It works out cheaper to buy your own equipment for a ski instructor course than hiring for the season. You can buy skis and boots in the UK or in resort. If purchasing in the UK, we have an exclusive offer with Rossignol to get up to 35% discount off this season’s equipment. Most shops in resort offer our clients 10-20% off ski gear.
The benefits of buying in resort are you can try before you buy – as most shops offer a trial service where you can try the skis out before purchase and choose the right ones for you.
Most skiers on a ski instructor course purchase all mountain skis, as during training you need your skis to work well on groomed runs, moguls and powder. All mountain skis are ideal for anyone looking to buy 1 pair of skis for the season.
Some customers budget for multiple skis, we ask that clients opting for more than one pair of skis ensure they have equipment that is suitable for piste, powder and moguls.
Types of Skis:
- All Mountain Skis – A versatile ski usually 80-90mm underfoot, with an hourglass shape that can be used on all areas of the mountain, including groomed runs, powder, steeps, bumps and even some park skiing. This is the recommended ski for a ski instructor course.
- Carving Skis – An intermediate to advanced ski that is designed for groomer runs and works well on firm snow. This ski has an hourglass shape and is typically 70-80mm underfoot and works well for on-piste and mogul training, however the ski is not suitable for powder. If using carving skis for a ski instructor course we recommend having free-ride skis for days in the powder.
- Freeride Skis – Similar in style, but wider, than all mountain skis. These are designed for powder and the occasional piste skiing. This type of ski is not ideal for a ski instructor course, but are a good option for those purchasing 2 pairs of skis when paired with carving skis.
- Powder Skis – Very wide skis, usually 100-140mm underfoot and designed for deep snow and back country. This type of ski is not suitable for a ski instructor course, but they do make a great weekend/play ski for back country enthusiasts.
- Race Skis – Stiff skis which are usually thinner underfoot but similar in shape to carving skis. Race skis are suited to advanced skiers and racers and are therefore not recommended to intermediate skiers joining a ski instructor course.
- Twin Tips / Park Skis – these are soft, forgiving skis with turned up tips and tails for multi-directional take–off and landing of jumps, rails and boxes. Bindings can be mounted further forward so positioning is not right for piste/powder skiing. These skis are a great play ski for days off in the terrain park but are not suitable for a ski instructor course.
If you participate on a ski instructor course with skis that are designed especially for park or powder then you will find training more difficult and this can lead to exam failure.
TIPS:
- If you’re unsure about what skis to buy for your course, you can wait until you’re in resort where our reps can help you buy the right skis for the season.
- Skis length should be between your chin height and the top of your head. Shorter skis are better for beginners and people who are of slim build. Intermediate – Advanced skiers should aim to choose a ski in the mid-long range of their height.
- Stiffness – generally the more advanced you are, the stiffer your ski should be. However, it can also depend on body type and height. Taller or heavier people usually choose a stiffer ski and smaller, lighter people require a softer ski. It is always a good idea to try before your buy if you’re unsure.
- Don’t buy based on design! What the ski does is far more important than what it looks like. We know it can be tempting to buy an fancy looking pair of skis, but if the skis aren’t right for training you will struggle during the course and may need to purchase a more suitable pair.
