 Poster: A snowHead
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My wife started skiing late in life (aged 40 in 2014) and although she has worked hard over the years (maybe 14 weeks in total now) and stuck with it her confidence and technique break down if it gets busy / vis goes / too steep / too icy etc etc
In 2016 I bought her some Dynastar Neva 78 mm wide , 145 cm length (she is 153 cm tall and weighs around 42 kilos). Classed as an all mountain intermediate ski.
I did this so she could eliminate a variable plus they were only £180 on Glisshop and have paid for themselves several times.
They are now nearly 10 years old and I wonder if she would be better on something newer , perhaps a little narrower?
Any suggestions for a confidence boosting womens ski ?
We are renting when we go this weekend to La Villa (diy trip and couldn’t be bothered to rent a big car to fit the ski bag in). So might be an opportunity to try some different skis.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I'd try a mid-fat, actually, rather than narrow as generally more easygoing in variable conditions than a narrow ski, and the latest ones are totally fine on hardback too when sliding.
My wife is an expert skier, but loves her skis, a Line Pandora 92 in a relatively (for her) short length, for skiing on crowded pistes. It's billed as an intermediate ski. Her feedback on these skis is that you just don't have to think about them - which is what you want. Her longer Blizzard Sheeva 9s require more effort and thinking, for example (but are better off-piste and when carving).
As you say, rent and try a few. Length is really important here - too long and the ski is intimidating for an intermediate (think crossed tips), too short and it can be too squirrelly.
Sadly, as others will doubtless say, the best investment you can make for her are lessons and time on snow. The ski is far less critical than these!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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No need for wide or wider skis at all for the piste conditions most will face 99% of the time. That was the message we recently gleaned from Warren Smith coaches.
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I bought some Head Absolut Joy skis from the Captain's Cabin in Sevenoaks a few years ago and even though I've skied for over 30 years I still think my technique has improved since I've had them. I would also check that your wife has not been skiing with skis that are too long. I think it is best to buy skis in person and then you can talk through your needs properly and make an informed choice.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
| No need for wide or wider skis at all for the piste conditions most will face 99% of the time. That was the message we recently gleaned from Warren Smith coaches. |
This debate happens quite a lot. Personally, I find that for spring slush, a 90mm+ platform makes life a lot easier, much of the time. And we are now getting these conditions a lot earlier than spring.
My wife, who learned to ski before the rise of the wide ski, calls it "cheating" (and happily cheats, herself!)
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I agree with looking at Head Joy Series and pick the one for her level.
As a bloke, I haven’t tried them… but the Joy Series in general have had a lot of positive feedback from those who own them.
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| Harry Flashman wrote: |
| Snow&skifan wrote: |
| No need for wide or wider skis at all for the piste conditions most will face 99% of the time. That was the message we recently gleaned from Warren Smith coaches. |
This debate happens quite a lot. Personally, I find that for spring slush, a 90mm+ platform makes life a lot easier, much of the time. And we are now getting these conditions a lot earlier than spring.
My wife, who learned to ski before the rise of the wide ski, calls it "cheating" (and happily cheats, herself!) |
The Warren Smith thinking, I could be wrong, is that the control in most conditions and ability to edge on piste hard pack, ice, general afternoon pisted moguls, overrides the benefits of fatter skis in powder or similar. I was stopped from getting a bit wider skis for a big blizzard and dump.
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Guess it depends on the skiing. If one is likely to head for the bar or spa as soon as it starts getting soft, there's absolutely zero benefit to having anything over 80mm.
If she's nervous and 45kg then I'd guess something soft would be a good option, something that's easy to turn.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Thanks for the suggestions.
I will have a chat with the hire shop when we get there and see what they think.
It’s hard to know what they will have in advance - they have the usual ski levels but scant detail about each price bracket.
They do have stockli MX which might work - the stockli blurb says they are flexible and suit lighter skiers (or too much ski ??)
Expensive to rent too (or buy).
71mm wide so narrower than her current skis and possibly available in a 146cm.
