Salomon Thinsulate Snowsports

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.

Understand boot flex

• Soft flex boots are comfortable and easy on your feet; they're ideal for beginners or recreational riders.
• Medium flex boots balance mobility and support for all-mountain performance and comfort.
• Stiff flex boots offer maximum support for edge power and control at high speeds; ideal for freeriders and advanced riders.

Match riding style to flex

• Many all-mountain riders will gravitate toward more flexible boots. For fast, aggressive riding, go with stiffer boots.
• Freeriders place a premium on speed and precision, so stiffer boots are preferred. This rigidity helps generate edge power across icy, firm snow.
• Freestyle: Maneuverability and quick responses are vital to the park experience, so softer, more flexible boots are a good choice.

Find a good fit

A good fit starts with purchasing the right size boot. Snowboard boots typically use standard U.S. sizing.

Find the right length

As a general rule, if you stand a board on its tail, the nose of the board should reach somewhere between your nose and chin. You can use brand size charts and recommended rider weights to get more precise.

Choose between different types of snowboards

The right type of board depends on what type of terrain and snow conditions you plan to ride in. Your choices include all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, powder and splitboards.

Understand camber and rocker

Camber and rocker describe the curve of a snowboard when you look at it from the side. There are many different profiles.

• A cambered board rises up in the waist (midsection) while the contact points rest on the ground near the tail and tip/nose. These grip well on hard snow, provide control at high speeds and deliver a lively, stable ride. Experienced, speed-oriented riders favor cambered boards.
• A rockered board has upturned tips and tails. The design excels in powder or when jibbing or riding rails in the park. They tend to have a surfy feel that offers easy turn initiation, making them popular among novice riders.