All great Skiers have to start somewhere, and getting a great first pair of Skis will help you get there faster. Even if you never find yourself on an Olympic podium or in a Warren Miller movie, you will become a better Skier much faster if you use Skis designed specifically for beginners.
So what exactly should you look for in beginner Skis? Most beginner Skis have a Rocker shape that allows for easier turn initiation and a softer flex that makes the Skis easier to control and maneuver with less precise movements. These types of skis give the skier room for error and will not punish him if his form is not yet perfect. Any of the skis on this blog are ideal for beginner skiers or novice skiers who are still improving.
Rossignol Smash 7
Who said that novice skiers have to be contained only to groomers? The Rossignol Smash 7 are beginner to intermediate skis for those who want to explore off-piste from time to time while still rocking out on the slopes. Featuring Rossignol’s Freeride Rocker, the Smash 7 has Camber underfoot for stability, but a rockered tip and tail for easier turn initiation and float when you’re in deeper snow. The poplar core is reinforced with fiberglass for a combination of firmness and forgiveness that will do any beginner good, and the 92mm waist width allows you to drift and
slide the laps before you start Carving.
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Salomon XDR 80 ST
Beginners are going to spend the majority of their time on the front stompers, so it makes sense to start with a front-focused ski. The Salomon XDR 80 ST, with its 80mm waist, is agile from edge to edge and tracks down stiff terrain with ease. Reinforced with a layer of basalt, the poplar wood core offers a stout ride that isn’t too overbearing and comes with plenty of liveliness. ABS Sidewalls and rocker on the tip and tail provide stability and precision.
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Atomic Vantage 79C
The Atomic Vantage 79C is light and powerful, a combination that would make any skier smile. The Vantage 79C’s lower weight makes it highly maneuverable, with a short turn radius for fast-hitting carving action. The Energy Backbone provides tip-to-tail power, and the Prolite construction reduces weight while adding reinforcements in key areas to maintain ski integrity. The Cap Sidewall adds shock absorption to help keep you stable when you start to pick up the pace.
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Mindbenders K2 85
Beginner skis rarely get more advanced than the K2 Mindbender 85. Built with the fundamental design philosophy of Torsion Control, the Mindbender 85 offers longitudinal and torsional flexes that are independent of each other. This adaptive flex gives you the most precise performance whether you’re on the hard pack or venturing off the trails. A versatile All-Terrain Rocker profile offers easy handling in any condition,and the Aspen Veneer Core is lightweight with amazing durability for whatever trials and tribulations you put through them.
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Nordica Navigator 80 AC
The Nordica Navigator 80 CA is the ideal choice for the beginner or intermediate skier who wants to navigate the front with grace and ease. The narrow 80mm waist is perfect for making smooth, tight turns on the hard pack, and the square tail shape makes for seamless transitions with increased edge hold. A predictable ride combined with some soft snow performance, the Navigator 80 CA will boost your confidence no matter the terrain or conditions.
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Elan Wingman 78C
For aspiring front-end rippers, the Elan Wingman 78 C may be your best bet. With a stiffer flex and heavy Camber profile, the Wingman 78 C is more powerful than many of the skis on this list. You can lock in and hold an edge at speed thanks to Cambered inside edges that run from the tail to near the tip, but it also has wobbled outside edges that add margin of error in your carvings. With a unique left and right ski, the Wingman 78 C is designed specifically for learning to aggressively carve on hard surfaces.
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Rossignol Experience 76 Cl
The Rossignol Experience 76 CI is the complete beginner type of ski that will help you improve your skiing from day one. Stability, light weight, smooth ride – the Experience 76 CI has it all. It starts with the light but powerful poplar wood core, with added carbon reinforcements and a forgiving RossiTop Cap construction that lets you drift through corners without consequence. The Air Tip VAS gives the Experience 76 CI a wet ride by placing vibration-reducing materials in the tips of the skis, and with swing-out tips and tails, it floats easily on rough snow.
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