She would certainly benefit from more tuition but she has had lots of group and private lessons in the past and this week is more about getting some confidence back after the busy NY.
She knows what to do and has drills to practice.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Can’t think that an 80+ all mountain ski is going to improve her confidence on ice, and a piste carving ski is much more likely to bring her joy or at least help her think that it is worth it. Go to a decent ski hire shop, talk to a technician and swap her skis on a daily basis, try different widths, lengths and damp vs playful. A good technician should be able to advise.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@sheffskibod, stockli MX
Hmmm....
comments in reviews....'impressed us with its incredible rebound...'
and
'..It’s not for the faint of heart, the weak of legs, or back-seat drivers; the race-nod construction, though designed to be softer in flex and lighter in weight, is still pretty stiff...'https://www.skimag.com/gear-item/stockli-laser-mx-2024-review/
I am not at all sure that it's what you are looking for.
Stockil very much manufacture for the domestic market, and a female skier in Switzerland is not going to have the same history of skiing as a non-Swiss
I also am lightweight - 60kg - and 'not tall' - ie 168 - and have some sidewall skis which I love, and then some which I just can't ski - too stiff. I bought some VOLKLs which promised to be just slightly stiffer than some 158 junior Mantras I get on well with, only to really struggle to power them properly. Just too stiff for me. The Grom can ski stiff things and complete noodles - including some park Factions which you can almost fold in half. which suggests that soft is fine. He carves them everywhere. By soft, they are SUPERSOFT. or even STUPIDSOFT. But he carves, he smears, he does...everything really.
stockli MX:
'...The Laser MX received its lowest numbers for Forgiveness and Stability at Speed, but even then the scores were similar to the top five skis in the Women’s Carving category. Competent carvers are the target audience for this offering. The ski’s drawback for some, however, was its stiffness: Testers felt it was rigid in the forebody, which contributed to lower scores in the Forgiveness department. “This ski is demanding and stiff, but if you work it, it feels solid, responsive, and fun,”
Fun if you are ON IT. Misery if you are not.
Go soft boys, go soft...
But DO go a bit wide. The vibration really reduces when you go from a 69 waist to 80+ - which is a Good Thing - and you get much more help in spring soup. If you value your knees then go to a 82-86 and you can still carve but you get a lot of relief. People say that the increased moment on the knee from a wide edge leads to knee problems, but I have not found that. The wider waist simply saves my knees through less vibration.
I like these....in 158....
https://volkl.com/en-gb/p/mantra-jr-skis-2026?srsltid=AfmBOoqpj79nfefnWp1Zygw3jsDW4HivGbUgxU2jY6IHsUGf0i2zyqqQ
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Thu 22-01-26 14:23; edited 1 time in total
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I didnt scan as far down as the customer reviews! I just glanced at the stockli marketing. Will cancel the thought of those…!
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You know it makes sense.
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@valais2, I was thinking maybe a playful park ski. Nice and soft, not too wide etc. unfortunately not an area I know much about.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@SnoodyMcFlude, yep good call
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Poster: A snowHead
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@sheffskibod, not the stockli mx, I've had a day on those and they a rather stiff and unforgiving for the faint of heart and weak of leg, both of which I am. 
So I'm a similar standard and similar height as your wife (substantially heavier but never mind!) I'd be wary of going wider as it takes some power to get an edge in harder conditions and if you lack confidence just sliding around is not fun. I have a pair of santa anna 88 which I adore when it's soft, slushy, bumpy but they are not my friends when it's hard or icy as I don't have the skill or confidence to get them gripping.
I recently tried atomic cloud c 11 and they were so easy to turn and grippy, but have enough stiffness that they don't wobble about if you're going a bit faster. A friend swears by the cloud 9. Both worth a try, at anything up to 153 (I feel less stable on very short skis, maybe that's an experiment to try!)
Heard really good things about the head joy series, would like a go on them myself! Also the nordica belle.
