A freestyle ski is a ski that has been specially developed for freestyle skiing. Freestyle skis are a lot shorter and lighter than piste skis. One of the biggest differences is that freestyle skis have twin tips. This means that the front and back are raised. This way, a freestyle skier can not only ski forwards but also backwards. On this page you can read everything about freestyle skis.
FEATURES OF A FREESTYLE SKI
Freestyle skis have been specially developed for freestyle skiing. The skis are ideal for performing all kinds of tricks. Skiers who ski with this type of ski can often be found in the fun park or the halfpipe. However, freestyle skis often also perform well on the slopes. Of course, this depends on the type of freestyle ski you buy. Freestyle skis have a number of characteristics. We have listed these below and some of them will be explained in more detail later.
- A lot shorter than the average piste ski.
- Twin tips or directional twin.
- Suitable for freestyling, but also on the slopes.
- A light ski.
- Between 95 and 105 mm under the foot: depending on the fun park/piste (narrow) or off-piste (wide).
- Length: between your chin and eyebrows. Please note: the part that actually touches the snow is much shorter.
FREESTYLE SKI IS A LOT SHORTER AND LIGHTER
Because the front and back of a freestyle are raised, the part of the ski that actually interacts with the snow is a lot shorter. This has a positive influence on the maneuverability, jump and landing of the skis. Freestyle skis are also a lot lighter than the average piste ski.
TWIN TIPS OF DIRECTIONAL TWIN
One of the biggest differences between freestyle skis and ‘normal’ skis are the twin tips. A twin-tipped ski has two identical tips. The front and back are slightly curled upwards. This allows you to easily ski forwards and backwards. Ideal for the fun park. All freestyle skis have twin tips, but there is a second variant. That’s the directional twin. This type of ski has a twin tip, but it is not symmetrical. A freestyle ski with a three-way twin is mainly made for moving forward, off-piste or in the fun park.
WHAT IS FREESTYLE SKIING
Freestyle skiing, also known as freeskiing or ‘stunt skiing’, is a form of skiing in which artistic ability, strength and technique are very important. This is mainly about the tricks and jumps you perform while descending. The FIS recognizes a number of disciplines in this skiing sport. These are: Slopestyle, Aerials (Aerials), Moguls, Halfpipe, Skicross and Dual Moguls. Freestyle skiers in the ski areas can mainly be found in the fun park, on the mogul slope or in the half pipe. They practice their tricks in the snow on the many kickers, boxes, jumps and more.
FREESTYLING AND FREERIDING
Freestyle skiing is sometimes confused with freeriding, but the two are very different. The difference is not only in the type of ski, but also in the form of skiing. In freeriding, the emphasis is mainly on off-piste skiing. The line and the descent are important, the tricks a lot less so. Freestyling is mainly about the tricks you perform while descending. However, you may encounter a combination of both. Some freestyle skiers go off-piste into the mountains and make all kinds of jumps on natural ramps and jumps.
Source: www.skiinformatie.nl