Ski touring is one of today’s most popular winter sports. It has long ceased to be only something for “tough guys”. More and more women like to skin up slopes and mountain faces. Consequently, there is also an increasing demand for women’s ski touring setups.
Are you a female outdoor enthusiast who has fallen in love with ski touring? Or would you like to take up the sport this winter? Then it’s time to find out more about touring skis for women! Together with the guys from Völkl, INTERSPORT Rent has compiled some useful information on how to choose women’s touring skis. Go girls!
Actually, the demands on women’s touring skis aren’t that different from those of their male counterparts.
Another important factor when choosing a ski touring setup for women is your preferred activity. Are you more interested in long, challenging ascents or in the downhill part of ski touring? Do you want skis that can also handle traditional on-piste skiing?
... challenging ascents.
… action-fuelled descents.
… off- and on-piste action.
Having said that the demands on touring skis are largely the same for women and men, you might wonder whether special products for women are even necessary.
In times of gender equality, many brands have stopped making a difference between men’s and women’s products. For instance, Völkl’s philosophy is to offer exactly the same properties for women’s skis as for unisex models. While functionality and performance are the same for both categories, women’s skis only differ in terms of graphic design and colours.
Other factors to keep in mind: Women tend to have smaller feet and a narrower last. That’s why many of them – even those with very advanced skiing skills – opt for narrow-waisted skis, as they are easier to manoeuvre. What’s more, since women often weigh less than male skiers, women’s skis are usually lighter to make them easier to carry.
Choosing the right length touring ski is less a question of gender than a question of what type of skier you are. Whether you should go for skis that are shorter or longer than your height, largely depends on your preferred terrain.
My focus is on …
… the ascents. Your skis should be about 10 cm shorter than your height.
... the descents. Your skis should be about the same height as you.
… classic ski touring. Your skis should be 5–10 cm shorter than your height.
You’re only getting started and don’t want to shell out on a ski touring setup just yet? No problem! At INTERSPORT Rent, you can find a vast selection of touring skis for rent – for women and men.
The best thing about it: Our RENTertainers know all about ski touring and will gladly adjust your rental skis to your individual needs. Plus, did you know that we also offer other great ski touring products for rent, ranging from helmets to clothing?