Rossignol Soft Flex Snowsports

What type of skiing will you be doing?

• Downhill skiing: Helps balance and time turns; most are fixed length
• Backcountry skiing: Adjustable poles let you lengthen for uphill travel, shorten for descents
• Cross-country skiing: Longer and lighter, designed to help you glide forward efficiently. Poles for skate skiing are longer than for classic skiing.

Sizing downhill poles:

• Stand in your ski boots on a level floor
• Grip the poles just below the basket
• Your elbow should form a 90° angle
• If the angle is less than 90°, try a shorter pole
• If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.

Basket type:

• Standard: for most conditions
• Powder: for deep snow
• Powder and standard: Interchangeable baskets

Where do you plan to ski?

Match your skis to the conditions and areas on the mountain you enjoy skiing. Your choices are all-mountain skis, powder skis, freestyle skis and backcountry skis.

Consider the waist width of your ski:

• If you ski groomers or are a beginner, consider a narrower ski—under 90mm wide.
• If you ski the whole mountain and prize versatility, look for an all-mountain ski, from 91-114mm wide.
• For deep or soft powder purists, opt for a ski that’s 115mm or more wide.

Find your preferred ski length

• As a general rule, your skis should reach between your chin and the top of your head.

• Length also depends on your height, weight, ability level, skiing style and terrain preferences.

Types of snowboards

• All-mountain: Best for riding anywhere on the mountain
• Freestyle: Best for playful riding in or out of the terrain park
• Freeride: Best for steep, ungroomed snow
• Powder: Best for maximum float in deep snow
• Splitboards: Best for backcountry touring and travel uphill

Find the right length

• Stand a board on its tail; the nose of the board should reach between your nose and chin
• Use brand size charts to get a more precise fit

Snowboard profile

• Camber: Rises in the middle for good grip on hard snow, control at high speeds; popular with experienced riders
• Rocker: Upturned tips and tails excels for powder, park tricks and easy turns; popular with beginners and park riders
• Camber/rocker: Balances the edge hold of camber with easy turns and float of rocker