Dynastar is one of the brands that Skis on the Run is proud to carry.  We have men’s, women’s and junior skis from Dynastar.  Every season the number of requests for Dynastar skis increases.  This year we have added some new skis to our fleet.  We will now be carrying two women’s specific Dynastar skis, the Exclusive Eden & Exclusive Idyll.  We are also adding the 6th Sense Serial to our twin-tip Storm Rider Package.   Below is a description of the Dynastar skis  we will be carrying in our 2010-2011 fleet.

Men’s Skis

Dynastar Sultan 85

Dynastar Sultan 85 (126-85-110) – The Sultan 85 is a highly versatile all mountain ski designed to take intermediate to advanced skiers all over the mountain.  It is a high performing ski that delivers a great experience in varied conditions.  It’s  wide stable platform with deep side-cut and titanal sandwich construction deliver an amazing all-mountain ski. The Sultan 85 is an aggressive yet agile ski that provides a great experience both on and off-piste.

Dynastar Sultan 80 (126-80-108)- The Sultan 80 is an easy going all mountain ski designed to take aspiring-intermediate to advanced skiers around the front side of the mountain, yet can take them off into the powder.  The profile and construction of the ski allow for easy turn initiation and control throughout a turn. The Sultan 80 is a groomer cruiser that is wide enough to head off-piste.

Women’s Skis

Dynastar Exlusive Eden

Dynastar Exclusive Eden (126-85-110) - The Exclusive Eden is an all-mountain ski capable of handling very different terrain.  It provides Intermediate to advanced skiers with a dynamic ski capable of many different turn angles allowing for great skiing in the chutes while also laying down GS turns on the groomers.  It incorporates and early rise technology, along with a full sidewall, wood core and two layers of titanal to provide an all-mountain go anywhere ski.

Dynastar Exclusive Idyll (124-78-106) - The Exclusive Idyll is an easy going all-mountain ski designed to take aspiring intermediate to advanced skier around on the groomers yet maintains its ease of use in versatile conditions.  It’s construction allows for easy turn initiation and provides a forgiving platform to help skiers move to the next level.

Junior Skis

Team Legend

Dynastar Team Legend (100-66-88) - The Dynastar Team Legend is a great ski for beginner to intermediate Junior skiers who want to be able to go all over the front-side of the mountain.  Its wide tip and shaped side-cut provide a forgiving ski that provides a stable foundation.

Junior Ripper Skis

Dynastar 6th Sense Team (114-76-105)- This ski is designed for aspiring-intermediate to advanced junior frestylers looking to do tricks in the park.  It provides a wide stable platform for Junior skiers to enjoy the entire mountain.

Twin-Tip Skis

Dynastar 6th Sense Serial (110-80-103)- This is one of the best all-mountain twin-tip skis available for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a ski to handle the entire mountain, while still being having the versatility to have a great day in the park.  It’s wide footprint, wooden-core and cap side-wall construction make it easy to get on edge and enjoy the entire mountain.

Skis on the Run will be carrying K2’s newly designed fleet for the 2010-2011 season. We have men’s, women’s and junior skis from K2.  K2 has a long history of making excellent skis and is one of our most requested brands.  This year there are many changes from K2.  The famous Apache Series has been replaced with the A.M.P. (All Mountain Performance) series.  They have integrated a rockered camber into all there models and have replaced several of their classic skis with new exciting versions.   Below is a review of each of the K2 skis we will be carrying in our 2010-2011 fleet.

Men’s Skis

K2 A.M.P. Rictor

K2 A.M.P. Rictor (127-80-109) – The K2 A.M.P. Rictor replaces the K2 Apache Recon, one of K2’s most award winning skis. It builds on the Recon’s award winning history and adds new technology to provide an exciting new ski for the intermediate to advanced skier that can go anywhere and do anything on the mountain.  The Rictor is a little wider under foot (78  last year/80 this year) and it utilizes All-Terrain Rocker technology to make it the ideal one quiver ski. If you need one ski to take you anywhere on the mountain and give you confidence, this is the ski.  The Rictor is a blast on the groomers and it rips in the powder and crud as well.

