The Name Game. The fact that Kristen has come up with yet another name to add to the list which includes parabolic, super-sidecut and shaped reflects the confusion which seems to be pervasive among the skiing public. It's just about impossible to ski without turning. The key benefit to shaped skis is that they make carving a turn easier, particularly at slower speeds. Carved turns are inherently more efficient than skidded turns.
More efficiency translates into less effort and more fun.
In order to carve a turn, a ski must first be put on edge and the pressured to bend in an arc which will dictate the radius of the turn. Because of their sidecut, shaped skis require significantly less pressure to effect an arc on the snow. Most intermediate skiers turn by flattening the ski on the snow and rotating the flat ski until it is across the hill again. Effective use of shaped skis require one to get much edgier in their skiing. This is where a professional can be of immense help.