Downhill Skiing

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.

What is an avalanche transceiver?

• If recreate in snow in the backcountry, a transceiver is an essential safety device, along with a probe and shovel.
• Transceivers help you locate a person buried in an avalanche or others find you if you’re buried.

What features should I look for?

• Analog or digital: Most modern transceivers are digital, though some are both digital and analog.
• Multiple burials: Enables searchers to pick up multiple buried victims. Most brands offer multiple burial tracking, even in basic models.
• Marking function: Allows the searcher to mark or "flag" the location of each buried person.
• Display screen: Shows direction and distance to a buried person. Premium models may have larger, high-contrast screens.
• Range: Brands will list in meters the circular range (typically 40 to 70) in which one transceiver can sense others’ signals.

Find the right size boot:

A ski boot should fit snugly and hold your foot securely in place, without causing pain or pressure points.

It's best to try on boots in person but you can also find the right size by measuring your feet and consulting the brand’s ski boot sizing chart.

Consider the last width

• Skiers with wider feet or those prioritizing comfort may opt for a boot with a wider last.

• Skiers with narrower feet or those seeking a tighter, high-performance fit will prefer a narrower last.  

Understand ski boot flex:

• A softer flex should feel comfortable and forgiving; great for smaller skiers or beginners.

• A medium flex (90-110) is geared toward intermediate to advanced skiers who want more responsiveness in a comfortable package.

• A stiff flex (over 110) is for strong, expert-level skiers who prioritize performance on challenging terrain.

Understand lens shapes

• Cylindrical lenses curve horizontally but are flat vertically. They're more affordable but may cause more glare and slightly limit peripheral vision.
• Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically, offering better peripheral vision, less distortion and less glare. They cost more than cylindrical lenses.
• Toric lenses also curve in both directions, but with a subtler vertical curve. They offer improved optical clarity and reduced distortion—at a higher price point.

Lens tint and visible light transmission (VLT)

VLT refers to the percentage of light that passes through the lens and reaches your eyes.

• Bright sunny conditions: Look for a low light transmission (less than 25%).
• Partly cloudy conditions: Aim for light transmission between 25%-50%.
• Overcast, stormy or low-light conditions: Look for 50% or higher light transmission.
• Night riding: Use clear goggles or lenses with 80%-100% light transmission

Other features to consider:

• Many higher-end goggles come with two lenses—one for low light and one for bright conditions
• Interchangeable lenses let you swap lenses easily.
• Photochromic lenses automatically lighten or darken depending changing light though there is a lag time.