K2 A.M.P. Aftershock (130-86-114)- The A.M.P. Aftershock replaces the award winning K2 Apache Xplorer.  The Aftershock is the Rictor’s big brother. Everything about it is stronger, bigger and faster than the Rictor. For advanced skiers, this is an amazing ski in any snow condition. It is the widest under foot ski the the A.M.P. series.  It also utilizes All-Terrain Rocker technology, giving it versatility in softer snow conditions.  You can still hold a great edge on groomers and when you take this ski in the powder or trees you will have complete control and a great ski experience.  

Women’s Skis

K2 T:Nine Lotta Luv

K2 T:Nine Lotta Luv (125-82-110) - The K2 Lotta Luv is one of our most requested women’s skis.  It is an amazing all-mountain ski designed for strong intermediate to advanced skiers. The Lotta Luv provides confidence in all conditions and the ability to explore the entire mountain. It utilizes a metal-laminant construction along with the Mod-Monic dampening technology provide a smooth ride in all conditions.  It now incorporates All-Terrain rocker technology to give it added flotation in powder and easier turn initiation on the groomers.

K2 T:Nine Burnin’ Luv (117-70-101) - Groomers. Groomers. Groomers. The Burnin’ Luv is an excellent carving ski that will let intermediate to advanced skiers to carve beautiful turns down the groomers. With its new metal-laminant Hybritech sidewall construction and new Speed Rocker camber, the Burnin’ Luv provides excellent edge grip on hard-pack and provides effortless turn initiation.  If you love to make elegant and effortless turns on groomed runs, this ski will make your ski experience exceptional.

K2 T:Nine Free Luv (120-76-104) – The Free Luv is the Lotta Luv’s younger sister. It is a versatile all-mountain ski that is lightweight and forgiving, providing the aspiring-intermediate skier a with ski that will help make them a better skier. The K2 Free Luv utilizes K2’s Mod Monic and new All-Terrain Rocker technology to provide an excellent ski in many conditions.  Because it is narrower under foot and more forgiving than the Lotta Luv giving it is a more maneuverable all-mountain design for ladies that like to cruise and experiment on different parts of the mountain.   

K2 T:Nine True Luv (118-74-103) - This ski is an excellent all-mountain ski built to make the beginner to aspiring-intermediate skier enjoy their time on the mountain.  The True Luv is built to inspire confidence with its light and easy to turn design. This ski will allow a skier move to the next level of her skiing. The K2 True Luv incorporates all the technologies of the T:Nine series but puts it into a package that is more forgiving.  The True Luv is a ski that will allow you to ski on the groomers with ease. 

We are also carrying the K2 Comanche rental ski. This is a great ski for beginners or aspiring intermediates that want to have a relaxing fun time on the mountain.

Snowboards

K2 World Wide Weapon (W.W.W) - The World Wide Weapon is a rocker board that allows beginner to advanced-intermediate user the ability to shrink a board size without losing edge hold on the groomers.  It does this by utilizing a JIBTIP/JIB ROCKER combo, which makes this board an excellent choice for free-style enthusiasts looking for freestyle progression.

Jr. Snowboards

K2 Vandal - The Vandal utilizes a centered stance, which provides both stability for learning and an ideal position for freestyle progression for beginner to advanced-intermediate boarders.  This board utilizes JIB ROCKER tech and a host of other features stolen from K2 top-of-the-line adult boards.

Overall the K2 lines are still some of the most award winning mens and womens skis in the industry. With the incorporation of rocker technology these skis have become even more user friendly and will inspire confidence and fun in the most aggressive to the most timid skier. Enjoy the ride.

