Skis! Time to gear up.

With all of the ski choices out there, I make the case for a particular type of ski as the "ideal" for lift access skiing and ski performance. I have thoughts for the instructor, the ski racing parent, intermediate to expert skier.

[@Jolinator]

When Deb talks you listen.

[@ikermaximilian698]

i guess I am quite off topic but does anyone know a good website to watch new movies online ?

[@gianniellis7721]

@Iker Maximilian flixportal :P

[@ikermaximilian698]

@Gianni Ellis thank you, I signed up and it seems to work :) I really appreciate it!

[@gianniellis7721]

@Iker Maximilian glad I could help :)

[@markheun6519]

Deb is 100% right as always. My first "non-generic-rental" ski was the Salomon Force Bold at 84mm and could roll them on edge easily. Later in the season I got a pair of QST106s. The 106 are a dream when the snow machines have been running all night and there's 6" of fresh artificial powder, but my first time on the 106's was an icy bunny slope and it was terrifying lol. Felt like someone dumped a barrel of marbles on a concrete floor and I was skiing on that lol.

[@barry144]

Deb, honestly I’m addicted to your videos and sensibilities. ‘Performance skis for improving performance.,’ - just brilliantly framed. PS, bringing out those classics, like those bad@$$ Olins, just great.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Barry!!!!!! Glad you appreciate. Take care.

[@action55jackson]

At 77 years old, I still ski on my 204 VR17’s bought new in early 70’s in Aspen and my 204VR27’s bought used from a ski patroller in Aspen about the same time. My youngest daughter skis on modern equipment and turn initiation is just so different today.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I really enjoy Deb’s videos and she would be my go to coach for racing or free skiing. I have been skiing and selling ski equipment since the 1970’s have a few observations. Most adult beginner and intermediate skis range from 75-80 mm under foot. Junior and kids skis are narrow under foot due to their general size. Skis for advanced skis are wider and I agree that some skiers are not technically proficient in skiing on them. Where you ski most often should be a factor in how wide your skis are as well as your skill. Personally my front side skis Blizzard X Power 810 Ti are 81 mm under foot and 167 cm long. I use them on firm days and days that I practice drills and skills. but I spend most of the season in Alta, UT. My Blizzard Rustler 9 which is 92mm underfoot and 172cm long helps an older skier like me (71 years old) in everyday off piste conditions. On powder days I ski a Enforcer 100 or a Volkl 100 Eight when more float helps.

[@tw4g56d]

Love these videos, thanks Deb !

[@weirdbeard1980]

I love you Deb (in the platonic sense lol). I'm an alpine level 3 psia instructor but I still love your take on things and bring concepts you mention into my own lessons.

[@darrenconn3847]

Thank you for this vid. Reinforced my idea for my young ladies. My oldest is a tween and most shapes are so wide under foot. We're not racing but still need to learn fundamentals of all sports to progress. Appreciate all your content!

[@felisaaero]

Ski shops recommend fatter 90-102 and stiffer skis as you progress and you just proved them wrong. I am trying to buy new ones and was so confused after a long demo day. Your video helps so much! Thank you!

[@sandratessem9980]

I still have my Rossignals from the 90's. Nice video

[@Volteran]

I skied 106 underfood pretty much all of this winter, really exploring the backcountry for the first time as an intermediate. the skis really let me do that and have a blast, no way i could have done what i have done that with a pair of slaloms. so i was really surprised about Deb´s preferences! and also very interested! the surfy style you adapt on a pair of freeriding skis is certainly a totally different ballgame. Love your videos Deb!

[@demidevang]

As a newer skier, I was struggling to learn how to carve and develop generally decent technique on 100 mm wide skis that someone convinced me to buy as “all mountain skis” I’d “grow into”. Deb’s videos convinced me to get narrower skis, and I’ve tremendously improved in just a season. I’m having way more fun out there. Thanks Deb for all the tips!

