How to Select Your Next Pair of Skis
More than 37% of the 3000+ readers responding to our August survey indicated they intend to purchase new skis in the next two years.
Regardless of the number of years you’ve been on the slopes, making the correct ski choice can be a challenge.
As part of its annual review of new skis, realskiers.com, the go-to site for in-depth ski evaluations, has determined the best skis for older skiers. Most of the selected skis have relatively soft flex, which helps them engage the snow with minimal exertion. Regardless of one’s physical condition, using skis with these characteristics allows older skiers to turn more easily and to ski longer without tiring.
Those who visit a variety of areas in different regions and who experience different snow conditions, may want to acquire a “quiver” of skis, each of which can be used for different terrain and different conditions. An alternative is to rent equipment when you get to the mountain. For example, Eastern skiers who tote their narrow skis to Alta, would be better served with a pair of wider powder skis.
We strongly recommend trying before buying. Start by choosing the most suitable ski category for the terrain and snow and working with a quality ski shop, preferably one at or close to the mountain so you can switch out demo equipment throughout the day. That said, this information also can be useful to those running across previously owned boards at a Swap or Sale.
Recommended 2022 Skis for Senior Skiers
The Best 2022 Skis for Senior Skiers has 47 selections from Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, Fischer, Head, K2, Kastle, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Stockli, and Volkl. Ten of the recommended skis are identified as women’s skis, which sometimes are engineered for female size and physique.
The selections fall into four groups, organized by range of ski width, which helps determine the terrain where its performance is optimized.
Specific recommended skis follow:
FRONTSIDE
75MM-84MM
Blizzard Brahma 82
Dynastar Speed 4×4 963
Fischer RC One 82 GT
K2 Disruption 82 TI
Kastle MX83
Rossignol EXP 82 Ti
Rossignol EXP 82 Basalt
Rossignol Hero Elite Plus Ti
Salomon Stance 84
Stockli Laser AX
WOMEN’S FRONTSIDE
75MM-84MM
Blizzard Black Pearl 82
Nordica Santa Ana 84
ALL-MOUNTAIN EAST
85MM-94MM
Atomic Maverick 86 C
Blizzard Rustler 9
Head Kore 93
Head Kore 87
Head V-Shape 10
K2 Mindbender 90Ti
Nordica Enforcer 94
Nordica Enforcer 88
Rossignol EXP 86 Basalt
Salomon QST 92
Salomon Stance 90
WOMEN’S
ALL-MOUNTAIN EAST
85MM-94MM
Blizzard Sheeva 9 (92)
Blizzard Black Pearl 88
Nordica Santa Ana 88
Nordica Santa Ana 93
ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST
95MM-100MM
Dynastar M-Pro 99
Head Kore 99
K2 Mindbender 99Ti
Kastle ZX100
Kastle FX96 Ti
Rossignol Black Ops HolyShred
Volkl M6 Mantra
WOMEN’S
ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST
95MM-100MM
Blizzard Black Pearl 97
Dynastar M-PRO 99 W
Kastle FX96 W
Rossignol Black Ops Blazer
BIG MOUNTAIN
101MM-113M
Blizzard Rustler 10
Dynastar M-Free 108
Fischer Ranger 102 FR
Head Kore 111
K2 Mindbender 108Ti
Nordica Enforcer 110 FREE
Nordica Enforcer 104 FREE
Salomon QST 106
Salomon Stance 102