This year once again we will be carrying a full range of skis from Volkl. We have men’s, women’s and junior skis as well as some powder and twin tip skis. Each year Volkl is one of our most requested brands so we thought it might be helpful to let everyone know a little more about the different lines we will be carrying this season.  Below is an outline and short description of all the Volkl skis we will be carrying for the 2010-2011 season!

Men’s Skis

Volkl AC30

Volkl AC50 (128-85-112) – The AC50 is a ski that is designed to go all over the mountain and provide a great experience in many varied conditions.  The AC50 is built for the most advanced skiers. Its aggressive design gives advanced skiers confidence in powder or crude as well as provides a great experience on groomers.  Its Extended Double Grip construction, Marker Motion iPT Wide Ride system, and full wood core with 2 sheets of metal are all at the heart of this high performing ski. It is a stiffer ski that is incredibly responsive when skied on its edges by an aggressive skier.

Volkl AC30 (124-80-107) – The AC30 provides a stable yet relaxing ride on the groomed snow and is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. The construction of the AC30 certainly allows skiers to take it off-piste and enjoy some powder conditions. The Extended Double Grip construction and iPT Wide Ridge combine to offer a very capable all-mountain ski.  The Ac30 has a more forgiving construction than its big brother the AC50. As a result, intermediate to advanced skiers can have great day on groomers and still enjoy some tree skiing. This ski is our most requested all mountain ski for men.

Volkl AC20 (118-74-103) - The AC20 is a very capable all-mountain ski designed to provide a relaxing ski experience that won’t become outdated as the user improves.  Intended primarily for groomers, this ski provides a great carving experience, yet it is capable of taking the user to the next level of their skiing.  This ski utilizes a full Sensorwood core and the 3 motion binding system.

Volkl Tigershark 10ft (121-73-102) -The Tigershark is built to carve groomers and it is designed so that intermediate to advanced skiers can have complete confidence on the mountain. Updated for the 2010-2011 season, the new top-sheet profile and integrated Marker Motion iPT Speedride binding provide the ability to stay in control while laying down rapid aggressive turns on any groomer. Volkl carves out the center mass of the ski and puts more weight on the edges to make getting from edge-to-edge quicker and easier. Perfect for any skier that likes to turn.
 

Volkl Tierra

Women’s Skis

Volkl Aurora (132-82-103) - The Volkl Attiva Aurora is a ski that is designed for advanced women skiers who want an amazing experience on the groomers without having to sacrifice the ability to have a great day in the powder.  It uses Volkl’s Bio-Logic  technology which takes into account a woman’s stance, geometry and flex. The Aurora is the most advanced ski in the Attiva line and its aggressive design gives advanced women skiers an incredibly responsive ski in all conditions. 

Volkl Tierra (129-78-99)- The Volkl Attiva Tierra is a great all mountain ski that takes intermediate to advanced women from the groomers to the crud with ease.The Tierra also uses Bio-Logic technology to incorporate the unique stance, ski geometry, and flex of a woman. The Tierra is softer flexing and more forgiving than the Aurora, but it is still aggressive enough to go anywhere on the mountain and give an intermediate to advanced women skier plenty of confidence.

Volkl Luna (124-73-94)- The Volkl Attiva Luna is designed for intermediate skiers to help improve their skiing on the groomers.  The Luna is a great carving ski that allows women to gain confidence in their ability to ski with grace and ease.  It is softer flexing and more forgiving than the Tierra and it is easier to get from edge-to-edge as you learn to make perfect turns.

Junior Skis

Volkl Unlimited Jr (104-67-92)- The Volkl Unlimited Jr is a great ski for beginner junior skiers who don’t want to sacrifice performance.  The dimensions and construction of the ski help children learn to ski and provides a great platform for advancement.  

Volkl Chica Jr (102-66-86)- The Volkl Chica Jr is a great ski for beginner girl skiers who are learning the basics, but don’t want to sacrifice performance.  Its construction is the same as the Unlimited, but the top-sheet graphics are perfect for a girl, and we certainly understand how important that can be.

