Skiing is an age-old activity that has evolved over the centuries, shifting from a simple means of transportation to a popular winter sport. Skis have undergone numerous transformations, each bringing significant improvements in performance and skiing enjoyment. Among these developments, the introduction of shaped skis marked a major turning point, revolutionising the way skiers tackle slopes—especially when carving turns.
The Origins of Skiing: Long, Straight Models
Skiing dates back thousands of years, with the earliest skis being simple long, straight wooden planks. These rudimentary skis were primarily used as a means of transport in snowy regions. Their straight shape and considerable length offered the stability needed to traverse varied terrain, but they lacked manoeuvrability and responsiveness when it came to descending slopes.
Over time, skis evolved to meet users' changing needs. Materials progressed from wood to metal, and eventually to modern composites, improving both rigidity and lightness. However, the straight shape remained dominant until the end of the 20th century. These long, straight skis were effective for skiing in straight lines or wide turns, but they required precise technique and considerable effort to execute tight turns.
The Rise of Shaped Skis in the 1990s
The introduction of shaped skis in the 1990s brought a revolution to the world of alpine skiing. Unlike traditional straight skis, parabolic skis feature rounded sidecuts, with wider tips and tails and a narrower waist underfoot. This ’parabolic’ shape makes turning easier by reducing the effort needed to initiate and control curves. All it takes is a simple lean, and the ski naturally bends into an arc, carving a smooth, elegant turn. This is the carving revolution—turns taken on the edges, as if on rails!
Elan Launches the First Shaped Ski
The first parabolic alpine ski to achieve significant commercial success was the Elan SCX shaped ski, launched in 1993. This model quickly gained popularity thanks to its improved manoeuvrability and its ability to make piste skiing more accessible to beginners and intermediate skiers. The shaped skis from Elan enabled skiers of all levels to perform smoother, quicker turns—enhancing the overall skiing experience.
The Evolution of Skiing Is Underway
By 1994, all manufacturers had revised their designs and were offering skis with parabolic sidecuts—the fashionable alpine skis that everyone wanted to try.
The benefits of shaped skis go beyond easier turning. Their design also allows for better pressure distribution across the snow, offering improved edge grip and greater stability. Furthermore, the reduction in ski length—made possible by the parabolic shape—enhanced manoeuvrability without compromising performance. Shaped skis have therefore played a key role in making skiing more accessible, by making it more intuitive and less physically demanding.
Understanding Turn Radius
The turn radius simply refers to the path a shaped ski follows when it is tilted onto its edge to initiate a turn. Even when flat, the fact that the tip and tail are wider than the waist allows the ski to naturally follow a curved trajectory. Each ski has its own unique sidecut dimensions and a specific turn radius. When buying a pair of shaped skis, you’ll know whether they are designed for short, long or medium turns. This information is essential, as the turn radius determines how the ski behaves when carving—and therefore the type sensations you can expect.
The Impact of Rockers on Skiing
Innovation in skiing didn’t stop with shaped skis. The introduction of rockers—or reverse cambers—further enhanced glide and improved ski manoeuvrability. Rockers are defined by an upward curve at the tip, the tail, or both, which reduces the ski’s contact area with the snow when lying flat.
Rockers offer several significant advantages. Firstly, they make it easier to pivot, allowing for smoother, more natural turns. By reducing the contact surface with the snow, rockers also improve float in powder, boosting off-piste performance. Additionally, rockers help absorb vibrations and shocks, resulting in a more comfortable glide and enhanced stability.
Thanks to these two innovations—shaped skis and rockers—the overall length of skis has been further reduced, increasing manoeuvrability and control. Modern skis, which combine the benefits of parabolic sidecuts and rockers, deliver an unmatched skiing experience on both groomers and fresh snow.
For more details, feel free to check out our tutorial on rockers and camber profiles.
In Conclusion: The Story of Modern Shaped Skis
The evolution of skis—from long, straight models to shaped skis with rockers—reflects the ingenuity of passionate athletes and the ongoing pursuit of innovation in snow sports. Shaped skis revolutionised alpine skiing by making turns easier and improving manoeuvrability, while rockers further enhanced the skiing experience by offering better float and greater control. These innovations have not only made skiing more accessible but have also allowed skiers of all levels to fully enjoy the thrills of gliding down snowy slopes. Two innovations that are now often taken for granted and can be found in virtually every modern ski.
Not Sure How to Choose the Right Size for Your Alpine Skis?
No worries—just head over to our guide on ski sizing to find the perfect ski length based on your weight, age, skiing style and technical ability.