Groomers - Groomer skis have a skinnier waist width (typically below 85mm wide) and feature a cambered profile. With a cambered profile, groomer skis have a longer point of contact with the snow, making them more suitable for carved turns on smooth snow. A skinnier waist width allows for quicker transfer from edge to edge, but decreases flotation in new or soft snow. Groomer skis are typically constructed to be stabler than a true all mountain ski, making shorter, sliding pivot-style turns harder to initiate.

All Mountain - All mountain skis have a wider waist width (typically 85mm - 108mm wide) than a groomer ski and often features some form of early rise in the tip. An all mountain ski is well suited to make both carving and sliding pivot-style turns on groomed runs or variable terrain like bumps or trees.

Freestyle - Freestyle skis have a skinnier waist (80mm - 95mm wide) and feature a twin tip for skiing backwards or “switch”. These skis see the most “switch” riding of any ski category and thus are constructed with a more symmetrical width profile so that the skis turn similarly when skiing forwards or backwards. Freestyle skis are generally built to be light but durable so they can withstand larger airs and grinding rails or boxes.

Big Mountain/Powder - Big Mountain/Powder skis have a wide waist width (108mm - 125mm wide) and feature some aspect of rocker in the ski’s profile. Skis in this category are built to float in deep, soft snow, but can vary in stiffness.

Backcountry - Backcountry skis can range widely in waist widths (75mm - 125mm wide) and are built for uphill and downhill travel. These skis are built with weight savings in mind and are less suited for the wear and tear of skiing in-bounds at a resort.

Beginner - Skis, Boards, Boots and Bindings for the beginner skier or boarder are built to be more forgiving and easier to handle on the slopes. Skis and Boards are typically built with foam or wood cores that are more flexible and have shorter radii, making them less challenging to turn. Bindings are generally more pliable than models built for more advanced skiers or boarders.

Intermediate - Skis, Boards, Boots and Bindings for intermediate skiers or boarders generally provide more stability and performance than beginner focused equipment. Skis and Boards generally have medium radiuses with better handling at higher speed while still being forgiving at slower speeds. 

Advanced - Skis, Boards, Boots and Bindings for advanced skiers or boarders generally provide a stiffer, higher performance ride that is better suited for steeper terrain and higher speeds. Skis and Boards generally have medium to large radii. Bindings are generally more rigid and provide better power transfer. 

Expert - Skis, Boards, Boots and Bindings for expert skiers or boarders are built to provide the highest level of precision and power. Skis and Boards are generally on the stiffer side requiring more effort and technique to turn effectively. 

The “sidecut'' of a ski is created by the difference in width between the tip/tail and the waist of the ski. The radius of a ski or snowboard is the measurement of the imaginary circle (in meters) created by a ski’s sidecut if it continues in its circular pattern. Shorter radius skis are meant to turn quicker. A longer radius ski is more stable at speed and makes larger turns. Beginner to intermediate skiers are more comfortable on a shorter radius ski because it is easier to make a tighter turn and thus control the ski. Though skis are designed with many different applications, longer radius skis are better suited to advanced and expert skiers. 

Rocker type refers to the profile of a ski or snowboard from the side view. This refers to the difference in height of an unweighted ski/board at the tip, tail and waist. The rocker type is typically described with the tip profile first, the underfoot profile second, and the tail profile third - TIP/WAIST/TAIL. 

Camber - A cambered ski or board rises in the center when placed on a flat surface, like an “n” shape. Camber provides more resistance when a skier or rider exerts downward forces on the center of the ski or board. This translates to more power, stability and precise edge grip. A cambered ski or board provides better performance on harder snow. 

Rocker - Rocker was first introduced as a way to provide better float in deeper snow. Essentially the opposite of camber, rocker describes a ski or board shape where the center of the board or ski touches the ground and progressively rises towards the tip and tail, like a “U” shape. It is often referred to as “early rise” in the tip. 

Hybrid - Modern skis and boards often incorporate a combination of rocker in the tip and sometimes the tail. A combination of the two provides the maneuverability of rocker with the edge hold of a cambered profile, making the skis or board much more versatile. 

Twin Tip - A ski with a Twin Tip has a tail that is upturned similarly to the tip of the ski. This feature was introduced when freestyle skiing became popular and people started skiing backwards or “switch” more often. A full twin tip is generally indicative of a freestyle focused ski. 

Partial Twin - A ski with a Partial Twin tail has a slightly upturned tail that generally rises to about half the height of the tip, still giving the skier or rider the ability to ride backwards when needed. Though capable of going backwards, these skis or boards are designed to ride forward mainly. 

Flat - The traditional flat tail design has been used for decades in ski construction and provides edge contact through the full length of the tail. These skis are meant to only ski forward. 

DIN is the industry standard measurement of force required to release a skier’s boots from their bindings. The scale ranges from 0.5 to about 18. A recommended Din setting is calculated based on the skier’s height, weight, age, skier type (1 through 3), and boot sole length. A lower DIN value indicates an easier release and is meant for lighter or more beginner skiers. 

For your safety, always have a certified binding technician help determine your release settings and binding adjustment. This information is meant to help you choose a binding that has a range suitable for your recommended DIN.