Snow flurries

By BRIDGET RAYWARD*

People wanting to buy skis will be overcome with options. Most manufacturers are making great skis, so be open-minded. And take advantage of any opportunity to try different types and brands. You'll feel the difference of the new technology. What you once struggled to do suddenly becomes less effort.

Try to establish what type of skiing you prefer because some skis are designed to perform best in specific situations. But there are many series that are great as an all-mountain ski.

Don't be afraid to go short - really short. You will be astonished at the stability of the skis and going short tends to help you to stand closer to the centre of the ski. When you are centred along the ski all movements work a lot more effectively.

I sat my first ski instructor's exam on a pair of 210cm skis. Now you hardly see me on anything longer than 158cm - the same length as my snowboard. Because of this revolution I am witnessing a lot of my peers making turns that look very similar to what the world cup skiers were making a few years ago.

On the new skis you will feel a major difference. You will receive more value for your lift ticket. You will have the ability to ski far more of the mountain than ever before because of your increased confidence, and the fun factor will definitely increase as you have more adventures.

My advice is to take the plunge. I guarantee you will gain a huge jump in your development as a skier and a refreshed dose of enthusiasm.

* Bridget Rayward is director of the ski school at Cardrona and president of the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance.