1. 2015/2016
Innovative & New

3. Choosing the right ski was once a relatively simple task
Spider Sabich, Wayne Wong
Choosing the right ski was once a relatively simple task

4. Progression was Few and Clear

5. Today’s skis are a complex marriage of technologies
Carbon, Carbon Fiber, Prepreg CA refers to an extremely strong and light reinforced polymer. Similar to fiberglass, but much stronger, lighter, and resilient. Carbon adds stiffness and rebound to a ski, and saves remarkable weight. Carbon and it’s structural shaping is one of the most significant materials being used in skis today.
Metal is primarily used to dampen vibrations and chatter, although it can be used as a stiffener too. Metal has benefits for high speed performance.
The Core is the central structure and says a lot about the personality of a ski. Mostly cores are made laminated woods – because of wood’s ability to store and release energy, inherent dampening, and longevity.

7. Downhill skiing hottest trend is coming from
going uphill

8. Skis are the most beneficial place to shed weight

9. DPS Wialer 99 Benefits of a lighter ski are: Easier maneuverability
More control and confidence
Livelier and less fatiguing
Crossover friendly
Benefits of a lighter ski are:
DPS Wialer 99
4.5 lbs
3.6 lbs
3 lbs

10. Elan Spectrum
Metal / Wood
Carbon / Air

11. A Revolutionary Thought
Rocker makes turning easier and provides soft snow float

12. Common Rocker Profiles

13. Easier Turning
is a Trend

14. Sidecut: How it Works

15. Advanced Sidecut Technology
reverse sidecut tapered tail
Traditional sidecut
reverse sidecut tapered tip
Eases turn release.
Adds stability.
Aides tip flotation.
Delivers valuable hard snow grip & carved turns.
Loosen the ski for increased maneuverability in deep snow.
Reduces defection & shoveling.
Helps maintain deep snow speed.

16. Profile also Determines Maneuverability
Camber acts as a spring for lively, more responsive turns, but are harder to initiate. When you stand on the ski the camber section flattens and maintains contact with the snow delivering steadfast edge hold.
Skis with rocker maintain less snow contact, thus they initiate turns easily and grant more float in soft snow.

17. Dedicated Right Ski
Dedicated Left Ski
Twisted Sisters
Rocker makes a ski turn easier, but sacrifices edge grip. Camber delivers edge grip, but lack easy turning. Common rocker / camber profiles make a compromise towards one way or the other; soft flex and easy turning or power and precise edge grip. Elan’s Amphibio technology places camber on the inside edges and rocker on the outsides, thus there’s a dedicated right and left ski. This technology yields fast and easy turn initiation while maintaining valuable edge grip and delivers enhancement for race product to free ride territory.

18. Getting More Deliberate and Precise Turns

19. Shapes of the Future
FISCHER RANGER

21. Sidewalls, What’s the Difference?
Vertical Sidewall
Beveled Sidewall
Cap Sidewall
Sidewall Construction: Will that be vertical or beveled, sandwich or cap construction? Most skis today employ a combination. Vertical sidewalls and sandwich construction apply the most edge pressure. Beveled and cap are more forgiving and roll in and out of turns with less effort.

22. Versatility is a Holy Grail
GOAL
A single ski that performance across all terrain and all snow conditions.
THE PARADOX
Hard snow and controlled surface = rigid and precise ski
Soft snow and irregular surface = yielding ski

23. Width Underfoot is Important
About 86mm or less
underfoot for packed conditions
About 87mm and above
underfoot for off the groomers
105mm or greater for
deeper powder, like the West
Width Underfoot is Important
(Waist Width)

24. Underfoot width affects how well the ski will float as the snow gets deeper

25. Underfoot width affects how quick & aggressive
they’ll roll over and turn