Winter sports
Ski test 2023/24 – these are the best skis of this season
When choosing the right ski, it is crucial to realistically assess your own abilities.
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The “All Mountain” models continue to prevail among the skis. They run on any snow, said the head of the independent ski test “Carving 2000” to the star. Even though there are white slopes everywhere this year, the industry is facing problems.
Everyone is talking about climate change, too Heinrich Sklorz, ski instructor and head of the independent ski test “Carving 2000”. A lot of snow fell at the end of the year, which is good for fun on the slopes, but when testing the skis on a glacier, the team noticed first hand that the climate in the Alps is changing.
“We were on a glacier in mid-October. We basically walked over scree. At 2,800 meters it’s around 10 to 15 degrees during the day. That really wasn’t good skiing. I don’t know the mountains like that. There used to be mid-October every day Snowfall. This year there was nothing in October and this is already the third winter,” said Sklorz.
Rental is booming
Shorter vacations and these uncertain snow conditions mean that many skiers rent the equipment rather than purchase it. “Rental is booming. You’re on the safe side. If the ski doesn’t work for you, just exchange it.” And you don’t commit. “Having your own skis is only worth it if you use them regularly. But if you don’t ski at all next year or the year after, then they’ll just lie there.” And there is no longer a guarantee of snow for the coming season.
In addition, the prices of top-quality skis do not take the economic situation into account. “Last year I found prices of 1,200 to 1,400 euros to be enormous, and this year there has been an increase. In the top segment, skis and bindings reach 1,600 euros.” However, you don’t have to spend that much. “You can get very good skis for 500 to 600 euros.” Price increases for materials and shortages of wood for the core are leaving their mark. Smaller companies are giving up. “They can no longer handle the effort required for testing and development. Others are slowing down the pace of innovation. Trade fairs are being canceled. “New models are still presented every year. But underneath a fresh look there is still last year’s ski.” This is also an opportunity for the buyer. Last year’s models are offered at a significantly reduced price, even if the new model has remained the same.
The look says nothing about the quality
It is not easy for the layperson to find their way around. “Look, the skis all look great, sporty. But what you see says nothing about the quality of the ski.” The real value of a ski lies in the layer structure and the material used. “From the outside you can’t tell what’s inside the ski. But that’s what makes the difference between 200 and 600 euros. Not the decor.”
A ski is a high-tech device. Different materials are combined. In addition to the wood core, plastics such as carbon and alloys such as Titanal are used. “Titanal makes the ski stiffer, it can be skied faster, but cannot be turned as easily. This is top technology, but not that good for the average consumer. “All mountain” skis are mainly made of wood with a carbon insert . That means they are light.”
Sklorz recommends “All Mountain” type skis. “This is a good choice for most skiers. It is light, uncomplicated, turns as if by itself and can run well on a variety of snow. You can ski on the piste, but the ‘all mountain’ ski also glides over deep snow “This is a ski that basically satisfies all target groups.”
You can find the entire ski test with detailed reviews of all skis tested at this link.
Special skis only for top skiers
“These skis get better every year, you experiment with different materials, with different radii and lengths. I also have an ‘all mountain’ ski. I love skiing it. It goes just as well on hard piste as it does on deep snow . I think this is the future and it will continue to improve.” These all-rounders dominate the market. “These skis are each designed a little differently – sometimes a little sportier, sometimes a little more good-natured. “For many skiers, it is crucial that the ski can turn easily in every situation.” And that’s what the “all mountain” skis do. “The right ones Racing skis are only for specialists.” They are safer at high speeds, but generally more difficult to handle.
The best models are presented in the independent ski test “Carving 2000”. Sklorz doesn’t believe in blind buying online. The customer should be guided by test results. “That’s why we do it. But first he should try out the ski in the ski resort and then buy it, not the other way around.”
The test team extensively tested and evaluated the new products of the season. The decision is made easier because the team has assigned the skis to the respective types of riders. If you can classify your own preferences, strengths and weaknesses, you can easily find a recommendation for the perfect ski.
You can find the entire ski test with detailed reviews of all skis tested at this link.