Powder Skis

Volkl Gotama

Volkl  Gotama (137-106-122)- The Gotama is a Big Mountain Twin-Tip Ski allowing intermediate to advanced skiers the capability of attacking the entire mountain. The Gotama features Volkl’s exclusive Extended Low Profile (ELP) rocker technology and a new, rounded top edge which gives it even better maneuverability in deep snow.  It is one of Volkl’s most award winning skis, providing its users with an unforgettable all-mountain experience. This ski is by far our most requested powder ski.

Volkl Bridge (128-95-105) - The Volkl Bridge is an incredibly playful and versatile ski capable of delivering intermediate to advanced skiers a great ski experience all over the mountain.  It can handle anything from deep powder to the pipe and park, along with everything in between.  Volkl is using “rocker” technology on this ski as well. It simply means there is less traditional camber on the ski so it will float well in powder and crud, but it can still hold an edge on groomers. It is truly a one quiver ski, meaning whether there is deep powder or fresh groomed corduroy this ski will perform exceptionally well.

Volkl skis are included in our Elite Demo Package, Storm-Rider Package, Performance Package and Junior Package. We are also carrying the Volkl 7.4 rental ski. This ski is perfect for beginner skiers to aspiring intermediates that want to cruise the front side of the mountain.

Because we are always updating our inventory to the most modern equipment, we thought that it might be helpful to better educate our readers on what they might be skiing or boarding on this Winter.  To that end,  starting this week, we will be writing informative blogs about equipment from the following manufacturers:

• Atomic
• Burton
• Blizzard
• Dynastar
• K2
• Nordica
• Rossignol
• Salomon
• Volkl

Each article will talk about the unique technologies and the ideal conditions suited for both men’s and women’s skis and boards as well as powder and twin tip skis. We hope  you enjoy learning  more the new equipment coming out this season.

The current hourglass, or parabolic, shape of a ski is one of the key technology drivers behind how a ski performs.  The shape of a ski is directly correlated with how tall or long a ski needs to be. With older non-shaped skis, basically a person would put their arm above their head and that would be the length they would be recommended to ski.  Parabolic skis have changed that entirely and in fact manufacturers don’t make skis as long as they once did.  There are many important factors to consider when deciding what ski is right for you including :

• ability
• height
  
• flex/forgiveness
• shape &
  
• type of ski

To determine the right ski for you it is also important to know where you like to ski and in what conditions you plan to use the ski.  I will discuss in detail each of these areas, so anytime you go to a ski shop you can be armed with the right information to pick the perfect ski for you.

Ability

A very important factor in deciding how long a ski you should be skiing on is your ability.  There is a standardized scale in the ski industry and it is based on a numeric ranking.  There are five rankings in the scale -I, I, II, III and +III, with -I being the lowest on the scale.  A -I skier is going to be someone who has never skied before or an “NE – Never Ever” and a +III is going to be an expert skier who is very aggressive.

I am going to quickly define each of the above user types:

• Type -I.  This would be a beginner skier who has never skied before. Or this would be someone who hasn’t skied in over 5 years and is “starting over.”

• Type I. This type of skier prefers slower speeds and skis cautiously on smooth slopes of moderate pitch. Think of it as a beginner skier who is learning to handle green runs with confidence.

• Type II. This type of skier prefers a variety of speeds.  They ski on varied terrain from green to blue runs with confidence and would considered a strong beginner to intermediate skier. A type II skier could also be an advanced skier who just likes to “cruise” and is not an overly aggressive or fast skier.

• Type III. This type of skier prefers faster speeds, skiing aggressively on slopes of moderate to steep grade.  They are generally considered an advanced to expert skier that can ski blue to double black runs with confidence.

• Type +III.  This type of skier is an expert (think past ski racer, lifelong skier, etc.) and wants to spend their time “bombing” down groomers or hunting for powder in the trees and back country.

Ability is often confused with how good a skier you are.  It is important to remember its not that you have been skiing for 30 years, or the fact you have perfect or imperfect form.  Its about how aggressive you ski, the above definitions are the best way to determine your skier type or skier ability.