One more thought - how old/soft are your wife's boots? I recently replaced my old slippers with something a bit stiffer and the difference is ridiculous, so much more feeling, easier to turn, more balance.
Anyway, all that with no science just experience. 
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Thu 22-01-26 14:53; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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(Digressing and asking for a friend)….
The various “80” recommendations above were interesting.
What ski width would all the experts here recommend for piste skiing, advanced intermediate level, 186cm height and 85kg?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@ElzP, ...that issue of getting on to the edge on hardpack is a real one, and if not great at edging (still in A frame territory) then you are right, 80 upwards could be a skid-fest on steep hard pistes. I am not sure that it's about power, it's more about early edge engagement and good body separation. There are lots of videos to help with that. But yes, for rapid grip a 70 waist with OEM riser plates - park skis tend to be flat mounted - do make edging easier.
BUT....
in 2019 I watched everyone panic-sideslip the entire 100m steep slope from the rotating Leysin restaurant down to the col junction. Everyone. Including an instructor. Full on sideways. No turns. Only two people did it with controlled short turns. (spoiler - one was def not me). One was a tourer on floppy touring noodles. Skip hop and turny turn. Gosh. And the Grom, on bendy park skis...bosh bosh bosh turn turn turn. Technique.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You could try a wood core teen ski at that weight tbh. 13m radius on the one she has, try something with a longer radius and see if that helps.
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This is all super helpful and I am making a list of potential models - we will mention all these on arrival and then see what the shop can offer.
I’ll try and convince my wife to try a few different models to see if she gets on better with one or another.
I just re read some old reviews of the Neva and on paper it still sounds ideal but it’s getting on now (I’m conscious more about the bindings than the planks).
Her boots are pretty new Lange RX90 LV which we also subsequently had foam liners fitted.
She has small narrow feet and often feels like her ankles are loose (hence foam liners) but I think that is when her confidence goes and the technique goes to pot. Although she did break one ankle a few years back so that might not be helping.
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90 flex lange is on the stiff side at 42 kg and that ability level from my experience. My elder daughter wears an 80 xt lange and is an advanced skier and much heavier about 15kg. Narrow feet so again could try some junior boots, for reference for racers they use the lange/rossi 60/65 rsj or starlet up to 32kg but are advanced skiers. The 70 short cuff goes up to 45kg and at 5ft tall could be suitable. You can pick up these boots to try very cheaply on ebay and vinted. My wife and daughters use different variations of these lange boots without any fitting, no complaints ever, nice progressive flex.
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Another vote for Head Joy series here, I’ve got a set of Pure Joy and found they’ve helped with my confidence and technique.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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42kg is really very light indeed and if she has small narrow feet too, would a junior set up suit her altogether? You'd have more choice of lengths that might suit and the skis are cheap as chips so if she doesn't like what you buy it's not at all the end of the world.
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well nice set ups would be
Volkl Mantra Junior 148 or 158
Adult bindings prob Salomon for good knee protection
Atomic Hawk ultra 80
Faction Dancer 154
Again Salomon bindings
Lange LV range 70 flex
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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My wife is very petite in stature, competent lower advanced level skier (over 60), but can let rip when she wants to. She enjoyed Head Joy skis when we hired some, and also Atomic Cloud 9, so much so I brought her a pair.
A decent hire shop should have a good selection of suitable skis to try. I would suggest trying each pair for two days.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| sheffskibod wrote: |
My wife started skiing late in life (aged 40 in 2014) and although she has worked hard over the years (maybe 14 weeks in total now) and stuck with it her confidence and technique break down if it gets busy / vis goes / too steep / too icy etc etc
In 2016 I bought her some Dynastar Neva 78 mm wide , 145 cm length (she is 153 cm tall and weighs around 42 kilos). Classed as an all mountain intermediate ski.
I did this so she could eliminate a variable plus they were only £180 on Glisshop and have paid for themselves several times.
They are now nearly 10 years old and I wonder if she would be better on something newer , perhaps a little narrower?
Any suggestions for a confidence boosting womens ski ?
