Sports Ski Alpine skiing and ski touring skiing: Equipting your head

Winter sports have seen a major resurgence in recent seasons, and skiing is no exception. For beginners as well as for seasoned skiers, any sporting season begins with the choice of equipment adapted to their needs. Since winter is made for moving, Sports Experts offers advice as well as a wide selection of skis and accessories necessary for a pleasant day outdoors.

Posted 6 Dec. 2021

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Skis adapted to the types of skiers

There are several varieties and models of alpine skis. The flexibility, radius, width, materials and weight of skis vary depending on the activity being performed. To choose the most suitable model, the skier must first determine what type of skiing he wants to do and what his level of skill in this sport is. These two data will allow the experts in store to offer him a model adapted to his ambitions.

Downhill skiing

To hit the slopes all winter long, nothing better than a pair of downhill downhill skis. The choice of skis will be influenced by the skill level of the skier. An advanced skier might opt ​​for a narrow and stiff model, with a rather short radius that facilitates tight and dynamic turns. A beginner skier might choose a more flexible model with a longer radius that allows for wider turns.

Discover the Cloud 9/M 10 GW piste skis from ATOMIC

All-terrain skiing

As their name suggests, all-terrain skis will suit both the undecided skier and the who likes to touch everything. Being wider than piste skis, these highly versatile skis allow you to enjoy a nice descent in the undergrowth as well as on the bumps.

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Discover the Blackops W Dreamer XP all-terrain skis from ROSSIGNOL

Freestyle skiing

Skiers who want to take advantage of snow park modules should choose freestyle skis with a double spatula. These models are both resistant, light and very handy, and offer the possibility of skiing even backwards.

Discover the VOLKL Freestyle Bash 81 skis

Powder skiing

Aficionados of off-piste skiing will benefit from opting for freeride skis. The width and the adapted camber of the latter make them the perfect skis for enjoying powder snow while maintaining excellent control of their movements.

Meet ATOMIC's Bent Chetler 100 Powder Skis

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Spotlight on Alpine Touring

A different type of ski has made its mark in the habits of Quebecers: alpine ski touring, also called ski touring. It is aimed at hiking and skiing enthusiasts who wish to combine their two passions. This sport is practiced with specialized skis that allow the ascent and descent of a mountain.

Preparing to reach new heights

1. Skis and BindingsAlpine touring skis are mainly powder skis fitted with specific bindings that offer two functions: the open tail facilitates climbing on climbing skins, and the fixed heel makes the descent safe.

2. BootsAlpine touring ski boots differ from classic alpine ski boots. They are often lighter and equipped with an adjustable collar that allows you to increase the range of motion during the ascent. They also have toe hooks compatible with ski touring bindings.

3. Essential accessories During an alpine ski touring outing, the skier must bring climbing skins that he must attach to his skis before the ascent. These make climbing easier and prevent sliding backwards. A savvy skier will also use the layering method to compensate for changes in body temperature during the ascent and descent by removing or adding layers of clothing as needed. It is therefore necessary to provide a backpack to carry the usual hiking equipment.

Note that the essential equipment to be carried must be adapted to the nature of the trails traveled. Skiers venturing into unmarked backcountry trails should also consider packing a first aid kit, phone charger, batteries and more.

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Whatever your winter passion, there are plenty of accessories that combine comfort, utility and style that are perfect for the holiday season. Here are some gift ideas for those who like to hit the slopes.

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Dress for each activity

In addition to gloves, a coat and snow pants, thermal clothing and underwear are essential for the practice of winter sports. There are several possibilities, depending on the type of skiing practiced.

DownVery warm and highly compressible, down jackets are ideal for more cautious skiers who want to continue skiing on really cold days. They are also useful for ski tourers during breaks and descents. However, you should know that they lose their insulating properties in contact with water.

SyntheticsVery versatile, synthetic coats retain their thermal properties regardless of the weather and dry quickly. Skiers who think they often face bad weather can favor these models. Generally more affordable and more breathable than jackets made from other materials, so they are suitable for high-intensity activities.

The shellTo be able to ski in good weather, bad weather, the shell is of great importance. It is the last layer of the multilayer system and will therefore protect against the vagaries of the weather: wind, rain, snow, etc. There are soft and hard shells that act as windbreakers and raincoats.

1/4Find out more tips for equipping yourself well this winter Equip yourself from head to toe at Sports Experts