How Parabolic Skis Are For Great Skiing

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Do you ski with straight skis and would like to do some great skiing?

If you are like me or some people I know, you are used to the traditional skis and may not think it is worth it to switch to parabolic skis.

I had a great skiing experience this weekend. And it wasn’t because of fresh powder.

It wasn’t because of a great mountain.

There has not been any fresh snow this year, and the resort can barely make snow.

Great skiing is usually caused by great ski conditions.

But I had a totally different experience this weekend.

How parabolic skis turned my average skiing into great skiing

For the past three seasons, I’ve driven to my friend’s house and went skiing with her to Liberty Mountain, about 30 minutes from her house.

Liberty Mountain is a fun little mountain.

I took my traditional skis as usual.

My friend told me that I had to try the parabolic skis. I said no thanks, I have skis.

She has been bugging me since last year. She moved away from her traditional straight skis and went with parabolic skis.

First, she rented for a season. Then, last year, she bought parabolic skis.

She couldn’t stop raving about them. I kind of listened. I just wanted her to shut up. I just wanted to get skiing and not think about new skis, especially since my skis are really not that old. I had no plans of renting or buying new skis.

Well, that changed this weekend!

My friend insisted on renting parabolic skis for me as a gift. I said no, but she insisted. She told me I would like them so much more. I was like, yeah right, how could they make that much of a difference.

I finally gave in.

So, I had some great skiing even in not so good conditions because of these parabolic skis.

My legs felt great (and it was the first time skiing this season). The skis are so much easier to maneuver.

I am so excited!

Parabolic skis make skiing easier

My turns were easier to manage.

I really felt like I had control. I could go as slow or as fast as I wanted.

I think I will go a little longer next time for a little more speed. But in general, the parabolic skis are shorter than the straight skis.

I am not a beginning skier but I can see how these parabolic skis are great for someone who is just learning.

Do you remember when you went skiing the first time? If you felt out of control, you probably were. The straight skis just are really tough to learn to ski on.

I’ve been skiing for over 15 years (with some lapses in between). I consider myself an Intermediate. I’ve skied in Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire, California, Pennsylvania, and California. You get the point. I am not a novice. I took a lesson in New Hampshire and have skied with some excellent skiers who taught me many things.

I just can’t get over how much better I did on these parabolic skis. I am ready to throw out (or give away) these straight skis. Parabolic skis are what you want if you really want some great skiing!