We are renting when we go this weekend to La Villa (diy trip and couldn’t be bothered to rent a big car to fit the ski bag in). So might be an opportunity to try some different skis. |
The silver bullet won't come in the form of skis. It's probable that she will always be a bit on the nervous side. In which case, you need to make sure she only does what she feels comfortable doing, and that it's all done at her pace.
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@Hamilton Academical, where confidence is an issue, having a ski that someone is comfortable with (even if it is placebo) is likely to be a big part of that. Especially when it means always clicking into the same ski.
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You know it makes sense.
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IME. So much of skiing is confidence.....and especially so if nervous. While it is perfectly fair to say no ski will turn a nervous Intermediate into a Black Run hero; the wrong ski can add to the problem and make everything considerably worse.
IMO.The wrong ski can be too stiff for weight and ability; or too long, making it hard to turn; or too unforgiving / torsionally stiff for the level of skier; or too wide with too big a radius, for easy piste skiing.
Conclusion....A ski that the user likes, has faith in and is familiar with, will likely build confidence....and with confidence comes improvement and more enjoyment.
Last edited by You know it makes sense. on Thu 22-01-26 21:27; edited 3 times in total
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Hamilton Academical wrote: |
| sheffskibod wrote: |
My wife started skiing late in life (aged 40 in 2014) and although she has worked hard over the years (maybe 14 weeks in total now) and stuck with it her confidence and technique break down if it gets busy / vis goes / too steep / too icy etc etc
In 2016 I bought her some Dynastar Neva 78 mm wide , 145 cm length (she is 153 cm tall and weighs around 42 kilos). Classed as an all mountain intermediate ski.
I did this so she could eliminate a variable plus they were only £180 on Glisshop and have paid for themselves several times.
They are now nearly 10 years old and I wonder if she would be better on something newer , perhaps a little narrower?
Any suggestions for a confidence boosting womens ski ?
We are renting when we go this weekend to La Villa (diy trip and couldn’t be bothered to rent a big car to fit the ski bag in). So might be an opportunity to try some different skis. |
The silver bullet won't come in the form of skis. It's probable that she will always be a bit on the nervous side. In which case, you need to make sure she only does what she feels comfortable doing, and that it's all done at her pace. |
Absolutely this. Hence a week in a very familiar spot where we can be sure we won’t get lost or head down anything we are unsure won’t be too steep.
And just the two of us so no group of people to manage either on or off the slopes. (12 of us in Mayrhofen at NY all on different schedules and agendas - was a fun week but hard to keep up with everything).
We are also doing a week in Madonna in early March so hoping to try some skis and then either stick or twist for MdC).
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Poster: A snowHead
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The junior ski setups are something I had never really thought about but actually make sense for her height and weight.
Probably something shorter than her height though , skis over her head might scare her !
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@sheffskibod, ...and indeed would be wrong...
Line Tom Wallisch shorties - my daughter has these and like them - 72mm waist - different sizes up to 148
Volkl Mantra Junior - I have them and like them - wood core - nice skis - 86 waist - different sizes up to 158
Faction junior range or womens' range - different sizes inc above
But do make sure you get adult bindings - with multi-norm if you are going for youth boots - different standard junior and adult bindings re dimensions of heel and toe lugs
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
(Digressing and asking for a friend)….
The various “80” recommendations above were interesting.
What ski width would all the experts here recommend for piste skiing, advanced intermediate level, 186cm height and 85kg? |
There are two answers to this
1. How long is a piece of string
2. Something in the 85-95mm range.
Answer 2 is obviously personal preference, the right ski is the one you like to be on, and you'll hear people make a case for all of the options because that is what they like, none are wrong (or objectively right). But that range is my personal preference. Why? because good skis in that range are an absolute hoot on a nicely groomed piste, carving nice turns and generally feeling amazing. But that type of snow doesn't tend to hang around all day, most days involve some chop, some bumps, probably a bit of slush and a wider ski stays more fun for longer in those conditions in my view. Maybe that makes me lazy and I don't 'need' the extra width. But I do like it. Pertinent to the OP is that it is that width ski that I feel the most confident on, and feeling confident means the most fun.
