Shaped Skis Are Cutting Edge Of Ski Technology

The innovation is being called skiing’s equivalent to the oversized tennis racket and golf driver. It may well be the most significant advancement in decades, at least since metal-edged skis.

The stagnant ski industry is counting heavily on this technological advancement that is, in a word, radical.

Manufacturers to retailers to ski resort operators are hoping radical-cut, or shaped, skis will bring new skiers in, some old skiers back and reconvert converted snowboarders.

While shaped skis have been around since the early 1990s, this is the first year many companies are marketing them backed by major hype from the industry.

The radical sidecut that gives the skis an hourglass look makes them easier to turn.

“The very first shaped ski has been on the market four or five years,” said Mary Jo Tarallo, spokeswoman for Ski Industries America, a manufacturers trade organization. “This year there are more than 60 companies with shaped models.” Traditional skis, which appear to be almost straight and have edges perpendicular to the ground. Shaped skis have wider tips and tails, with a narrow boot. The skis’ sides also are sloped; this allows the skier an easier turn and the ability to cut snow more dramatically.

The skis - which can run up to $100 more than traditional skis - are shorter than their counterparts, and they are sized based on weight rather than height. Proper fit, incidentally, is more critical with shaped skis than with regular skis.

But their design makes turns easier to navigate, industry officials say, which makes for less stress on legs.

Shaped skis shouldn’t be confused with the “fat” skis that were so much in the news a few years ago for taking the frustration out of skiing crud. Fat skis have become almost standard on heli-skiing operations.

Also, shaped skis may not be for everyone at all times. “The skis have stirred a lot of interest with people, like those who have given up on the sport because they reached a plateau in skill level,” said Karl Boldt of Loulou’s in Spokane. “It takes very little rotary action of the leg to make the ski work. “But some experienced actually feel unstable on them. They have to change their technique a little. I always recommend talking to instructors who are current on shaped skis. The learning curve on them is very quick with proper technique.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo