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You read the ski magazines and you see the descriptions of
the various types of skis. You think that you understand what they are talking about. Then again, you may not. Here is a basic description of the various categories of skis.
Developmental carving skis are designed with a softer flex, wider tips and narrower tails. They tend to be more responsive at slower speeds. Since the shape of these skis helps new skiers make the transition from skidding tocarving, they are best for beginners and intermediates. Skiers who only ski occasionally will appreciate these easy turning skis.
As you begin to advance, you will probably want to look for
an all mountain performance ski. These are specially designed for intermediate to advanced skiers who are able to carve turns on the whole mountain. However, these skis work better on groomed snow, as opposed to ungroomed or off-piste conditions. They are wider than racing skis and have a somewhat softer flex, which allows them to handle more snow conditions and slower turning speeds. Their wider tips, which are also known as shovels, help pull the skier into the
turn.