When it comes to skis, buying without trying can be confusing. I prefer demo days or demo-ing from shops at or near the mountain. Reading how a ski performs can provide helpful guidance in your selection process but using those skis – especially on familiar terrain – really helps in deciding how to make the best purchase.
That said, we’ve posted the annual list of skis recommended for older skiers. They include models from Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, Fischer, Head, K2, Kastle, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Stockli, and Volkl.
You’ll find the list by clicking here.
Most of the recommended skis have relatively soft flex, allowing the ski’s sidecut to engage with snow with minimal exertion. This ski design component requires less physical effort to turn and, regardless of your physical condition, reduces loss of stamina.
The recommendations come from data assembled during last Spring’s ski tests conducted by RealSkiers.com, the go-to site for in-depth ski equipment evaluations. The 45 recommended skis are organized by ski width categories, which correspond to types of terrain and snow conditions, factors considered in their design and engineering.
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 10 women’s skis.
What’s the best way to use the information on the list? First, identify the ski category you want to add to your quiver. Then work with a quality ski shop. And, as mentioned at the start of this article, if possible, demo the selections to compare before making your purchase.
BTW, SeniorsSkiers.com subscribers enjoy a 50% discount off subscriptions to realskiers.com subscriptions. Use Code SS21.
Hello, I’m kind of confused as to why you would not have any Elan skis on the list for best skis for seniors – The Elan Ripstick 88 is probably one of the best if not the Bess skier for senior men- it’s one of the lightest skis and with its 88 CM waist it makes skiing the crud and cut up snow a breeze- if you want to carve them, they are more then willing – it is truly a all mountain east ski-
Some of us seniors don’t like light wobbly skis but prefer skis with substance, narrower in the middle and with a hard cutting edge. Elans make me feel like I’m sliding on ester skis.
What is an “ester ski”?
My instructor recommended the Elan Amphibio ( 1st generation) 74 cm underfoot and I love them. age 75. They turn ” on a dime”.
I love my Elan Amphibio’s. I’ve used them for 6 years or more. As close to the perfect ski as you can get IMHO. Solid, turn on a dime and very stable.
Trying before buying was rule one during my work life. I broke the rule & bought the Nordica Enforcer 94. The Enforcer checks every box for this N E skier. I was so impressed the 104 Free had to be my next pair. This summer my wife (your niece) found a long slender box at our back door. Outside wet paint brush in my hand she approached me with the box. Dare I say her father’s passion for skiing had her more than aware of the contents in hand. Have a Great Season, MZ
Thanks for the comment, Mark. All my love to you, Debbie and family! Jon
YOU DON’T LIKE VOLKLS MUTCH ,I ON THE OTHER HAND DO. YOU MIGHT
WANT TO TRY THE VOLKL KANJO, 84 UNDER FOOT , A SWEET GERIATRIC
FREINDLY SKI , GOOD IN UP TO 4 OR 5 INCHES OF POWDER. I SKI ON 175CM AT SUGARBUSH. 118 DAYS LAST YEAR. I AM 83.
MR
Oh Gosh – So behind the times – I haven’t skied for years. Virtually grew up on skis and was an advanced skier. Nobody around me skis and I’ve decided to just get back into it before I can’t! That said, I have a pair of Salomon xscream 7.9 skis which are actually brand new as in never used. They are so beautiful. I wouldn’t have a clue now what to look for in a modern ski that seem so wide by comparison which I can’t get used to. I just hope that the XScream will be ok for a few sorties this winter whilst familiarising myself with the latest equipment. That’s another thing, I’ve never skied with a helmet.. oh dear.
I have skied those Xscream Solomons also, great ski. That is the ski that made me switch from Rossignol to Solomon and I’ve been skiing Solomon ever since. I really like the QST line from Solomon, but yes, they are going to be wider than those XScreams. They also handle varied terrain better, sail through crud, mush and powder better and hold an edge on hard icy snow much better than you would expect. A true joy to ski on. Going from the Xscream, I would recommend you stay away from the really wide ones at first and try the QST 92. The Solomon Stance lineup is also a great option. It has more of a carving feel that also can handle a lot of different terrain with ease and will feel more like those Xscream skiis. They also come in many widths underfoot – 80, 84, 90, 96 and 102. You should definitely demo some before buying but I think the Solomon line is very good and the technology has come a long way since the Xscream.
That being said, there are many good ski options out there besides Solomon. I am a mountain host at the Canyons side of Park City Resort in Utah. Many of my co-hosts are older – retired or semi-retired men and women who make a lot of turns every season. Many of them like the Nordica enforcer line and the Santa Ana line. I’ve heard good things about Head Kore skis, the Elan Rip Stick and Volkl Mantra line. My daughter loves her Mantras. Stockli skis are also highly recommended but are a little pricey I think. If cost is no option you should look at those also.
It all really depends on your type of skiing and what terrain you like. If you stay on the groomers and like to carve I would go with the Stance skis but if you go for the steep deep stuff the QST line would be better (in the Solomons of course). If you live somewhere you can demo skis that is the best way to go. Try some out before you buy.
I Read An Article On Seniors Getting Shorter Skis For More Control , Any thoughts On This < experiance