Piste, all-mountain or freeride, it's easy to pick by what sounds most exciting rather than what actually matches how you ski! We get asked about this more than almost anything else in store, usually by someone stood in front of three very different-looking pairs of skis with no idea why the widths are so different. So let's clear it up properly.
What's the difference between piste, all-mountain and freeride skis?
It mostly comes down to width underfoot, which changes how the ski behaves in different snow.
- Piste: narrower underfoot (under 85mm), built for grip and precision on groomed runs
- All-mountain: 85-100mm underfoot, handles piste plus occasional off-piste
- Freeride: 100mm+ underfoot, built for powder and variable conditions, with more rocker
Which category should most skiers choose?
If you're only buying one pair, this is usually the safest answer.
- All-mountain suits most people who ski a mix of conditions and don't want two pairs
- Match the ski to your typical day, not your best day
Are freeride skis good on groomed runs?
Tempting as it is to buy the widest, most capable-looking ski, it's worth knowing the trade-off first.
- Not especially, the extra width that helps in powder works against you on hard-packed piste
Tell us where you actually ski and how often, and we'll point you at the right category rather than the flashiest one!