Ski Length

Now that we know your skier ability we can determine the appropriate length ski for you.  This is where the next important variable comes in to play, your height.

• For a type I skier you can determine your length by taking the ski and standing it up next to you, the ski tip should be from your collarbone to your chin.
• A type II skier is going to do the same procedure with the ski tip being between the chin and the top of the nose.
• A type III skier will have the tip of the ski be from the top of the nose to the forehead.  A type III skier is most likely going to have their own take on what length of ski they like, but in general most people do not ski skis that are taller then themselves. As I mentioned before, most manufacturers no longer make all-mountain skis longer than 195cm, so you really can’t get skis much higher than your head even if you want them.

Flex

The next variable to consider when deciding what ski is right for you is the flex, or forgiveness, of the ski.  Flex is how much the ski bends, or flexes, when the skier is skiing the ski.  This is influenced most by the core materials from which the ski is made.  Materials can vary greatly from natural wood cores, wood composites, fiberglass, metal layering and different epoxy composite layering.

• A less aggressive skier, Type I, would generally want a softer flexing ski.  The advantage of having a softer flexing ski is that the ski is easier to ski.  It is more forgiving and provides the skier with a more confident ski experience.
• A type II skier would want a ski with a more moderate flex.  If the ski is too soft for a more aggressive skier they will find the ski might “chatter” when carving turns with a tendency to wash out on them.  A stiffer ski will give them more confidence at higher speeds and provide them with the stability they need to ski at their level.
• A type III skier is going to want a stiffer ski to have confidence at higher speeds and over varied terrain.  The stiffness of a ski also determines how it responds to different snow conditions.  A softer ski is not going to perform well on hard pack and choppy powder.  A stiffer ski is going to provide a more aggressive skier ( Type II, III) with an ability to go fast on many different terrains.  There is an element of functionality that must also be considered when looking for skis that a designed to one thing very well – carving, powder, etc.  For example, a skier who wants a dedicated powder ski may want a softer flex in that ski for better flotation.  A skier who wants a ripping groomer race ski would want a stiffer ski.  As you become a more experienced skier you will know what type of flex works best for you.  In general however, a Type I skier needs a softer flexing ski and a Type III skier needs a stiffer ski.  A person’s weight can influence these considerations, as well. A lighter person would move more toward a softer flexing ski and a heavier person toward a firmer flexing ski.

To test the flex of a ski simply grab it at the tip and with your opposite hand press as hard as you can against the top of the binding. Feel how much pressure you have to apply to get the ski to bow or bend.  If the ski flexes without much pressure than it is a soft forgiving ski.

Shape

Probably the most revolutionary change to skis since the metal edge, is the shaped-ski.  In the past, skis were straight edged.  To get these skis to carve required a great deal of energy and leg strength. All modern skis have some degree of shape to them.  This is accomplished by having a different width in the tip, tail and under foot.  These dimensions create a unique shape and make it easier for the skier to carve with the ski.  The length of the ski and these dimensions also work together to form the turning radius, the distance on edge it takes to create a natural carve of the ski.  The more extreme the shape the shorter the turning radius. Every ski has a radius statistic on it. Ask for the number and keep these ranges in mind: Anything below 15 is a carving ski; from 15-19 is an all mountain ski; anything above 19 is really meant for powder. Because length of ski also effects radius there is going to be some overlap with either really short or really long skis.

Another variable that works in conjunction with the radius of a ski is the width under foot, or the width of the ski under the binding.  The width under foot is the best indicator of what the ski is designed to do well.  A ski with a width under foot below 76mm is designed to carve, a Slalom ski.  It is meant to stay on groomed trails.  It can go off trail but it is not going to perform as well as skis with a wider width under foot.  A ski with a width under foot from 77mm to 89mm would be an all mountain designed ski.  Basically it means the ski will do well on both groomed trail and off-piste.  These skis are designed to be the most versatile, allowing the user to have fun in a variety of terrain and snow conditions.  Skis with a width under foot of 90mm or greater are becoming more powder oriented skis.  These skis can ski on groomed trails but it is difficult.  They perform best in powder snow conditions.  Powder skis tend to have less shape making it more appropriate to ski them at longer lengths then are typically recommended.  Slalom skis have a good deal of shape making it appropriate to ski them at shorter lengths.

