain that you enjoy skiing. Beginners typically start on groomed trails and progress towards ungroomed and variable terrain like moguls and trees. Meanwhile, more advanced skiers usually enjoy carving down steep groomers at high speed. That said, if you enjoy skiing on groomed terrain, you should look for skis with a good camber design. Meanwhile, if you prefer skiing on ungroomed terrain and deep powder, choose a pair with a rocker instead.
Size
Whether you’re searching for the best skis for East Coast or the best downhill skis, you have to pay attention to the size. When you’re sizing your skis, place them upright in front of you with the tips facing skyward. The tips should touch you somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Anything below your chin or above your head is way out of your size range. Usually, the more experienced you are, the longer the skis should be. On the other hand, shorter skis are easier to control, and therefore are better for beginners.
Width
The width of your skis is typically determined by terrain preference. Powder and ungroomed terrain usually call for wider skis as they provide better flotation in deeper snow. If you prefer groomed trails, go for skinnier skis that’ll be better at carving and handling hard-pack snow.
Core material
The best skis for downhill are pressed with layers of different materials. Skis with metal in their core will generally be stiffer, which usually means that they’re better for more experienced skiers. Meanwhile, those with a lower density core, like poplar, foam, and plastics, are lighter and better for beginners.
How do you ski faster downhill?
According to Peter Fill, a talented downhill ski racer, it’s always best when you go through gates and take the shortest, closest line. Of course, when you’re skiing, it’s always better if your skis are flatter. Then, the more you hold the tips down, the more you’ll accelerate and the faster you’ll get!
Blizzard Women’s Black Pearl 88 Skis
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Ladies who are looking for the best skis for downhill will definitely be impressed by the Blizzard Women’s Black Pearl 88 Skis. These women’s alpine skis are a longtime favorite of professional ski instructors, and they’re the ultimate resort skis for those that enjoy nothing but skiing fast. Designed specifically for women, they have a core with a material that’s stable and strong but lightweight to avoid unnecessary fatigue.
As one of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier, these skis are torsionally grid, allowing for increased stability in carved turns and on groomed terrain at high speeds. Since they have a small waist width, that means they’re truly made for in-bounds, groomed trail resort skiing. But on top of that, they also perform well in powder conditions with the rockered tip for increased float in deeper snow. If you’re wondering “what length downhill skis do I need?”, know that they’re available in 2 sizes, which are 159cm and 166cm.
What We Love
A great pick for women who want to carve the groomed trails at high speeds.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Allows you to ski at high speeds
- Stable and strong
- Increased stability
- Rockered tip for increased flotation
Cons:
- Need to stay in the sweet spot
Salomon Stance 96 Skis
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When you first look at the Salomon Stance 96 Skis, they may seem more like race skis than anything else. That’s because they have a deep sidecut, 2 layers of metal, and modest amounts of tip and tail rocker. As one of the best skis for downhill, you’ll feel that when you’re slicing across icy hardpack or windblown trails.
However, that’s not all. These skis are solid underfoot, quick from edge to edge, and return a ton of energy when you push into them. Apart from that, there’s just enough rocker to remove the bite from the tip and tail and add some flotation for deeper snow. Salomon also smartly removes some metal from the ends so these skis are lighter and easier to use, making them one of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier and beginners.
What We Love
They’re lightweight, energetic skis that you can push hard in most conditions.
Pros:
- Quick edge to edge
- Deep sidecut
- Has modest amounts of tip and tail rocker
- Great flotation
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not that stable
Nordica Enforcer 94 Skis
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If you feel like splurging, then choose the Nordica Enforcer 92 Skis! Compared to the other best skis for downhill, it’s true that they’re slightly more expensive. However, we think they’re worth the extra money! At 94mm underfoot, these skis are one of the widest skis out there. But despite their dimensions, they remain a standout performer on hardpack. What’s more amazing is their natural feel, as they have lots of energy and pops nicely between turns.
On top of that, these skis are also very easy to trust in a range of conditions. We love how the solid base and 2 sheets of Titanal give you a stable and planted ride. Even better, they’re also very capable of you decide to head off-trail, as they have decent flotation in soft snow. Now, you might be asking yourself, “what length downhill skis do I need?”. Well, know that they’re available in a 172cm option and a 186cm option. If you’re on the heavier or taller side, you might opt for the latter.
What We Love
These skis’ natural feel and solid construction make them a great pick for hardpack.