[@gspice71]

super helpful thank you! Come on ❄️ 🙌🏻

[@sketchyAnalogies]

My dad used to ski back 30-40 years ago. I asked him what he used to ski and he mentioned the Hexcel skis. It's cool to see a pair in this context.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I still remember my 197cm Rossi S7's from high school & taking them down the chutes @ Crested Butte. Man, those were the days! Until a year ago I was like Deb was, I was still skiing my Nordica Dobermann race slalom 165's in basically all conditions. Got really tired of those crude and powder days so went to a Bonafide which was a saving grace as I was not nearly as tired at the end of the day.

[@stevedoe1630]

I’ve been using stainless steel Volant Machete for probably about 15 years. So much power, and very little chatter. Used to live in New England, they’re super great in the crud on the sides of the trail. Now live in Houston, and do not ski frequently enough to justify buying a new pair of skis. They’re super heavy to travel with, carry, and even dangling off the chairlift...but they are OH SO FUN to come down the mountain with!

[@jettparmer]

Solid! Very helpful!

[@powerwagon7811]

I would love any of the straight stix from her collection. Still on 200cm dynastars from the eighties and love them.

[@cinziapel1342]

Do I love this woman........you are the ski instructor that I never found. Hughs from Italy

[@marilenacrisan1965]

Can you imagine kids...I am sure kids adore her. Watch how Deb teaches the kids..how cannot love what she's doing..

[@philipschwartz5465]

Just coming across this video now. Thanks Deb!! Someone finally said it! Except for a bi-annual trip out West, I ski in the East (Adirondack Mountains and Vermont, mostly). I really can’t figure out why so many people here are on powder skis! It’s absurd. I have two skis: a slightly rockered 84mm under foot and an all-mountain ski based on race construction with 72mm underfoot. It’s been a hard pack year here in the East and I’ve been on the 72mm ski most days. Why the need for the powder ski? And as a former ski instructor and coach, I can’t really picture/fathom how you get the inside ski on edge on a 90mm ski or greater. Thanks for saying it!! I thought I was the only one!

[@marilenacrisan1965]

That was the time ..glad to see you back with a new enthusiastic theme! Hugs from small Canadian hill!🤗

[@Ca_milo_G]

this video is F great !!!

[@filmic1]

My first real skis, that I loved were my green Kazama's that I got for Christmas, early seventies, I guess. Same time that Salomon came out with those black'n gold step in bindings. My employer got me to buy a pair of Dynastar FPS Equipe's (after I trashed my Kazama's) but they were too soft. I had no idea what I was buying.

[@janinerosenke5463]

I own 87cm Jade Summit ski boards. Hope you won’t ask me too unfollow you. Awesome to see what you used in 88. COP/Winsport is my after work hill to get some fresh air. Nakiska is my weekend hill. Hugs from Canada.

[@nathantoney.1501]

Hey Deb. I grew up skiing at Alpental. My dad was on volunteer ski patrol in the 60's. He claims to have named "great Scott bowl", but he was prone to exaggeration. Anyways, I agree that Alpental is a very challenging mountain and makes good skiers. One you may remember is my friend Kevin Maxwell (maybe after your time there).

[@jpiezo]

Look at the "Pre" ( I think?) skis on the far left with Caber bindings! Haven't seen Caber's in years. My sister wore those in the '70's. nice old collection!!

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

Man I thought buying the right snow board was tough.

[@neilmeiskey5482]

Great video Deb (as always), dumbest thing I did was sold my Volkl Supersport 5 Star Skis w/ Marker Motion AT Bindings years ago and got a pair of Blizzard Brahma 88 underfoot. They are "just OK" on a mediocre snow condition day but never give that ripping power feeling like I am on rails on groomers and hardpak (yes I am an east coast skier most of the time). Even at 71 with some health issues I really miss that carving fun. I suppose I will keep the Brahmas for now but am looking at a great used ski to feel that power again! Any ideas?

[@kevinhoule6547]

I hear ya Deb, I’m in the industry and selling to the public and stress the ability to roll up onto and edge, don’t worry I stress and pleaded to parents to please make sure their kids can roll a ski up on edge and not smear a the ski and let that edge drive all the way through to the tail, sigh oh well, people don’t want to put in the effort

[@blameitonben]

What do you think about the role of snow quality/density. Here in Oregon, everyone talks about cascade cement and the need for longer rocker skis. Sure enough, I found a pair of Black Crows Corvus and they love rippin fast down steep powder runs. Here everyone talks about needing mid fats as a daily driver just because the conditions vary so much. But the Crows just are not nearly as easy to carve on as my Rossi HD Exp 84s though.

