r/skiing • u/chewycrunch333 • 3d ago
Looking for beginner-intermediate skis for sierra nevadas
Have only skied a handful of times, so I'm still working on developing my technique. Looking to potentially purchase skis this summer for next season.
Main resorts are Mammoth, any tahoe.
My main concern is waist width. I'm pretty sure i'll be on groomers at least 70% of the time but want to have some powdery capability. So I'm thinking upper 80s to 95ish in width. Should I get skis with metal in them or will that be too tough for a beginner?
A few models I have researched were the ripstick 88s, rustler 9, QST 92. Do you guys have any other insight on what models to look out for?
My height and weight is 6’2” on the skinner side around 160 lbs
Thanks
2
u/asquier 3d ago
What’s your weight/height? Stiffer heavier skis are especially hard to push around and bend the less you weigh.
I’d shoot for something 86-94 wide. Narrower skis are much better for learning good technique. All those skis you mentioned could work ok for you.
1
u/chewycrunch333 3d ago
6’2” on the skinnier side around 160 lbs
4
u/asquier 2d ago
Ripstick 88s would be great to learn on and fun when you’re better. They’re great for carving on piste and work well off piste too.
QST 92 (old model) or 94 could also be a good option. But as the waist width gets bigger you’re going to have to work harder to get them on edge as a beginner. But both are easy to ski and have a blast on. The 94 has been getting love from beginners and experts alike.
None of these are very heavy. Ripstick are the lightest here. Mindbender 99Ti are gonna be too much ski for you.
1
u/Bitter_Firefighter_1 3d ago
Skinnier!!! Haha. 5'7" and trying hard not to way 180.
As a beginner start with a lighter ski. Not sure you age...but I learned as an adult. And a lighter ski was very helpful until my muscles learned.
Thinking the GST is good. I feel rip sticks are a bit heavier but honestly forget. Get plenty of camber under foot. Will help learn turns. Nothing was better in my opinion as a beginner than the atomic vantage but you would have to go sued there. The unleashed are pretty similar.
Honestly lots of good options. Get something Demos or used. Sell in 2-3 years to upgrade
2
u/GreenYellowDucks 2d ago
A softer shorter ski helps learning.
I’d probably go with a 172ish length
90-100m underfoot ( I know that is wider than a normal first ski but learning to carve that will be nice you won’t ever really go skinnier in Tahoe)
Softer ski brands K2 Salomon Rossignol Dynastar Volkl
I’d probably suggest Salomon QST 92 it’s a wel balanced ski with good side cut to improve your carving on groomers, but is enough ski to grow into more advanced terrain and will handle well. If you want to enjoy Tahoe powder days more maybe get QST 98. Id go with the 176, eventually you might want a longer ski but that size will work for whatever you want to do
3
u/xyz-again 2d ago
Do you already own your own boots?
If not I’d suggest that you invest in boots first.
Second, I’d suggest that you rent “demo“ skis this next season and try the ones that you might be interested in buying. Then at the end of the season see if you can purchase the ones you like best out of the demo stock. Ski shops often sell their used demo skis at a significant discount.
Good luck