Packable 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.

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.

What type of cross-country skiing will you do?

• Classic skiing uses a back and forward motion similar to walking.
• Skate skiing resembles the movements of a speed skater.

Do you want to tour or race?

• Classic touring skis: best for groomed tracks.
• Race and performance classic or skate skis: ideal for groomed tracks but built for faster skiing than classic touring skis.
• Metal touring skis: designed for skiing out-of-track or on steeper terrain.

Get the right ski size
Find the ski length recommended for your body weight. Factor in skill level too. Longer skis tend to be faster. Shorter skis tend to be easier to turn on and control.

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.