Which Ski Width is Right for You?

If you're on the hunt for a new pair of skis, you've come to the right place. Making that perfect choice can seem like a daunting task and the burning question on every skier's mind during the buying process is: 'What Ski Width Should I Buy?'

Our favourite skis ✅

On-piste carving ski - Fischer RC4 WC

All-mountain ski - Völkl Kendo 84-88

All-mountain freeride ski - Nordica Enforcer 100

Powder ski - Salomon QST Blank

Some links you might find useful when planning your next trip ✅

Book ski holiday:

Airport transfer:

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:12 Why ski width matters
01:16 What does ski width mean?
02:10 On-piste carving ski (64-82 mm)
03:14 All-mountain ski (84-95 mm)
03:59 All-mountain freeride ski (95-110 mm)
05:01 Powder ski (110-130 mm)
05:52 Outro

[Jeffrey_Wong]

Anyone watching this after their purchase? 😅

[BigBenLB]

As the video indicates it really depends on the terrain you are looking to ski for the duration. I love 70mm for on piste carving in Europe where fresh snow can be hit or miss. And as much as I love the feeling of flying above the snow on Japan powder days my wife is still getting her ski legs, so 88-90mm gives me gives me the right amount of stability on piste when I'm with her but also a decent amount of lift when I sneak off to the side country for a few turns

[Dubmcbogie]

1st thing you do is buy a double ski bag….bring a 92/95…..and a 106+……in the Rockies…the Wasatch..and the Sierras…you’re good.

[paulhomsy]

Excellent video, very clear explanation and narration.

[mattwoodford]

it's smart to try different skis out rather than get hung up on a single number like waist. My skis are 106mm waist and they are all mountain skis in that they are great from hard packed pistes (with regularly serviced edges) to deep powder. unfortunately they don't make the soul 7's anymore but they are a great ski for anyone who wants to go off piste, regardless of how much they want to do, they are still very good everywhere skis (though you won't win any races using them). My point is, don't get to set on the numbers but try out the skis as different technology can transcend such paradigms. You might find something with a 94mm waist doesn't work as well as something with 104mm depending on the ski construction. Look for places that hire a range of skis you can try out or even check with ski shops in resorts to see what you can demo. Oh and make sure you already own your own boots that you are comfortable with

[tffnyhu]

So helpful! Thanks for making this video.

[Wolfhound-]

85-100 with about 18m turn radius will be your single ski option for all mountain imo from hardback to crud to some powder

[petermorgan]

excellent video! thanks for posting this. I build skis for fun and this is a great explanation

[flapjackson]

That was great info! Bravo! 👍

Although I must say I’m a budget skier at best. After researching the matter, I think the 88mm waist ski I’m looking at is probably the bomb for all around conditions. Forgiving and easy to ski for groomed and ungroomed, solid for moderate powder, and very responsive when carving.
I think a ski in the 150-175 range is ideal for recreational skiers, depending on skill level. Long skis go faster and are more stable at high speeds, but have a larger turning radius. Shorter skis can’t develop the high speed, and are less stable at high speeds, but they’re damn sure better for the average skier sticking to groomers. Plus, those lengths will
get you into moderate powder and glades skiing depending on your weight.

Staying short is better for most recreational skiers.

[bayouboy]

Excellent presentation, cheers I just subscribed!, ,

[jackjedlicka]

I have a 62 mm ski, and I’ve been using it since day 1. It all depends on the skier

[pavellia]

Excellent vidéo with clear presentation.
Yes width of ski should be considered,
However, , ,
May I add, ,
90% of skiers have no idea about, , , ,
Ski side cut
Ski flex
Etc, , ,
Off piste for beginners, , , ?
Never.

[DaZePrimeHere]

Hi! Hope it’s not too late to leave a comment.. I was wondering if all mountain skis with twin tips exist. I’d consider myself an advanced skier but recreational. Mostly ski on groomed slopes but as I work during the high season I often have to ski at the end of the day through a bunch of slush. I’d like twin tips because I love dicking around with easy tricks and riding backwards. No flips our crazy jumps haha. Just a solid all round ski would be amazing! Helpful video btw!

[paulblichmann]

If your ski is below 90mm tip and longer than your height, everyone thinks you're an "expert". (And 80% can't tell you aren't, if you don't wipeout or blatantly snowplow) 😂😂😂. So that's kinda fun.

[johns]

I don’t know why there is such an obsession with ski width…flex is a MUCH more important variable when it comes to your ability, style and type of snow being skied.

[renounskis]

What a great breakdown. Would love to send you a pair of Renoun's to check out! :)

[paulblichmann]

What is it about modern skis that they rotate so freely? I got rentals once and you just floated while standing centered. You could turn 45 degrees, standing, and keep floating straight down until you engaged an edge. How do they do that?

[gnork]

I currently have skis with 69mm and a radius of 11.5m
Wonderful on a freshly groomed piste but not so much for moguls and fresh snow

So im currently fancing the Atomic Redster Q9.8 Revoshock S. Theyre kinda built like a slalom ski but wider at 84/85mm with a radius around 15m

Any thoughts?

[mrhmd]

Which of these types of skis would you recommend for medical emergency patrol trying to get to a skier? Thanks for an amazing explanation.

[davidblitzer]

What width is good if it’s slushy on groomed runs?