Intermediate Skis run the gamut of beginner/low intermediate learning skis to upper intermediate/advanced, all mountain skis. Additionally, many specialty or advanced skis can be used by intermediates for powder, park, or experimenting with extreme speeds. We’ve left some of these expert level skis out of this discussion though, as they are essentially very different skis from those included here.
To make comparisons manageable and not regurgitate the detailed information on the product pages themselves we’ve broken the intermediate group of skis up into three sections: Lower Intermediate, True Intermediate, and Upper Intermediate.
Lower Intermediate skis will be a soft, usually synthetic core, and work great for learning. This category of skis would also be ok for a few years of development or for those who never progress to high speeds.
True Intermediate skis will be appropriate for nearly every intermediate, if sized correctly. In general, they have a medium flex, medium width, and can handle medium speeds. Their in-between nature allows them to cover the distance between lower intermediates, and upper intermediates.
Upper Intermediate skis are the last step before you become an expert. These skis are usually pretty stiff, can be wider underfoot, and can handle high speeds. This list of traits also clearly separates these skis from the lower intermediates.
Lower Intermediate: Skis in this category are generally really soft, and somewhat narrow. These skis are very easy to control, making them perfect for learning. The soft flex makes the ski more forgiving, meaning they turn easily, and don’t resist much to the pressure you apply. These skiers are content with ignoring the calls of high speeds. Additionally, these skis will not perform well in powder, thick slush, or like conditions, as they just don’t have a wide enough waist to be able to handle these elements. That said, casual skiers that hit the slopes a couple times a year may NEVER need to progress past this level of skis. Correct sizing for a lower intermediate ski is chin height. If you’re someone who is looking at a ski in at this level because you choose to not ski fast, but are very capable on skis, then you could go longer, and choose a ski that reaches your mouth.
Some current skis in this class:Atomic Cloud 6 Skis: a very light ski with some features designed to make skiing easier specifically for females. This is the classic beginner/lower intermediate ski. Juniors and lighter men are ok to buy this ski as well.
Head Shape 03 SP Skis (170 and 180cm only): These skis are great for lower intermediates. They have a low turn radius and soft flex, allowing the ski to give way to your turns without hesitation. To sweeten the deal, the ski also comes with a plate system, meaning your turns will be incredibly smooth and even.
True Intermediate: These skis are a step up from the lower intermediate range. They achieve this mostly by being a little bit stiffer. By making the ski firmer, it is able to handle quicker speeds without becoming unstable like a lower intermediate ski would. This is the perfect choice for the solid skier who only takes a few trips a year or the developing skier who plans to take the sport seriously and does not want to buy a ski they can easily outgrow. Widths of these skis may vary somewhat, those with waist widths in the 70mm range being mainly groomed runs skis, those in the mid to upper 70s being more versatile all mountain skis. Beginners who expect to excel quickly could consider a ski in this range; as long as they make sure that the length is at or below chin height. A true intermediate skier should generally search for a ski that’s about mouth height.
Some current skis in this class:Atomic Nomad Intruder Skis: Extremely versatile, at 77mm underfoot it has great all mountain dimensions. With a solid medium flex it is manageable for all levels of intermediates. This is a great one ski quiver that will carry you from fine tuning the basics, through to linking carved turns. The relatively wide width makes this ski a little more difficult to learn on, but if chosen in short length even beginning skiers can develop with this ski. If you can develop the skills to turn the slightly wider width of these skis then the trade off for the superior all mountain abilities make this ski a no brainer.
Head XRC PP9 Skis: These skis were put together specifically for Level Nine, by Head. At our shop, we see a lot of true intermediate skiers who are looking for a great deal on a ski that can handle mostly marked runs. This ski is perfect for this category, as it has a medium flex combined with a narrower, 70 mm waist.
Upper Intermediate:Skis in this category are slightly stiffer than skis in the previous categories. This might make these skis a bit too much for beginners to learn on no matter what the length. Skiers looking into this category should be a little more than casual either in ability or speed. Most skiers will not need to progress beyond skis in this category unless they want a specialty ski such as park or powder. If you’re the type of skier who is looking for a fast paced groomer ski that can handle whatever trails the mountain has to offer, then look no further. This is the category for you.
Some current skis in this class:Salomon X-Wing 8R,
Salomon X-Wing 8: At about 75mm underfoot and with a wide tip and tail, the X-Wing 8 will excel on groomed runs and have decent all mountain versatility. It also has a layer of titanium, which stiffens up the ski and allows you to test out your comfort level on double blacks.