On my last trip I ended up with some Volkl Racetigers, 72mm underfoot, 16m radius. I didn't protest as it was cold so no chance of slush and the off piste was grass. They we're good skis, nice to ski in the conditions, but I didn't come away thinking I'd change my preference in future, they weren't THAT much better on piste.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| bouquetin wrote: |
| Snow&skifan wrote: |
(Digressing and asking for a friend)….
The various “80” recommendations above were interesting.
What ski width would all the experts here recommend for piste skiing, advanced intermediate level, 186cm height and 85kg? |
There are two answers to this
1. How long is a piece of string
2. Something in the 85-95mm range.
Answer 2 is obviously personal preference, the right ski is the one you like to be on, and you'll hear people make a case for all of the options because that is what they like, none are wrong (or objectively right). But that range is my personal preference. Why? because good skis in that range are an absolute hoot on a nicely groomed piste, carving nice turns and generally feeling amazing. But that type of snow doesn't tend to hang around all day, most days involve some chop, some bumps, probably a bit of slush and a wider ski stays more fun for longer in those conditions in my view. Maybe that makes me lazy and I don't 'need' the extra width. But I do like it. Pertinent to the OP is that it is that width ski that I feel the most confident on, and feeling confident means the most fun.
On my last trip I ended up with some Volkl Racetigers, 72mm underfoot, 16m radius. I didn't protest as it was cold so no chance of slush and the off piste was grass. They we're good skis, nice to ski in the conditions, but I didn't come away thinking I'd change my preference in future, they weren't THAT much better on piste. |
Thank you very much, greatly appreciated.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| SnoodyMcFlude wrote: |
| @Hamilton Academical, where confidence is an issue, having a ski that someone is comfortable with (even if it is placebo) is likely to be a big part of that. Especially when it means always clicking into the same ski. |
In my experience of looking after loads of timid skiers stuck on the intermediate plateau, even if the skis are in a good state of service, the right length and flex etc, they will still get the blame if they come from a hire shop. Many, many times I have taken people back to the shop to try something else. They guys in the shop will scratch their heads and say, 'Of course you can try something else, but these skis are good for you'. It's always the same, they get a little bit out of their comfort zone, the hands drop to their thighs, they get in the back seat, and it all goes to pot.
| sheffskibod wrote: |
| Hamilton Academical wrote: |
| sheffskibod wrote: |
My wife started skiing late in life (aged 40 in 2014) and although she has worked hard over the years (maybe 14 weeks in total now) and stuck with it her confidence and technique break down if it gets busy / vis goes / too steep / too icy etc etc
In 2016 I bought her some Dynastar Neva 78 mm wide , 145 cm length (she is 153 cm tall and weighs around 42 kilos). Classed as an all mountain intermediate ski.
I did this so she could eliminate a variable plus they were only £180 on Glisshop and have paid for themselves several times.
They are now nearly 10 years old and I wonder if she would be better on something newer , perhaps a little narrower?
Any suggestions for a confidence boosting womens ski ?
We are renting when we go this weekend to La Villa (diy trip and couldn’t be bothered to rent a big car to fit the ski bag in). So might be an opportunity to try some different skis. |
The silver bullet won't come in the form of skis. It's probable that she will always be a bit on the nervous side. In which case, you need to make sure she only does what she feels comfortable doing, and that it's all done at her pace. |
Absolutely this. Hence a week in a very familiar spot where we can be sure we won’t get lost or head down anything we are unsure won’t be too steep.
And just the two of us so no group of people to manage either on or off the slopes. (12 of us in Mayrhofen at NY all on different schedules and agendas - was a fun week but hard to keep up with everything).
We are also doing a week in Madonna in early March so hoping to try some skis and then either stick or twist for MdC). |
A very sensible, well-thought-out approach. I dealt with many couples over the years where the much stronger skier just doesn't have your level of empathy, and their partner is just stressed the whole time.