Twin-Tip Skis

These are skis that are turned-up on both the tip and the tail.  This type of ski allows for an easier experience skiing backwards.  They also release from turns easier than a ski with a more traditional structure.  These skis tend to be wider in the tip and tail and typically have a wider width under foot.  This increased width is designed to aid in landing the skis in parks.  Twin-Tips are designed mostly as a trick ski allowing for the user to land both forward and backward.  These skis are also designed as backcountry powder skis.  Their wider lengths and ease of releasing from turns make them great in the powder.  Twin tipped skis are great for park & pipe and powder conditions.

Reverse Camber/Rockered Skis

Reverse camber or rockered is a term that describes a ski that does not have a traditional camber.  Most skis have a camber where the middle of the ski sits higher on the snow than the tips and tail.  A rockered ski can have many different configurations including, the tip and tail sitting higher on the snow than the middle or just the tip sitting higher on the snow with the center and tail having traditional camber.  The main benefit in a reversed camber ski is that it is easier to float in powder and mixed conditions.  These skis also make it easier to initiate and release from turns.  This is a revolutionary ski construction technic that is becoming very popular throughout the industry.  In fact, the 2011 K2 fleet has redesigned many of its most popular skis to include a rockered design.

Where You Like to Ski

As you can tell from all the above information there are a lot of different types of skis out there.  To find the ski that is right for you we really need to answer one last really important question, Where do you like to ski?  If you know you like to ski on groomed trails, never going off-piste, a shalom ski could be right for you.  If you like to ski on and off-trial an all-mountain ski might be right for you.  If you want to ski in the backcountry and get some fresh tracks, a powder ski could be right for you.

It is difficult to find one ski that is perfect in all conditions.  Skis on the Run carries a fleet of very capable All-Mountain skis able to tackle most users needs on the front and backside of the mountain.  However, we also carry skis capable of making great short carving turns and powder boards able to handle the best Utah powder.

How Skis on the Run Does It

When you make a reservation with skis on the run we get your physical information, height, weight and age.  We also get your skier ability, our trained reservationists go over in detail what skier type is appropriate for each person in your group.  When you make your reservation you can go ahead and tell us which ski you would like or you can just tell us where you like to ski.  Our management staff will then sit down with every single persons information and decide, if you did not request a ski, which ski we think would provide you with the best ski experience while your in Park City.  Our trained delivery technicians will custom fit your boot and prepare the ski based on your ability.  If you decide at any point while your in Park City you would like to try a different ski, all you have to do is let us know what you liked and didn’t like about the ski and we will find a ski more to your liking and of course its included in our service.

There are a lot of variables in finding the perfect ski.  Each manufacturer has a little different way of making their skis.  Skis on the Run carries skis by Atomic, Blizzard, Dynastar, K2, Rossignol, Volkl, Nordica and Salomon to make sure we have exactly what you need and want.  All-mountain skis are the best option for most skiers, but conditions change and you may want to try a different ski.  At Skis on the Run its always a pleasure to help you in picking the right ski for you!

We look forward to seeing you this winter!

-Mic Mullins

Skis on the Run

Deer Valley, The Canyons and Park City will all be open this weekend!

The Canyons opened last Friday and Deer Valley opens this weekend. Deer Valley will hosting its celebrity ski challenge this weekend and supposedly Larry David and other celebreties will be hanging around.

We’re expecting a nice solid storm in the early part of next week so hopefully the Deer Valley, Park City and the Canyons will start opening more sections of their respective mountains.