What skis should I buy?

That’s probably the question we get asked more than any other and rightly so, as having the right equipment makes for a more enjoyable day out on the slopes. The best advice we can offer is to:

Try before you Buy!

Demo various skis to find your perfect fit. We recommend Evo Whistler Village Sports; you can demo different skis for three days, with the cost deducted from your purchase. 

Let them know you’re part of YES, and they will hook you up with some great deals, like a 20% discount on all soft goods and exclusive discounts on skis at their 5 Whistler locations.

When choosing your ideal ski, take into account:

Program and Conditions:

Consider the specific program you’ll be part of and the skiing conditions.

Waist width:

This balances grip and float.

• 68-80mm: Suitable for on-piste/groomer skiing.
• 80-92mm: Ideal for all-mountain programs (YES recommended). Great for technical training and powdery free-ski days.
• 92-105+mm: Better for soft or variable conditions, but may limit performance in an instructor program.

Sidecut/Turn radius:

Aim for a medium-radius sidecut, which is ideal for an instructor program (14-16m).

Profile:

Look for a ski with an early-rise tip and flat tail, especially suitable for an instructor program. 

Without further ado… we present to you… YES Pros’ ski picks 2023-24!

FOR THE LADIES

On-Piste/Groomer

ROSSIGNOL NOVA 10 TI

Carve out another best day on the women’s Nova 10 Ti. Expert and advanced frontside skiers will appreciate the ski’s precise feel and powerful edge control. A light swing-weight and smooth turn imitation provides fatigue-free agility for playful turns and effortless carving performance.

Other comparable options include: Rossignol Forza 70D, Head Absolut Joy, Blizzard Thunderbird

All Mountain

ROSSIGNOL EXPERIENCE W 86 / 82 

Push your skills. Explore more. The women’s Experience 82 Basalt ski brings a lightweight build and predictable edge control for all-resort skiing. The flex is tuned to deliver a relaxed feel and effortless carving. An paulownia wood core reduces overall weight, while basalt layers absorb vibration for a smooth ride. The confidence-boosting control of our Drive Tip design works with the sidecut and full sidewall construction for smooth turn initiation and a powerful edge through the entire turn. An 82mm waist balances a quick feel edge to edge with the width to handle varied conditions.

The women’s Experience 86 Basalt ski is all resort, all the time. The flex is tuned for intermediate and advanced skiers who enjoy aggressive performance and blends a lightweight build with a smooth ride for carving across the entire mountain. An 86mm waist adds versatility and stability across changing snow conditions. 

Other options include: Völkl Blaze 86 or Kenja 88, Blizzard Black Pearl, Atomic Maven 86, Nordica Santa Ana 84

Free-Ride

ROSSIGNOL RALLYBIRD 92

A true all mountain freeride ski. Built women-specific but never watered down, the all new RALLYBIRD range packs the progressive power, precision and freeride versatility to rally across any terrain and conditions with absolute confidence. Explore and ride inbounds and out with lightened swing weight and playful agility courtesy of our iconic Air Tip technology and lightweight paulownia wood core. Skin tracks, boot packs, resort days, the possibilities are endless. Also comes in a 102.

Other options include: Nordica Santa Ana 93 or 98, Atomic Maven 93, Blizzard Black Pearl 97, Völkl Secret 96 or Blaze 94

FOR THE GENTS

On-Piste/Groomer

ROSSIGNOL FORZA 70D V-TI KONECT

Full-speed carve and full angulation for expert skiers. The Rossignol Forza 70D V-TI Skis set a new standard for advanced carving. Oversized dimensions combined with Supersize Sidecut support aggressive angulation and maximum control through high speed arcs. Matched with race-proven construction, this innovative shape lets you roll between turns with full engagement and maximum fun factor.  
Race-Proven Dampening PEFC certified Poplar Wood Core limits vibration for race-proven stability with a focus on sustainability.

Other options include: Atomic Redster, Blizzard Thunderbird

All Mountain

EXPERIENCE 86 / 82 (Ti or Basalt)

All resort. All the time. The Experience 86 Ti ski responds with energy to every ask for a high-performance all-resort feel. Titanal layers, a wood core and an 86mm waist create a versatile and stable platform for charging across changing snow conditions. The confidence-boosting control of our Drive Tip design works with the sidecut and full sidewall design for smooth turn initiation and powerful edge control through the entire turn.

The Experience 86 Basalt offers the same experience with a less stiff ski, blending a lightweight build with a smooth ride for carving across the entire mountain. A paulownia wood core reduces overall weight, while basalt layers absorb vibration for a smooth, quiet feel. An 86mm waist adds versatility and stability across changing snow conditions.

Other options include: Völkl Kendo 88, Atomic Maverick 86, Head Kore 85, Blizzard Brahma 88

Free-Ride

ROSSIGNOL SENDER 94 

The true all mountain freeride ski. When fresh tracks beckon, the new Sender 94 Ti delivers a blend of lightweight agility and damp downhill performance to set you free to explore and ride inbounds and out. Its light swing weight courtesy of our iconic Air Tip technology keeps it playful while the lightweight paulownia wood core keeps your mind open to skin track and boot pack possibilities.

Other options include: Blizzard Rustler 9 or 10, Atomic Maverick 95 or 100, Nordica Enforcer, Völkl Mantra 102

SUMMARY:

Everyone is different so remember to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY to find the ski that works for YOU. Enjoy the turns and see you on slopes!