Guide to Skis and Ski Poles

Durable and lightweight skis and ski poles are essential for a fun and safe skiing experience

By Margaret Haerens

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Skiers need durable and high-performance skis and skiing poles to have a safe and exhilarating ski experience. If you are the owner, operator, or manager of a ski resort, ski school, or ski shop, then you know the importance of having lightweight, well-fitting skis and ski poles for recreational and competitive, alpine and cross-country skiers. Be aware that the quality of their equipment plays a determining factor in their competitive edge and enjoyment level.

High-performance ski equipment starts with durable and high-quality skis and ski poles. There are several types of skiing, each with their own specialized skis and ski poles: alpine (or downhill skiing) consists of downhill racing, mountain skiing, freestyle and other styles; and Nordic skiing, which encompasses jumping and cross-country skiing. Knowing what types are popular in your region will go a long way to stocking the right ski equipment and generating long-term business.

For your business to be successful, you will need to:

Stock a variety of skis and ski poles to match the ski conditions of your area.
Offer a variety of top brands and styles for discerning skiers.
Match skiers with skis and ski poles that fit their personal specifications and body types.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Remember that the right snow skis are the most important piece of gear for alpine skiing

There are different types of alpine skis (also called downhill skis): racing skis, twin tip skis, mountain skis, freestyle skis and powder skis. Be knowledgeable on various types, brands, materials and maintenance tips; skiers are a passionate bunch and appreciate valuable customer service.

I recommend: Nordica is one of the top manufacturers of alpine skis for men, women and children. They offer cutting-edge technology for progressive skiers as well as winter skis for Nordic skiers. Rossignol is known for their high-performance skis and ski poles. Atomic makes technologically advance racing skis as well as skis for all types of skiing and skill levels. Dynastar-Lange also carries a wide range of highly regarded skis for various kinds of skiing and skill levels.

Have a wide selection of cross-country skis available

Cross-country skiing is a growing sport that is considered part of the Nordic skiing family, which also includes ski jumping. Be familiar with various types of Nordic skiing sports and equipment, especially for the most popular kind, cross country.

I recommend: Salomon Sports has a wide variety of Nordic ski equipment, including ski poles, boots, bindings and snow shoes. Fischer Sports carries alpine and Nordic skis for all types of skiing and for all skill levels. Alpina Sports also offers a highly regarded line of cross-country and alpine skis and poles.

Offer a variety of well-made and durable ski poles for sale

Skiers need reliable, lightweight ski poles with a comfortable grip. Most poles for skiing are made of aluminum or graphite and have different grips and basket sizes.

I recommend: K2 Skis not only sells a variety of cutting-edge, durable skiing poles, but also is a top provider of skis and ski equipment. Leki is one of the world’s top manufacturers of ski, hiking and trekking poles. Scott Sports SA manufactures a great selection of high-performance ski poles, winter skis and other ski equipment. Swix Sport AS is one of the largest providers of ski poles for alpine and cross-country skiing. Custom Ski Poles will allow you to choose your own design or imprint your own logo on your custom ski poles.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Fitting the right ski to your customer is essential. An ill-fitting ski is a bad start, and will lead to all sorts of problems. Take the time to provide the right fit for both skis and ski poles.
Providing a selection of ski waxes and other ski tuning equipment will lead to long-standing relationships with your customers and may even lead to word-of-mouth business. Make sure to stock ski wax, irons, vises, edgers and brushes.
Cultivate relationships with the local ski community. Consider sponsoring a ski competition, or supporting a ski team. These connections will be important to growing your business in the long term.

The official source of Skis and Ski Poles is the Skis and Ski Poles page at Business.com

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