The key to a one ski quiver is finding a ski that is narrow enough for hard pack snow days but wide enough for a big powder day.  Skis have become progressively wider over the past decade and what was considered a powder ski even 5 years ago is now billed as an all mountain ski.  Length also plays a huge role in selecting a one ski quiver.  A shorter ski will work better on hard pack and a longer ski will give you more float in powder.  Look for a ski that is close to the length that you are most comfortable with and has a waist width somewhere in the 80mm range.

Comfort and trust come with credibility and knowledge. We’re here to inform our customers of the different technologies and advancements that ultimately make the ski experience easier and more fun for all types of skiers. We inquire and listen to our customers to help them build an idea of what type of skier they are so that we may suggest a certain type of ski, not just a particular brand.

Today’s “all-mountain ski” category is ever expanding.  The best way to start narrowing your options is to look at where you do most of your skiing.  Today’s all-mtn. ski can have a waist width any where from the low 70mm to the high 80mm mark.  If you are a skier who spends the majority of their time on the east coast, you will want to look for a ski that is in the low to mid 70’s.  This will allow for exceptional edge hold on the hard snow while still giving you the versatility to explore all the other conditions that the east has to offer.  A Rockies to west coast skier will want to look for an all-mtn. ski that has more width to the waist.  The waist width for these skis would range from the high 70’s to high 80’s, giving you more versatility in softer conditions.  This is a good place to start.  From here, find an experienced salesperson to help you pinpoint your all-mountain ski.

I would highly recommend trying skis out through a Demo Testing Program.   Specialty ski/board shops have many brands and models of the latest equipment.  Being able to “test out” the equipment will make your selection much easier.

 Figure out what type of terrain you ski the most.  This will help you determine the width of your ski – the narrower skis for quick, short turns, or a wider ski for powder, crud, and exploring the mountain.

Keep in mind a part of this is getting used to the board itself. Height, weight, foot size and riding style all play a part.  Also, buy a quality deck, not a bargain- package price board.      
Height- in general the board can be between your collarbone and your nose. Shorter boards are more maneuverable (better for park), longer boards are more stable (better for freeriding).     
Weight- this is probably the most overlooked criteria. You need the right amount of mass to flex the board properly. Most manufacturers will list the weight range for each size of a model. Try for the middle of the weight range for general riding.       
Foot size- manufacturers will list the waist width for each size of a model. This can be a little misleading because that is the measurement at the mid point of the board, not where your feet go. Sidecut can affect this quite a bit, so will your stance angles. If you have size 10-12 feet go for a “mid-wide”, size 12 and up go for a “wide”.        
Riding style- Do you want a Ferrari, a Cadillac, or maybe a truck?  Some boards are very twitchy, quick in and out of the turns, very responsive. Other boards may feel like a Cadillac, 90mph and very stable and comfy.  Unless you get a park board or big mountain freeride board, most boards will work well in most conditions.  If you ride one direction most of the time, do not get a twin shaped board.

Where do you like to spend most of your time on the mountain? (Park, groomers, backside of the mountain, etc.)  You should start with a board designed for where you like to ride.  If you want a good all mountain board, look for a directional twin or “twinish” style board.  That will be great in all conditions and will be great if you do want to start getting into park riding!