Getting back in after long break

[OregonGirl]

Hello Everyone, I am so glad I have found this forum. I've been reading here for a while, but this is my first post. I recently got back into skiing after about a 15 year break. Prior to that I had raced for about ten years. Until last night (first time back out), I had never skied on anything but straight skis. I'll try to keep this brief but need some advice.

I wanted to demo last night, but there is not enough of a base here and no one I talked to has their demos going out yet. I ended up renting and when the guy asked me what size I said about 160cm (I am 5'3", 155lbs.) He said that since I was just getting back that I should go much shorter than that and put me on 138's (twin tip.) I was really skeptical but went with it. I could not control them very well at all, but was unsure if it was me or the ski since it had been so long. It was also pretty icy. I went back and asked for a bigger size and they gave me 148's and they felt so much better.

I usually ski in the Pacific NW and the first chance I have to demo will probably be over holiday break at Mt. Bachelor. I will be skiing mostly on piste, as my children are still learning, but am looking for a ski that would maybe be a good 70/30 or 60/40 on/off piste ski for out here in PNW as they will be in lessons often and I can ski off piste some then.

I have a couple of questions - Is it possible to lack control because the skis are too short? Can anyone give me any good recommendations of where to start with demo's? I have been doing lots of research, but that just makes me more confused. I've talked to a couple of friends that I raced with who are still actively skiing and they both said I should get a mid-fat, but I am looking for any advice I can get on where to start with demos so I can narrow down ideas. I would say after last night that my skiing style is still pretty aggressive. Thanks!

 

[Mom of Redheads]

As far as ski length goes, there's a ski length guide in the Gearipedia section if you haven't seen it already...

I'm under 5'0 and I demoed a 137 last year that felt horribly squirrely! I couldn't wait to turn them back in for something else - so yes, I think maybe the 138 was too short for you...

You found the right place to come for advice - and most of it will be significantly more knowledgable than mine!

 

[ski now work later]

At 155 lbs. with prior experience, I would think that a 154 would be a good length for you, not twin tips though, they run short and won't give you the edge control you need on hardpack.

I would focus on getting a good pair of boots that are well fit for you and not too stiff, and then try some different skis. Have fun!

 

[OregonGirl]

Thank you both for your replies. I just checked out the Gearipedia and it says mid 150's to 160.

I spent a lot of time the last few weeks trying on boots and found a pair that I really liked. They worked out great yesterday and I was really pleased with them. I hadn't really planned on renting twin-tips yesterday. I figured that since I was so lacking in knowledge that I would just go with what he said and give it a shot. I think I should have gone with my instinct though and told him "no thanks." After I came home I looked up the skis on-line and noticed that they were Junior skis.

I know my last post was basically asking about length, but if anyone has any ideas on particular skis to look for when I go demo, I would appreciate hearing that too.

Thanks again

 

[ski now work later]

I am a Volkl fan and the Luna is a great intermediate ski with enough width to handle some off piste stuff. You could try the 151 but after a few days out and some lessons, you might prefer the 158. If you ski a lot and take lessons, you might wind up only skiing this ski for a season or two, but it's better than starting out with something too stiff at first.