Quick Tips—Skis

There's a ski for every type of skiing and for every type of snow. But you don't have to carry around a quiver of skis. Most skis show remarkable range. Sure, some skis prefer powder, groomed slopes, or terrain parks and half pipes. But if you select a ski for the kind of skiing you do most, you'll find yourself satisfied with your purchase.

Start by picking a ski that best represents your abilities:

• Adult Intermediate—For your first three to five years of skiing you'll want a forgiving intermediate ski that helps your development by allowing you to make mistakes and yet still get a feel for how it's done.

• Adult Performance—For those who've got skiing down and want to really cut loose, there's the performance ski. These planks are very responsive, translating your body English into a language the snow understands.

Tip—To find the ski you want, test-drive several models you think fit your ability and style.