Ski Reviews, Ski Instruction and Skiing Advice

Ski reviews, technical tips, boot fit advice, skiing instruction pointers and other content on this site are from our subscription site, which has, say subscribers, "the best collection of ski reviews and ski advice anywhere." We hope the information here will help—more, including 1-on-1 consulting (we answer your questions), is available by subscription.

In times like these, it can be especially important to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you want thorough independent reviews of new skis, to find out about the performance of an older model, to locate a top shop, or seek to rebuild your skiing from the snow up to master modern technique and the whole mountain alike, we can help. [ details ]

'30-second Ski Reviews' 2008
    2009 reviews coming in September

How we test and review skis

We accept no ski company advertising. Our sites are supported by subscription, like Consumer Reports.

Test skiers include many ski shop employees. Unlike the magazines, we don't rely . . . more

Now on subscription site: 1^st look 08/09

Overview of what's new for next season by brand; what to know before going to spring end of season ski sales. Summaries for: Armada, Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, Elan, Fischer, Goode, Hart, Head, Kästle, K2, Movement, Nordica, Palmer, Rossignol, Roxy, Salomon, Stöckli & Völkl

2008 ski reviews: reviews of hundreds of completely new and continuing models from Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, Elan, Fischer, Goode, Head, K2, Nordica, Palmer, Rossignol, Roxy, Salomon, Stöckli and Völkl + ski catalogs.

Skis of the Year: Our ski testers' choice of the top rated ski in each of seven categories—Fall Line Carver, Speed Carver, Skill Development, Groomer Cruising, all-mountain Cruiser, all-mountain Versatile and Big Mountain Power Tool—in both Female-specific and Unisex groups: "The Best of the Best"

1200 past ski reviews—1999 through 2007: If you find it online or in a swap or sale, chances are we have the review. Know before you buy!

5-part Practical Guide to Tuning: Tools, techniques, suggestions, resources and step-by-step ski tuning protocols to maintain skis in top performing condition.
 
Personal consulting: We answer your questions 1-on-1—the missing element in most ski reviews and instruction advice and a service available only here. What else is included with subscription?

Need-to-Know — articles and ideas you can use right now

Not 'your average buyer's guide'

Skis are cool — but boots rule

Boots are so much the most important element of equipment that all other components—including skis—are virtual accessories by comparison. Assuming less than unlimited funds . . . more

Shape up fast!

Skiing is a dynamic sport that places high demands on the human musculoskeletal system. Velocities are high in downhill skiing, requiring rapid muscular contractions to accelerate and decelerate your body in different directions against gravity and terrain changes . . . more

Make more out of sales

You can find great deals at sales, especially now, but it's also easy to go wrong. Here are some thoughts on how to get the most out of sales without making expensive mistakes. Skiers who have done some homework—who have . . . more

Ski tuning basics

It seems that every skier and ski technician has a unique approach to ski tuning. Ask 10 tuners how to tune a ski and you'll probably get 10 different answers… some more practical than others . . . more

Foundation for Improvement

• Find your accurate ability level
• Perfect Boot Fit- Poor fit guarantees poor performance
• Ski Length Guide- The wrong length ruins the right ski
• Polish Carving Skills- In a single morning
• Ski Binding Effect- The stealth performance factor
• Accessories we use and recommend
• Fitlink: the premier online fitness community