Soft Flex. Minimal Exertion. Skis for Six Different Scenarios.

Update Dec 27, 2016:  Subscribers can now download the list of recommended skis by going to the top navigation bar, click on Community, select Subscriber-Only-Content, choose the download and reconfirm your email address.  If you are not a subscriber, consider subscribing. It’s free, lots of interesting articles for seniors who love winter sports.

Ski manufacturers have never designed a ski for senior skiers. With about one million on the slopes, there’s enough of us to justify the investment.

But don’t hold your breath.

schusser_2_skier_491There is a breakthrough this season. For the first time, an in-depth evaluation of the best skis for older skiers is available. This is good news since choosing a new pair of skis, regardless of age and ability, has never been easy, and the abundance of brands and models is always confusing.

The evaluation is the result of collaboration between SeniorsSkiing.com and realskiers.com, the go-to site for in-depth ski equipment evaluations. The free list is available to all SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers. 

Of the many 2017 skis tested, 38 were identified as suitable for senior skiers. Most have relatively soft flex, allowing the sidecut to engage with minimal exertion. The result is ease of turning and forgiveness, which, regardless of physical condition, reduces stamina loss.

In other words, using these skis, it’s easier to ski more runs and have more fun!

Working with testers from around the country, realskiers.com has been reviewing ski equipment for many years. The results are gathered each spring and published in September, where abbreviated reviews are available free and in-depth information comes with a modest, paid annual subscription.

The recommended skis are grouped into six categories, each based on skiing preference, location, and snow conditions. They are:

Frontside (aka “Carving” skis)

  • These skis encompass the broadest range of skier abilities from entry-level to experienced and are for general use on groomed terrain. Wider models are usable off-trail.

 All-Mountain East

  • Skis that are extremely versatile and for general use on groomed terrain. They also work off-trail.
  • This category is suitable for those who have not skied in a few years.

 All-Mountain West

  • These are good for use in the West by high performance skiers and are good both for groomed trails and for powder.

 Big Mountain

  • Skis for use on big mountains with selections for strong and for less strong skiers.

 Powder

  • Specialty skis for use in deep powder.

Technical

  • These have high performance race ski characteristics and are suitable for carving turns on hard-snow.

While many consider skis to be unisex, some women prefer skis with weight and flex more suitable to their size and physique. The list identifies women’s skis, as well.

When selecting skis…

  1. Identify the most suitable category.
  2. Work with a quality ski shop.
  3. If possible, demo selections to compare before purchasing.

To Access the List

SeniorsSkiing.com subscribers were emailed a link to the list. The email was sent on October 14, 2016. Check your inbox or spam folder.

If you have not yet subscribed, click on this link and sign up using the subscription form in the right column or the pop-up which will appear on the page. After confirming your subscription, you will receive and email with a link to the list of senior ski recommendations. And, as a new subscriber, you will have access to discounts and deals on gear and clothing from top brands, and a lot of info relevant to the older snow sports enthusiast!

 

13 Comments

  1. William Wolf says:

    This is really good. I am glad that seniorskiing has not only connected to realskiers (I subscribed this week) but has devoted time and space to equipment for older skiers. I am buying new skis this year and this was very helpful. Thanks.

    Bill Wolf (member)
    Rochester NY

    • Michael Maginn says:

      Thanks Bill. It is part of our mission statement to advocate for the interests of senior snow sport enthusiasts. We have worked with Experticity to create a “team” that qualifies for significant discounts on gear and clothing from top brands and with the International Ski History Association, we have compiled a list of ski areas where seniors can ski free. All of this is available to our subscribers free of charge. We’re trying.

  2. Jackie Bonillo says:

    I’m hoping you can send me the list of the best skis for women in the Mt. West category. I like to ski powder (can’t trust my knees in wet powder) & I ski groomers when there is no powder.

    • Michael Maginn says:

      Jackie: We don’t have a separate list for senior women. As the article states: “While many consider skis to be unisex, some women prefer skis with weight and flex more suitable to their size and physique. The list identifies women’s skis, as well.” If you are having any trouble identify which is which, please write jon@seniorsskiing.com and he will be happy to sort this for you.

    • Michael Maginn says:

      Jackie: The “+” next to the ski name signifies suitable for women.

  3. Tom Shakey Levak says:

    For me, the frontside ski just doesn’t work. It’s much harder to ski than the old slalom or GS skis. I much prefer a soft twin-tip ski. Take a look at the ON3P line.

  4. Richie Fredericks says:

    Good stuff Jackson

    • Michael Maginn says:

      We’ll tell him you thought it was a good idea. We’re really glad we collaborated with realskiers.com to bring this to our readers. Glad you like.

  5. Glenn Noonan says:

    Would you please send me a link to the list of senior skis. I seem to have miss placed the email that contained the link.
    thank you

  6. Just found this web site, i signed up but still cant find the list of best skis for seniors.

    • Michael Maginn says:

      Welcome Carol. Go to the top Navigation Bar, click on Community. Under that you will see a menu pick for Subscribers Only. Click that and you’ll find the download for the senior skis as well as where to ski for free and other goodies.

  7. Steve Martin says:

    I am a 62 year old skier who has been skiing for a lot of years. After being disappointed with a pair of Rossi Pesuit 16s l purchased two years ago ( unfortunately probably due to less lower body strength than the skis ) an older gentleman who works in my local ski shop recommended Elan Ti skis – I cannot speak highly enough of these skis – they are light, easy to turn on short swings, and carve well on long gradual turn on the blues. Because of these characteristics I have pretty good energy left at the end of my sessions. And lastly they are moderately priced. –

    • Jon Weisberg says:

      Steve, Thanks for the heads up on the Elan Ti. I checked the listing of Best Skis for Senior Skiers. It’s not in there. Nonetheless, very good to know about your experience. Where do you ski?

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