Top Rated Best Alpine Skiing for Beginners in 2024

The resort is not only a beach, a warm sea, a sun lounger and a cocktail in hand. It can be completely different: cold, rocky, snowy, but bringing by no less joy than the beaches of warm regions. We are talking about ski resorts, i.e. active recreation, which is gaining more and more popularity.

With the coming to power of President V.V. Putin's skiing has become national and fashionable. But even if we do not take into account the fact that the top officials of the state prefer alpine skiing, this activity is fascinating, exciting, bringing great pleasure, family and, finally, simply useful for health.

Alpine skiing for beginners is fundamentally different from cross-country or running skis. They must have a number of qualities such as:

• increased width of runners;
• special strength of bindings, fixed position of the legs;
• have increased strength and rigidity;
• soft cornering.

How is downhill skiing arranged?

The first thing to look out for is the sidecut radius. The larger it is, the smoother the turns will be. If this radius is small, then the turns will be sharp and sharp.

The most important parameter is the weight of the ski itself. Light skis are easier to control in maneuvers, but less stable when it comes to maintaining a given direction.

Ski width - determines the cross-country ability on different surfaces. Wider ones - for refined, specially prepared trails. Narrower ones are for self-propelled vehicles or bad trails.

The geometric shape of the ski - determines the ease of maneuvers.

Rigidity and distribution of stiffness - determines the strength of the ski and resistance to bends, breaks and crackles. Longitudinal distribution of stiffness is the most optimal.

For those who care about the differences in ski weights, you should pay attention to the division into "male" and "female models". They differ only in the weight of the fasteners: lighter fastening structures are installed on the women.

Rostovka. Ski size. The short ones are easier to handle on maneuvers, but harder on straight sections. It is optimal for a beginner to take skis 5-10 cm shorter than his height.

Alpine skiing in its structure is called:

• Sandwich. The different layers are layered on top of each other like toppings in a sandwich.
• Cap. There is one, as a rule, the most rigid base layer, on which all other plates are already mounted.
• Box or monocoque. The core of the ski is wrapped with the rest of the materials. This construction does not allow any twisting and is very durable.

Video tips for choosing skiing:

What skis should a beginner choose?

Carving downhill skiing is ideal for beginners. They have a specific design: the toe and heel are wide, and the middle part is narrowed towards the attachment (i.e., a large cutout radius). This ski shape allows the athlete to easily fit into turns and make them soft.

In addition, they smooth out inaccuracies in the wearer's movements, adjusting the smoothness of the arcs. However, these models are usually less rigid and less durable than professional models, but this is already a learning cost: it is easier to learn maneuvers on soft runners.

In general, such skis are cheaper than professional models for advanced users. Numbers like "14-15" or "16-17" in the name of skis mean the seasons in which the production of these particular models was started.

The best brands of carving alpine skis in the high price range of 2024

ROSSIGNOL PURSUIT 14-15

They have a very modest dull design, which is suitable for those who do not like to stand out in appearance. Nevertheless, the model behaves perfectly in business: it is easy to drive, it does not slip at speed. They proved to be excellent on short arcs due to excellent edge grip. Beginners will be able to confidently train on these skis at all speeds. Many colors and graphic designs.

Manufacturer: Rossignol.

Category: men.

Sizes: 170 and 177 cm.

Average price: 19,000 rubles.

• good grip on the track;
• excellent maneuverability.

• the relative poverty of colors and graphics.

ATOMIC Vantage X 77 C 16-17

Stylish men's model that perfectly feels any movements and desires of a novice rider. Confidently keeps a straight course and follows the skier's body with lightning speed when he wants to make maneuvers. It shows itself perfectly on arcs of any radius and smoothness.

Also suitable for advanced skiers. Due to the design features, the weight is quite low. Very strong mounts. Brand from the category "Must have". Use is desirable only on prepared tracks. They fully justify their price.

Manufacturer: Atomic.

Category: station wagon.

Sizes: 157, 164, 171, 178 cm.

Average price: 25,800 rubles.

• stylish design;
• high-quality assembly, excellent materials;
• reduced weight due to design;
• excellent behavior on the tracks;
• many sizes of sizes.

• the price, but it is fully justified by the quality.

