This article is reprinted from The Professional Skier.
All copyrights apply.
Please see our copyright and disclaimer notice page. No matter how you look at it, the introduction of shaped skis a few years ago indelibly altered beginner ski lessons, offering a way to significantly accelerate the student's learning progress. Enthusiastically received by skiers and instructors, the design made it easier to select turn size and shape than on conventional skis, and simplified turning by rewarding commitment to an edged and pressured ski. The fact that shaped skis required far less effort in walking, climbing, and maneuvering on the slopes didn't hurt either. Recognizing a good thing, ski schools across the country began to incorporate shaped skis into beginner lessons, and today the resort that doesn't offer them is the exception rather than the rule.