| Understanding the anatomy of a ski will allow you to | | | | Ski graphics are pictures, colors and geometric shapes |
| make an educated purchase as well as improve your | | | | on the top sheet of the ski. The graphics of the ski |
| ability to use your ski equipment effectively. | | | | are primarily decorative but also serve to identify the |
| BASE | | | | make and model of the ski. |
| The bottom surface of the ski that makes contact | | | | OVERALL LENGTH |
| with the snow is referred to as the base. Most base | | | | The total length of the ski is measured in centimeters |
| material these days is composed of graphite, | | | | (cm) from the tip to the tail. |
| polyethylene or an extruded composite. | | | | SHOVEL |
| CAMBER | | | | The front portion of the ski starting where it begins |
| When you lay a ski on the floor there is a gap | | | | to turn up to the tip is referred to as the shovel. It is |
| between the floor and the center part of the ski. | | | | the widest part of the ski. |
| The camber of the ski creates this gap. (The points | | | | SIDECUT |
| where the ski touches the floor are called the | | | | The depth of the curve that runs along the edge of |
| CONTACT POINTS). | | | | the ski from the tip, waist and tail determines the |
| CONTACT POINTS | | | | sidecut of a ski. This curve is part of an imaginary |
| With the ski on the floor the contact points of the | | | | circle. The size of that circle is indicative of the depth |
| ski are readily visible. They are the points where the | | | | of the sidcut of the ski, the smaller the circle the |
| ski touches the floor. (CAMBER creates the space in | | | | deeper the sidecut. Deeper sidecuts allow for tighter |
| the middle of the ski where it does not touch the | | | | turns. |
| floor). | | | | SIDEWALL |
| CORE | | | | The sidewall of the ski is the area and material along |
| The core of the ski refers to the internal materials of | | | | the lateral edge of the ski, below the top sheet and |
| the ski. These vary depending on the construction of | | | | above the metal edge. The sidewall aids in the skis |
| the ski and may include wood, foam, metal or | | | | durability and performance. They type of material |
| fiberglass. The core affects the skis weight, flex and | | | | used in the sidewall will effect the skis overall |
| stability. | | | | durability. |
| EDGE | | | | TIP AND TAIL |
| The sharp metal edge along the base of the ski is | | | | The tip and tail of the ski are the front and back |
| simply called the edge. The edge helps to keep the | | | | respectively. The tip is always upturned and in twin |
| ski in control on the slopes by allowing the skier to | | | | tip skis the tail is also turned up. |
| grip the snow (or ice) through a turn. | | | | TOP SHEET |
| EFFECTIVE EDGE | | | | The top sheet of the ski is the upper most layer of |
| The metal edge of the ski covers the entire length | | | | the ski. While its surface serves as the decorative |
| of the ski. Only a portion of the edge makes contact | | | | component of the ski it plays an important role in the |
| with the snow. The part that touches the snow is | | | | integrity of the ski as well. It is the final bonding for |
| called the effective edge. This is the only portion of | | | | all the components of the ski. |
| the edge that grips the snow through a turn and | | | | WAIST |
| therefore the longer the effective edge the better | | | | The waist is the narrowest point of the ski when it is |
| the ski will grip the snow and the more stable the ski | | | | measured edge to edge. Typically this is near the |
| will be. | | | | center of the ski. |
| GRAPHICS | | | | |