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Ski and Binding Basics

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Skis

• Sidecut, flex, torsion, and width can vary to make skiing easier in different conditions while allowing more dynamic moves at slower speeds
• Modern skis are more “forward moving” designed to carve more readily yet skid if necessary
• Sidecut: the hourglass shape of a ski, wider at the tip and tail and narrower at the waist
• A narrow waist allows skis to be put on edge more quickly and hold a carve more effectively
• A widder waist allows the skis to float over softer snow, the trend is towards wider waists
• The deeper the sidecut the tighter the turning radius of the ski
• Longitudinal Stiffness determines how hard skis are when bent or flexed lengthwise 

• Torsional Stiffness determines how twist-resistant your Skis are and how well they can hold an edge

Bindings
• Today’s bindings are designed to release under certain types of force to prevent injury
• Modern bindings help dampen vibrations before reaching the boots
• Riser plates (lifters) influence the flex by changing the distribution of pressure and holding a steeper edge angle without booting out
• Boot out occurs when the side of the boot this the snow
• The length, height, weight and placement of the rise place can greatly affect the flex and performance of skis
• Higher plates create more leverage or edge force, but take longer to get on edge
• Plates can either float on the skis or be stationary, a floating plate allows for a smoother flex, a stationary plate may stiffen the ski
• Binding packages that are either part of the skis or float on rails attached to the skis are now being offered
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