[@mocha2259]

As an owner of 90 mm twin tips I completely agree. You need the proper skis to learn. Too many people go way too wide. My 90 mms work just fine in everything so why go for a 100 or a 110 for the same conditions?

[@whoormaster]

when I grow up i'm going to go skiing with debbie' i'm only fifty seven. I agree with everything Debbie says I really like her videos. people might not want to hear this but when I was young in Scotland the only people who skied on fat wide volkls were either old, lazy or had no technique. they were really frowned upon.

[@Volteran]

come to the alps and experience some absolute skiing monsters on fat skis then, as a change :) do what you love, not what looks good in the eyes of other people!

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I got the opportunity to learn from her over 5 days back in 2015 or 2016. I can't recall exactly which year but that happens when you get old after all I will be 58 in less than a month..LOL

[@simonorr594]

Nobody had fat skis in Scotland when you were young! Lol. I am younger than you, and I can remember skiing with screw on edges at Glenshee. Then Vielhaber cam along and had us all on twin tip freestyle skis - made in Aviemore in 1977.

[@whoormaster]

@@simonorr594 the only people who had fat skis ..... read on

[@simonorr594]

@Blether333 omfg yes!!! At Glenshee. He had a serious head injury from kite skiing there. It was so windy he got blown across the rocks and heather for miles. The race kids of today have it so easy. Lol

[@MadelnMachines]

Hi Deb, do you have any links or videos that go more in depth about the science and muscles worked with fat vs thin skis? Sounds interesting. I'm looking for a new ski. I did my Austrian Anwarter qualification last year on my first set of skis - 177 Atomic Redster G9 GS (68mm). I want to keep improving at a quick pace but I just could not ski these in the powder. I could do crud and in them but that's about it. I want something else that can give me confidence anywhere on the mountain, especially off piste and make my life easier. Something a less demanding fitness wise (I get muscle burn after 10-20 turns), lighter, easier to do moguls, easier to ski powder and off piste. I was thinking Kore 99 or Mantra M5 96. What do you think?

[@meurcieredding350]

I learned to ski on a pair of 75’s under foot, and I bought a pair of 85’s (head total joy) for my first owned pair. Now I’m worried I might have gone too wide? I’ll be taking a development class again this year and will be progressing further I hope.

[@larsdejongh]

A lot has changed when you look at the skis in the background

[@michaelphoster6498]

Thanks

[@jasper3220]

Hey deb, wonderful video! I’m a fairly new skier and I just took your advice and bought myself a 74 underfoot performance ski, and I’m just wondering in case I get lucky with a powder day if the techniques you showed in your powder video apply to skinny skis as well?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

You bet😊😊😊😊 Have fun!!!!!

[@001Cherith]

COme on, snow!

[@christophermagnuson1270]

Deb , this is a great video. Which I would of saw it before I purchased skis. At the time I was getting back into skiing after several years off and got sold a 90mm ski “ that I could grow into”. I ski mainly east coast groomers non aggressively and my technique really hasn’t improved. Started taking a few lessons and working on turns etc and the instructor suggested getting a more narrower ski to work on turn shape and after viewing this I agree. My question relates to ski length. Most brands come around 165 then 172. Do I go shorter (165) which would come to about my chin or go longer(175) which comes to about eyebrow /forehead. I’m 5’9 185. Hopefully you can answer and shed some light on what you recommend. Some say to get the shorter ski to work on turns and have mor maneuverability and some say get through longer. .? Thanks I’m advance

[@sketchyAnalogies]

I have the same question when it comes to ski length.

[@utahmogul]

Great video. I have always thought a fat ski is like having training wheels. Take off the training wheels and have your edge under your foot. The only problem is that it's hard to find a ski because they have gone so wide.