Learn more about Atomic skiing in the video:

Rossignol Pursuit 400 Carbon 16-17

A well-deserved company produces truly professional alpine skiing models using special technologies:

Power Turn Rocker - for easy cornering and arc radius stability;

Prop Tip - to create adaptive torsional stiffness through the perforated toe and heel of the ski. This design significantly improves vibration damping and increases the elasticity of the ski, in addition - increases the contact area of ​​the edge with the surface during maneuvering;

The Minicap Sandwich construction is, in fact, a stacked laminate with reinforced carbon: the skis are easy to handle, while their durability is high.

Manufacturer: Rossignol.

Category: unisex.

Sizes: 149-177 cm.

Average price: 26,300 rubles.

• excellent quality materials and special brand assembly;
• very good maneuverability;
• high wear resistance.

• the price is high.

NORDICA NRGY 80 14-15

Versatile skis that perform well on the most refined track. Perhaps the best price-quality combination. Novice skiers can safely take this model and start training with it. Such a brand will also suit experienced riders. The skis do a great job at all speeds and allow you to take very short arcs with ease and grace. And the variety of designs and colors will satisfy any customer.

Manufacturer: Nordica.

Category: men.

Sizes: 161, 169, 177 and 185 cm.

Average price: 24,000 rubles.

• agile, comfortable for beginners;
• completely unpretentious to the type of tracks and the presence of ice / bumps / holes;
• many sizes;
• excellent value for money.

• not found.

Video test of skis in action:

SALOMON W-KART 14-15

With excellent adjustability and easy handling, these skis can quickly give a beginner confidence in their movements. The lightness of the skis, the lightness of the bindings and a certain geometric shape will allow a beginner to easily perform any maneuvers at the training stage.

Manufacturer: Salomon.

Category: women.

Sizes: 153 cm.

Average price: 24,000 rubles.

• beautiful feminine design;
• excellent maneuverability;
• amazing ease of management.

• one size, and quite short. The skis are maneuverable, but on straight sections they can wag a little.

Best mid-range carving ski brands 2024

Fischer XTR Cruzar 16-17

Skis that are perfect for both beginners and seasoned professionals. They are light in weight and smooth out many mistakes for beginners. Special technologies Air Power and Fiber Tec, used in the construction, will make the descent of the beginner as safe as possible and the professional as pleasant as possible.

Manufacturer: Fischer.

Category: unisex.

Sizes: 150, 155, 160, 165, 170 cm.

Average price: 12,900 rubles.

• excellent maneuverability;
• light weight;
• suitable for beginners and pros.

• only for prepared tracks;
• not the most attractive exterior design.

Salomon Kiana W 15-16

Another ladies' model from Salomon, but at a lower price. Suitable not only for beginners, but also for already confident skiers. Non-directional, very error-tolerant and easy to manage. The monocoque construction with a composite core allows the model to respond to every slightest movement of the wearer's body. The rocker in the bow makes corner entry incredibly soft and provides stability over small bumps.

Manufacturer: Salomon.

Category: women.

Sizes: 137-158 cm.

Average price: 16,900 rubles.

• excellent handling, easy cornering;
• skis perfectly feel any movements of the owner;
• durable and lightweight construction;
• beautiful feminine design.

• not the best stability when downhill.

Elan Explore 4 Plate 15-16

Lightweight and safe skis will literally put a beginner on his feet if he makes mistakes or hesitates on the track. The special designs of the Early Rise Rocker and the Full Power Cup will make the beginner's first steps on the track easy and enjoyable. In the middle price category, a very good combination of price and quality.

Manufacturer: Elan.

Category: unisex.

Sizes: 144-168 cm.

Average price: 12,500 rubles.

• a light weight;
• smoothing out mistakes of beginners, excellent handling.

• not too high strength for tough maneuvers.

HEAD Big Easy Classic 07-08

Non-directional skis (that is, it glides better in a straight line than on corners) skis for beginners who do not so much want to try maneuvers as just stand confidently on the skis and keep balance while descending. The model keeps its course perfectly, is not subject to wobbling.

Manufacturer: Head.

Category: unisex.

Size: 170 cm.

Average price: 14,900 rubles.

• they drive perfectly in a straight line, do not lose their course.

