As winter blankets Quebec in a shimmering layer of snow, skiers across the province eagerly anticipate the chance to hit the slopes. But before you embark on your snowy adventures, it’s essential to ensure your ski shed is equipped with the right tools for the job. Whether you’re carving corduroy, charging steep chutes, or floating through powder, having the appropriate skis can enhance your experience on the mountain. Here are three types of skis every Quebec skier should consider adding to their quiver:
- Your Everyday All-Rounder
First and foremost, every skier needs a reliable, versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions with ease. Enter the short-radius all-around ski, your trusty companion for everyday adventures on the mountain (my personal favorite is around 16 meters in radius, 175cm in length, and around 74mm at the waist). This type of ski is designed to excel on groomed runs, moguls, and everything in between. Its moderate width and responsive nature make it ideal for quick turns and nimble maneuvers, allowing you to explore the entire resort with confidence. Whether you’re carving down groomed runs or tackling more challenging terrain, the everyday all-rounder ski is a must-have for every skier’s arsenal.
I’ve skied the Nordica Spitfire skis for years and find them perfectly suited for 80% of my days on whichever hill in the North East. Alternatively, you can choose most detuned slalom skis (all manufacturers make them) such as the Rossignol Hero or the Head WCRs – but size-it up at least 10 cm from the true slalom length. This will make for a very dynamic and nimble ski, but more stable and less demanding.
- The Detuned GS
For those adrenaline junkies who live for speed and precision, a longer radius, narrower, and stiffer ski is essential. This type of ski is perfect for tackling steep and fast runs, particularly when conditions are groomed or icy. With its increased stability and edge hold, the steep and fast charger ski allows you to carve precise turns at high speeds with confidence. Whether you’re racing down Quebec’s steepest slopes or pushing your limits on challenging terrain, this ski will help you take your skiing to the next level. Detuned GS skis (sometimes referred to as GS-Masters) will spec 18 to 21 meters in radius, around 180 cm in length, and some might go as narrow as 66mm at the waist. To take advantage of the full potential of these types of skis, you’ll need steeper and wider runs, and lots of speed.
My personal favorite is the Nordica Dobermann GSM (now Dobermann GSR DC), but most ski companies will have a similar option and similar specs.
- The fresh snow ripper
While Quebec may not be known for its deep powder days, when they do happen, you’ll want to be prepared. That’s where the wider, versatile ski comes in. This type of ski is designed to excel in variable conditions and fresh snow, making it perfect for exploring un-groomed glades and tree runs that Quebec has to offer. With its rocker construction and playful demeanor, the powder and woods explorer ski allows you to shred decent turns on groomed or mixed conditions, all while maintaining control in more challenging terrain such as woods and fresh snow.
To take the full advantage of this type of skis, aim for at least 95mm at the waist. If you plan on bringing the ski on ski trips out west or Europe on occasions, I’d recommend going wider, between 105 and 110mm. Length is really a personal preference, but I don’t be afraid to go longer than you’d normally go, as the rocker construction will make it a lot more nimble.
I’ve had some of my best days on the slopes on the discontinued Rossignol Soul 7 Skis (now the Sender family). They were phenomenally versatile and fun. I’ve now transitioned to Enforcers from Nordica – More specifically the Enforcer Unlimited 104 paired with a Marker Kingpin binding (more on that in a minute).
Bonus: go Touring
For those adventurous riders looking to explore Quebec’s backcountry, a lightweight touring ski is a must-have. Options like the Enforcer Unlimited from Nordica or the Transalp family from Fischer offer the perfect blend of performance and versatility for tackling the ups and downs of touring. Alternatively, you could repurpose your wider, versatile ski (described in option 3) as a touring option by pairing it with a touring binding like the Marker Kingpin or Fritschi’s Tecton. Pure alpine riders may prefer the Salomon Shift for its alpine-like design, offering the best of both worlds for those who love to explore beyond the resort boundaries.
What about ice ?
Glad you asked. There is no miracle, a good technique is key. If you’re wondering what type of skis is best, I’d go for a stiffer, narrower option, but remember that whatever skis you use, keeping them well-tuned will go a long way.
In conclusion, building a well-rounded ski quiver is essential for maximizing your enjoyment and performance on the mountain. By investing in the right skis for the job, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever terrain and conditions Quebec throws your way, from groomed runs to fresh-filled glades and beyond. So, stock up your ski shed and get ready to shred!