Pros:
- Great all-mountain appeal
- Perform well on hardpack
- Have a natural feel
- Offer a stable and planted ride
- Good flotation in soft snow
Cons:
- A little bit too wide for frontside use
HEAD Kore 93 Skis
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Looking for a great all-rounder? Look no further than the HEAD Kore 93 Skis! Good at almost everything, these skis are stable and aggressive like race skis when you lean over them over on hardpack. Besides that, they’re also a competent surfer of powder. But we have to say, what’s most amazing about them is their agility. They’re quick edge to edge, without feeling shaky, and have enough rocker in the tail that you can adjust your turn radius without ever losing control.
In case you’re wondering, these best skis for the East Coast are made for stronger skiers who may favor front-side trails. Thanks to the vibration-damping Koroyd beneath the foot and folding ultra-strong graphene into the fiberglass layup, these skis have just the right amount of stiffness and playfulness. From 162cm to 189cm, there are plenty of sizes to choose from. If you’re still asking yourself what length downhill skis do I need, just look at the size guide that these skis offer!
What We Love
A pair of versatile and aggressive skis that can handle almost everything.
Pros:
- Really versatile
- Stable and aggressive
- Quick edge to edge without feeling shaky
- Ideal for stronger skiers
- Vibration-damping Koroyt
Cons:
- Might be too narrow for deep snow
Black Crows Justis Skis
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We think no other skis on this list scream luxury as loud as the Black Crows Justis Skis. Yes, these skis are one of the best skis for downhill that’s not really wallet-friendly. But if you have the money, why not give them a try? Many people also see them as one of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier that want a pair that can safely take them further away.
These amazing skis have a lot of tip and tail rockers, making them super easy to turn and pivot or smear on soft snow or snap a turn around a tree. Another feature that we really adore is the H-shaped Titanal. For those who don’t know, it’s an aluminum alloy that damps vibrations and adds torsional stiffness. It helps to keep everything calm as you straighten out your line and pick up speed.
What We Love
A high-end option that’s pretty easy to maneuver and durable.
Pros:
- Stunning and durable design
- Great for intermediates
- Great maneuverability
- H-shaped Titanal to damp vibrations
- Quick and stable
Cons:
- The short radius isn’t liked by some
Liberty Helix 98 Skis
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The Liberty Helix 98 Skis are another fan-favorite best skis for downhill. Yes, we know, these skis look very cool. But they have more to offer besides looks. For example, the bamboo and poplar wood core makes them playful, providing that signature pop through each turn, without sacrificing stability. These skis will perform equally well on groomed terrain, in the trees, on mogul runs, and in light powder!
Since they’re super versatile, you can easily explore the whole mountain with these skis! As one of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier, they’ll progress with you as your skills level up and you get more comfortable on all different types of terrain on the mountain. We also love the protectors on the tips and tails of the skis that help these skis to last season after season without the normal wear and tear that you’ll often get after a season spent on the mountain.
What We Love
One of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier that loves to explore the mountain.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Affordable price
- Playful
- Offer a smooth, stable ride
- Protectors on the tips and tails for added durability
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
Rossignol Black Ops 98 Skis
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Next on this list of the best skis for downhill are the Rossignol Black Ops 98 Skis. These skis are designed by athletes for those who want superior performance on all types of terrain. One of the things that people love the most about them is their unique round shape of the tips and tails that allows you to release your turns faster, increasing your agility in all types of snow conditions and types of terrain.
Although that unique shape comes with a certain playful personality, it doesn’t mean these skis have bad stability and power. In fact, they excel in both of those aspects as they come with a core made from wood, fiberglass, and metal. Plus, it has 2 variants, one which is 182cm, and another that’s 192cm. That way, you can choose the pair that suits your height and weight and stop asking your friends “what length downhill skis do I need?”. If you can’t wait to enjoy the terrain park and jumping off of other natural features throughout the resort, then these skis might be the ones for you!
What We Love
A performance-oriented option that performs great on all types of terrain.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Unique round tips and tails
- Playful yet stable and powerful
- Durable construction
- Increased agility
Cons:
- They don’t have the best flotation
Volkl M5 Mantra Skis
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Here, we have one of the best skis for downhill that’s very lightweight, the Volkl M5 Mantra Skis. At just over 4lbs per pair, these skis are literally some of the lightest downhill skis on the market. Trust us, you won’t get tired lugging around a heavy pair of skis all day, you’ll only get tired from enjoying your turns on the mountain.
Furthermore, these skis feature a traditional camber shape underfoot, allowing for stable, clean turns through hard-packed snow conditions and groomed trails. If you spend most of your ski season at East Coast resorts where you can often run into icy trails, then these skis would be the perfect pair to handle that type of skiing.
What We Love
An ideal pick if you plan to ski in hard-packed snow conditions.
Pros:
- Absorbent bases
- Stable and strong
- Very lightweight
- Quick edge to edge
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- They don’t perform that well on deep powder
Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis
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Let us introduce you to the great Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis! These skis are specifically made for handling those tight turns in the moguls and trees with ease. There are many versions of these skis, but the latest pair is made to improve the ease of rolling from edge to edge in a turn, particularly tighter, shorter turns.