• it is more difficult to train maneuvers, since here they cannot smooth out all mistakes.

HEAD Shape RX PR 14-15

A model for beginners who are seriously going to take up this sport and improve in it. Moderately rigid, with a short turning radius and conveniently adjustable mounts to fit the foot, these skis perform well on prepared tracks for any maneuvers.

Manufacturer: Head.

Category: men.

Sizes: 149-177 cm.

Average price: 15,900 rubles.

• skis for beginners and experienced athletes;
• good grip, maneuverability;
• excellent quality materials and workmanship;
• a wide range of sizes.

• modest colors and poor design.

HEAD Primal Instinct PP9 15-16

The radical black color and stylish design are what attracts attention to this pair at first. However, behind the stylish appearance is the experience of the Head company: skis will be true friends for a beginner in this business. They are soft, they perfectly respond to any whims of an inexperienced "rider". Whimsical only to the track - they prefer cleared slopes without surprises in the form of hillocks or snowdrifts.

Manufacturer: Head.

Category: men.

Sizes: 170 cm.

Average price: 13,600 rubles.

• unusual stylish design;
• good maneuverability;
• confident course with direct descent.

• rather high price for this model.

Fischer XTR RC4 Speed ​​16-17

Sandwich skis with an enlarged nose and a good nose curve are suitable for well-groomed and prepared trails, as well as for relatively off-road and snow-covered slopes. They keep their direction well when moving straight, quite dexterous in maneuvers.

Manufacturer: Fischer.

Sizes: 130-170 cm.

Average price: 14,000 rubles.

• there is almost no wagging;
• show themselves well on maneuvers.

• low strength.

The best brands of economy carving skis 2024

Rossignol Pursuit 11 Ca 13-14

For skiers taking their first steps in this difficult sport, this model will be an excellent assistant. The shortened edge and small turning radius make turns easy and effortless. There is no speed control, but newbies rarely start on the highways, so it is not needed.

Manufacturer: Rossignol.

Category: men.

Sizes: 149-177 cm.

Average price: 9400 rubles.

• excellent maneuverability, ease of turns.

• skis for beginners only. When crossing the most professional trails, you will need a different model.

HEAD Rev 70 PR 14-15

Very maneuverable, lightweight and obedient ski for beginners that will smooth out mistakes and give confidence in the initial stages of training.

Manufacturer: Head.

Category: men.

Sizes: 170 cm.

Average price: 8900r.

• low price;
• beautiful colors;
• good handling.

• rather weak rigidity;
• behave badly off-road. Beginners are better off driving on well prepared tracks.

Children do not want to lag behind adults - and so the companies that produce alpine skis have begun to make them for young athletes. And they did not lose: the demand for children's models is large enough.

Children's carving skis

Elan LiL 'Magic QT 13-14

Beautiful and, at the same time, quite durable (cap construction) and maneuverable children's skis with strong, but lightweight bindings. The design takes into account the child's weight, the approximate length of the legs, therefore, the dimensions of the child are geometrically adjusted. Parents can safely buy this model if their young child decides to embark on the "slippery slope" of snow slopes. This model is by weight and graphically made for girls.

Manufacturer: Elan.

Category: girls.

Sizes: 70-150 cm.

Average price: 9,500 rubles.

• beautiful children's coloring;
• robust construction;
• child-friendly fastenings.

• for very young skiers, the model can be heavy to carry on its own.

Elan Starr 16-17

For the boys, Elan has presented a beautiful and durable model in sky blue. Younger skiers will appreciate the ease of handling and maneuverability of these skis. The first bicycles, sledges and skis are remembered for a lifetime.

Manufacturer: Elan.

Category: boys.

Sizes: 70-150 cm.

Average price: 9,500 rubles.

• beautiful children's coloring;
• robust construction;
• child-friendly fastenings.

• the weight can be heavy for a child when carrying skis.

Beginners should clearly follow their heart and their feelings. If alpine skis beckon and enthrall, then you should immediately take good skis, and it is desirable that the model can be used already at a professional level.

If skis are needed “sometimes to ride for the company” or “just try” - you can take a simpler model. Better yet, for a start, come to the slope, where ski rental is organized, and try several models yourself. Understand which skis "grow together with the body" and only then go buy.