To begin our section on skis, let's start with the assumption that you know that there has been a revolution in skis during the last number of years. This revolution has primarily been fueled by two things: Materials technology and the new breed of "shaped" skis. If you are interested in the evolution of skis from their humble beginnings, there is an interesting article at www.aspenhistory.org/tipchp2.html.

If you are intested in current skis, here is our take on things. The combination of new shapes and new materials technology has developed a breed of ski that is easier to ski on. These skis will make you a better skiier almost from the moment that you strap them on! As a skiier, you probably have the same goals as I do on the mountain - ski better and have more fun. The new skis will go a long way towards reaching these goals.

Part One: Shaped Skis

The modern "shaped" or "parabolic" ski started out primarily as a tool to help intermediate skiiers learn to "carve" instead of skidding turns. A carved turn is more efficient, graceful, controlled, and more gratifying than a skidded turn. After a few lessions and lots of trips up the chairlifts the typical skiier had a burning desire to take their experience to the next level and learn to "carve". The new shaped skis allowed the intermediate to more easily transition into carved turns due to its more pronounced sidecut. When put on edge, it naturally bowed into an arc and magically "carved" your turns into the snow.

As time passed, this new style of ski was fiddled with and refined. Eventually they were adapted for use by backcountry and off piste maniacs, powder hounds, groomer cruisers of all abilities and even World Cup racers. Today there are very few if any skis manufactured that are not made with the new "shaped" technology. We certainly don't sell them! The width, legnth, camber, and sidecut measurements vary for different peoples needs, but they all improve a skiiers ability to ski in a controlled and efficient manner. A skiier that dances through turns in control simply has more fun than one that skids around to change direction and speed.

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