[@stephenkennedy3145]

Going to a ski shop now a days is like going to a snow shoe store with ski bindings on them

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

🤣🤣 True

[@citizenbirdtube]

Deb - Where are your old gold Dynastars with the red "egg" in the tip? Classics. :-)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

in my garage

[@michaelmatos9656]

Deb, when you’re looking at price ranges on skis, those with a metal core are more expensive. My understanding is that they tend to be stiffer, which is more stable for speed. Is that correct?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Generally speaking. Yes

[@davidwang5986]

Hi Deb, your ski for everything is longer than your height. Dose it mean we need longer ski if I want only one ski for everything? Thanks

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

wow. so many variables when choosing ski length. not sure I can answer that.

[@grasuh]

So it looks like the older skis don't have the tapered cokebottle waist. How do they carve then?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

HA, you had to be really, really good. Very skillful. That was how we carved them. These days the skis carve more of a complete arc

[@bindu9185]

I used to ski on those white black and orange Rossignol (2.10? probably)

[@blondkvist2134]

Those Olin Mark VI’s always remind me of Roger Moore in For Your Eyes Only! 👍

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!

[@blondkvist2134]

Your tutorials are great by the way! All the best from the UK

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@blondkvist2134 thank you and greetings!!

[@marg1919]

Is it a race ski you are on Deb? What length do you ski and can you advise of the model? Not going to buy it, just want to research it. Thank you

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

My ski is a Blizzard HRC 175 (I think that is the length). Not a race ski yet a carver ski. Total performance. very fun!! For me good for all situations but I'm a good skier😊

[@marg1919]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thank you. I started in 1971 on long blizzards and little ankle black leather ski boots. Have had a soft spot for blizzards soon. Wasn't sure if you were advocating a performance ski for improvement or saying it is for experts. Very interested in your comments re waist size. I have been on a Atomic Affinity Storm since 2014. Your video made me look at detail of this ski more and it's 84 waist, wood core, with a bit of rocker. I have been very happy with this ski but now wonder if it's best for me. I'm very much foot to foot, trying subtle foot movements but maybe the fact it has a bit of rocker isn't ideal. Haven't looked at the detailed technical aspects until now. All I know is that I don't like a really fat or really short ski! Interesting

[@marg1919]

Since

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

As for your ski. 84 under foot, wood core, a small rocker. The ski sounds just fine. If you were going to purchase again I would say no rocker however you are happy with the ski and it is ballpark. I would not suggest the need to purchase a new ski.

[@area51r]

Rossignol 218 H50 for me as a favorite ski for me...

[@africanjew1596]

Have you gotten into big mountains skiing? What was your type of ski for that?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I have not but if I was skiing big mountain inwould be on a wide ski under foot😉

[@africanjew1596]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I believe you! A nice and wide 68 underfoot😉 thanks for all your info you’re amazing and have inspired me to change up my ski style for more versatility. While doing so having the best coach and online!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@africanjew1596 great!!!!!!!

[@elmercyperro]

I still haven't experienced the difference between skis from the 80s and those from today. To me they are all the same. That's my honest opinion.

[@muchogustotaoskier]

I agree that an all-mountain ski, slim underfoot, is best. But if I still lived near a mountain where I could go up during and after a blizzard and ski bottomless powder, I’d probably have one pair of fat skis. It’s not easy to learn to ski with your knees together, equal weight on each ski, and bounce to the left and right. I suppose one day I could develop the muscle memory for that. Until then, I’m okay with cheating. Well, thanks Debbie for the tips. I have to buy new skis, as my old pair blew off the top of my car in a storm. Either that, or I’ll be reduced to renting again. Haven’t done that in years.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Agreed to everything you say. If I lived somewhere and skied deep powder all the time I would have a fat pair of boards also. Along with my skinnier ones😊😊

[@muchogustotaoskier]

Deb Armstrong : Thanks again, Deb. It’s great to get positive feedback from a champ! 😎⛷

[@robertonutta9499]

Vorrei che parlaste in Italiano. Grazie.

[@elliotgossard6442]

Telling the truth they are going to hate you.