Intermediate Ski Guide for Men

Looking at a ski wall or a website's large selection of skis is pretty overwhelming especially if you're not completely sure what you're looking for.  Which is why I decided to write this blog making it easier for you, an intermediate skier, to pick the right ski.  Before I start talking about which skis are best let's talk first about what an intermediate skier is.

An Intermediate skier can get down groomed Blue Square trails comfortably making similar turn shapes.  Intermediate skiers can get down Black Diamond trails but not as proficiently or sub-conciously as Blue Squares. Most intermediate skiers spend most of their time skiing on trail having fun crusing Blue Square runs.

We're coming out of the gate fast with this one because it's the most aggressive ski of the intermediate options. It may be called the Mindbender, but it truly is mind blowing. The K2 Mindbender 90 Ti is all about STABILITY. Full wood core, metal laminate, and the completely new fiberglass wrap blew our minds on the test. Did I mention it's stable...The Mindbender feels most at home on trail and has a high speed limit if that's your cup of tea. If you're looking for a blend of off and on trail, the Mindbender can do it, but it will be a bit of a beast in tight spots. Lastly, If you're concerned about selling yourself short with an intermeditae setup, don't be alarmed with this one, there is ample room for growth.

The second ski is the Atomic Bent Chetler 100. If getting off trail is all that's on your mind then the Bent Chetler should be your sidekick. Full woodcore with a splash of carbon provides the power without becoming an exhausting to ski for tight spots. 100mm underfoot guarantees flotation and the tip and tail rocker make everything effortless in all snow conditions. Ripping through the trees has never been so easy, easy keeps your energy levels up, energy equals all day fun. The Bent Chetler 100 is an awesome crossover ski that works great in backcountry touring scenarios as well. If you're looking for a one sky quiver all you gotta do is slap an Atomic Shift Binding on here and you're good to go. The Bent Chetler 100 is a phenomenal off piste ski that can still hold it down on a groomer. 

The third ski on the list is the Rossignol Experience 84, a powerful all mountain ski that thrives all over the resort. Just like the K2 Mindbender 90 and Bent Chetler 100, this has full sidewall construction for impressive power and edge hold. Full wood core with carbon alloy has lots of power without the weight you would normally find. Air Tip construction also reduces weight even more and improves flotation while simultaneously reducing chatter. If you like to spend a majority of your time on trail, the Experience 84 has incredible edge hold and feels great at speed. It is lighter weight compared to the Mindbender and is easier to ski at slower speeds. So if you're skiing with the fam or simply aren't looking to go mach speeds, the Rossignol Experience 84 is a well rounded all mounted ski that can do a little bit of everything.  

Last, but not least is the the Armada ARV 96. Not everyone wants a stiff ski and if you enjoy a more playful experience this is one of the best available. All mountain twin tip design is great for someone who is looking for more fun than speed. Softer flex at both the tip and tail makes the ski forgiving and easy to control in soft snow or glades. If you're trying to get into the park without sacrificing the rest of the mountain, the ARV 96 would be our top choice. Ski backwards, hit kickers, and play in the trees. If you like playful over power then don't miss out on the Armada ARV 96.

The most playful of all the skis listed that is designed for freestyleand well suited for freestyle skiers. All mountian twin tip at 96mm underfoot make this suitable for a wide variety of terrain. If you don't like stiff and powerful skis and would rather have your fun playing on the sides or hitting jumps, the ARV 96 will deliver. Softer flex at both at th tip and tail 

I only mentioned four different skis in this post and I could go on and on about all sorts of skis, but most would be similar to the ones we had discussed. If you ever have any questions maybe about a ski that I didn’t mention and how it compares, post a question below in the comments, myself or one of the other guys here will answer you ASAP.

PS: We do sell the skis I mentioned ;)