Have you tried her on blades? Not sure what the current thinking is on them safety wise, but I've seen many skiers, who struggle on full length ski, switch to blades and have loads more fun. Groomers only, of course, and best tried out on Greens for the first few runs.
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FWIW I recently got new skis and decided to try a different style rather than the usual classic sub 80 piste carvers.
Fancied trying something a bit wider, all mountain shape with a little more rocker both ends, just for a change. Still piste focussed and up for carving but flexibility to skid about easily, and handle soft stuff, bumps and slush.
Ended up with Volkl Kanjo 84s. Basically the same shape and construction as the Mantra and Kendo but narrower, softer and lighter using fibreglass frame instead of metal. Womens version is the Yumi and I think they've both been replaced by the Blaze. I'm guessing things like the Atomic Maverick/ Maven mentioned above would be similar.
Have to say I love them. Still pretty easy to get on edge but more forgiving and actually seem to make bumpy end of day runs a relative pleasure.
I'd class myself as a strong intermediate. So definitely worth trying something different at the rental shop first.
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| frosty75 wrote: |
FWIW I recently got new skis and decided to try a different style rather than the usual classic sub 80 piste carvers.
Fancied trying something a bit wider, all mountain shape with a little more rocker both ends, just for a change. Still piste focussed and up for carving but flexibility to skid about easily, and handle soft stuff, bumps and slush.
Ended up with Volkl Kanjo 84s. Basically the same shape and construction as the Mantra and Kendo but narrower, softer and lighter using fibreglass frame instead of metal. Womens version is the Yumi and I think they've both been replaced by the Blaze. I'm guessing things like the Atomic Maverick/ Maven mentioned above would be similar.
Have to say I love them. Still pretty easy to get on edge but more forgiving and actually seem to make bumpy end of day runs a relative pleasure.
I'd class myself as a strong intermediate. So definitely worth trying something different at the rental shop first. |
.....and this is exactly why it is so hard to pick a ski for someone else. It is, especially for the holiday skier getting one pair of skis, all about what gives them pleasure and confidence in a variety of conditions.
I am lucky enough to have Piste Skis (72 underfoot), with a slalom sidecut (r=12m); and some 180 AM skis @ 92 underfoot (r=18m).....I enjoy both - but they give a very different skiing experience.
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I’m a cautious pretty experienced intermediate with more weeks of skiing than I want to admit for my level. I have owned a pair of Head Absolut Joys for about 7 years. They’re light and very easy to ski and suit me very well. My daughter rented a newer pair this year. She’s much less cautious than me and much lighter but also enjoyed them.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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A couple of votes now for head absolute joy which on paper are kind of similar to her dynastar nevas. So they may still be an appropriate ski (but as I said , not taking them this trip and they are getting on a bit).
My daughter has a pair of Völkl blaze 82 (152cm) so we might pinch those to take to Madonna in March. See if she likes those. They are a lovely light playful ski. My daughter loves them.
It looks like a lot of fresh snow due in alta badia tomorrow so that might lead us wider rather than a narrow carver.
But something soft and light even at 72 mm wide may well still work as she is so light.
Will update on what she goes for and feedback accordingly.
I’ll just have to see what the shop(s) have available….
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@valais2, interesting point about wider reducing vibration and a bit (OK, totally) off topic but...
I swapped a pair of 170cm K2 iKonic Tis (85mm) for 167 cm Rossi Hero Elite LT Tis (71mm) this year The Rossis are obviously a much more serious ski, and an out-and-out piste ski rather than an "all mountain" ski. However, the Rossis vibrate much less than the K2s turning at speed: the K2s are flappy by comparison. It's not an apples to apples comparison but it never occurred to me that width reduces vibration.
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FAQ
And actually you've reminded me of something... the OPs wife could try something like the Atomic Maven 86. Very light, very easy to turn, a bit wider. I actually quite liked these on harder pistes (nearly bought them instead of the Santa ana)