Short turns are often the result of uneven or variable terrain. Thankfully, the basalt wood core and the added cork in the tips of these skis will help to balance and dampen vibrations that result from cruising over those uneven trails. Plus, the edges of these skis are designed for superior grip on the snow and smooth ski-to-snow contact, allowing you to have maximum control over them during turns.
What We Love
The go-to option for those who want to ski the moguls.
Pros:
- Quick edge to edge
- Specifically made for handling tight turns in the moguls
- Offer amazing trip
- Allow you to have maximum control
- Great stability
Cons:
- Some think these skis are too stiff
Rossignol Experience 88 TI Men’s Skis
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Among all of Rossignol’s best downhill skis for intermediate skier, the Rossignol Experience 88 TI Men’s Skis are arguably the best! Since they’re versatile, they can take on the entire mountain with ease. These 88mm-width carving skis come with easy turn initiation and edge-to-edge quickness. They’re also decently playful thanks to a light but sturdy metal laminate and Rossignol’s Air Tip Technology that reduces weight with the honeycomb-style design.
What’s even more amazing is the fact that they’re super confidence-inspiring in chopped-up and variable conditions. As one of the best skis for downhill, these skis’ versatile nature means that they can handle all the hardpack days you can throw them, plus a few inches of new snow when necessary. When it comes to the size, they’re available in 166cm, 173cm, 180cm, and 187cm options. So, you can stop asking what length downhill skis do I need and choose the one that suits your height and weight.
What We Love
They’re a high-quality pair of downhill skis that can handle anything from powder to crude.
Pros:
- Lots of energy when connecting turns
- Carve tightly on hardpack
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Very versatile
- Great for skiers of all skill levels
Cons:
- The bindings that come along with the skis are a bit loose
Salomon S/Force Fever Women’s Skis
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Are you an intermediate female skier that’s looking for the best skis for downhill? Well, we have the answer for you! Why don’t you check out the Salomon S/Force Fever Women’s Skis? They’re one of the best downhill skis for intermediate skier, and while they’re not cheap, they’re definitely worth buying. Aside from being very smooth and forgiving, we like that these stiff-tailed skis are designed for perfect grip for downhill.
Thanks to the Edge Amplifier ski-plate construction that transmits 100% of your energy to the edge, these skis offer unmatched edge grip performance. We also think that they’re the perfect match for ladies that want to feel confident in their performance while remaining feminine and stylish in their looks. By using them, you’ll be able to cruise down any slope confidently and with increased stability. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
What We Love
A great pick for women looking for a solid choice for all-day fun on the mountain.
Pros:
- Great for intermediate skiers
- Unmatched edge grip performance
- Smooth and forgiving
- Offer perfect grip for downhill
- Great design
Cons:
- Not that affordable
Volkl Kendo 88 Skis
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Yes, there are tons of best skis for downhill available on the market. However, it’s safe to say that the Volkl Kendo 88 Skis are many people’s favorite. First, they have a very well-rounded design. These skis are narrow enough to carve well and take on groomed runs at a variety of speeds, but they’re also surprisingly well-suited for powder days considering their moderate 88mm width.
Because the pas models have been criticized for being too stiff for intermediates, Volkl has loosened things up by utilizing the Titanal Frame construction. This construction incorporates metal only along the perimeter of the skis, making these skis more flexible. Best of all, they’re available in 3 sizes, which are 170cm, 177cm, and 184cm. With plenty of sizes to choose from, you won’t be asking “what length downhill skis do I need?” anymore!
What We Love
One of the most versatile skis that are well-suited for groomers and powder days.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Titanal Frame construction
- Can take on groomed runs at a variety of speeds
- Suited for powder days
- Great stability and grip
Cons:
- Not a great pick for those looking for playful skis
Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis
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In terms of snappiness and versatility, the Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis are definitely not lacking. However, you should note that they’re slightly burlier, stiffer, and heavier than some of the best skis for downhill, making them a better pick for advanced skiers. By removing the plastic from the tip and extending the lightweight wood core farther forward these skis are easier to swing around corners.
Like we said earlier, they’re heavier than most, meaning they also offer amazing stability. However, it also means that they feel less energetic. Moreover, there’s a generous rocker in the tip that facilitates initiating turns, especially in softer snow. Plus, there are strands of carbon embedded in a thin layer of fiberglass that run the length of the ski. They also add some smoothness when you’re skiing on firmer surfaces.
What We Love
They’re a versatile option that offers great stability and performance.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Easy to swing around corners
- Great stability
- Durable construction
- Amazing flotation
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
