Ski touring skis

Skis Skitur skis - choose the right model in the Sportano shopSkitur skis are not just a piece of equipment, but an entire philosophy of skiing that allows you to move freely on the mountain both downhill and uphill. Thanks to special bindings, which can be adjusted, and seals, i.e. strips of material attached underneath the skis, the skier is able to climb up the slope efficiently. This distinguishes them significantly from downhill skis, which are mainly designed for skiing on groomed slopes. Skiable skis need to be lightweight in order to enable climbing, but at the same time they need to be durable and offer good handling characteristics for downhill skiing in a variety of snow conditions. In the Sportano shop you will find quality skiable skis from proven manufacturers such as K2, DYNAFIT, Elan, Atomic, Dynastar and Völkl.Construction and materials: what determines the strength and functionality of a ski? When we talk about the strength and functionality of a skit ski, we usually have a few key elements in mind: the material of the ski core, laminates and reinforcements, as well as the side construction and edges. The core is usually made of lightweight but strong materials such as carbon fibre composites, sometimes combined with wood for better 'rebound' and improved handling characteristics. Laminates and reinforcements often consist of fibreglass, aramid or Kevlar. Each of these materials has its pros and cons: carbon fibre is light and stiff but expensive, while glass fibre is cheaper but heavier. The right combination of these materials determines the properties of the skis, such as stiffness, vibration dampening and durability.Length and width of skis: how to choose the right size?Choosing the size of a skiable ski can be far more complex than for downhill skis, as it has to take into account both the climbing and descending ability of the ski. The length of the ski affects its stability when descending and its manoeuvrability when climbing. Shorter skis are easier to handle and manoeuvre, but can be less stable on fast descents. The width of skis also affects their ability. Wide skis offer better 'float' in soft snow, but can be less effective on hard ground and can make climbing more difficult. Therefore, when choosing the size of a skiable ski, it is worth considering in which conditions you will use it most often, as well as your skills and preferences.Camber and rocker: terms you should knowWhen we talk about skis, the terms 'camber' and 'rocker' often come up, which refer to the curvature of the ski. Camber is the bending of the ski from the centre towards the tips, which helps the ski to make contact with the ground when skiing on hard snow or ice. With camber, the edges of the skis 'hold' the ground better, resulting in better control and precision. Rocker, on the other hand, is the opposite of camber and involves raising the tips of the ski. This is beneficial in deep snow because the ski 'floats' on the surface and manoeuvring becomes easier. It is common to find a combination of these two features in skis. For example, the ski may have camber in the middle for better traction and control when climbing, and the tips may be raised (rocker) for better manoeuvrability in soft snow. Understanding and choosing these features appropriately can make a significant difference to comfort and safety when ski touring.Profile Side profile and edges: details that matterThe side profile of the ski and its edges are of great importance, especially when climbing and descending on more difficult terrain. A sharp and well-maintained edge profile is essential for good traction on hard and icy ground. For better control, skiable skis often have different side profiles, such as a tapered profile that is wider at the ends but narrower in the middle. This allows the ski to be better 'anchored' in the snow during climbing and more stable on the descent.Differences Between skitur skis and downhill skisAlthough skitur skis and downhill skis may appear similar at first glance, there are significant differences that affect their functionality. Firstly, skit skis tend to be lighter and have a variety of designs that allow for climbing. The bindings on skit skis are also adjustable, allowing you to easily switch between climbing and downhill modes. In addition, skit skis are often equipped with special features, such as the ability to mount seals for climbing. Downhill skis, on the other hand, are much stiffer and heavier, which gives them better stability for fast descents, but makes them less practical for climbing. Their bindings are also not designed with climbing in mind and are more difficult to adjust in the field. Understanding these differences is key to making the right choice of equipment that best suits your needs on and off the slopes.