Is There Really a Difference Between Men's and Women's Skis?

When looking for skis, one thing you'll notice is that men's skis are listed first on the REI or Rossignol website. This is a microaggression that further reinforces the false notion that men's skis are better than women's skis. Check out for more information about men's and women's ski gear difference.

Skeptics of Women's Skis

Skeptics of women's skis may be skeptical about their effectiveness. But a growing number of women are changing this view. Brands like Blizzard Tecnica and K2 are supporting the movement, and have task forces made up entirely of women to research the benefits of women's skis.

Women's skis are lighter and more flexible than men's skis. They also have more sidecut and a waist that is closer to the tip. These features contribute to their performance, and also reduce the risk of injury. Still, some skeptics say that women's skis just "pink" or shrink.

Ski manufacturers have capitalized on these differences to create skis that fit women. Women have lower body mass and center of gravity than men, so they tend to be less stable on the snow than their male counterparts. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing - things are getting better in the world of skiing for women.

Performance

Men's skis have a wider range of features than women's skis. For example, women's skis typically weigh less than men's skis, which requires manufacturers to design a different construction method for them. The result is a lighter, softer ski. Manufacturers may also reduce the length or remove part of the metal to make the skis less bulky.

Performance is an important factor to consider when comparing men's and women's skis. Although lighter skis may perform better, women's task forces have concluded that skis that are too light may not be as effective as heavier ones. Additionally, a woman's foot is typically smaller than a man's. The result is a ski that is much more effective for women, especially when entering turns.

One major difference between men's and women's skiing is the shape and size of the ski boots. Learn if man can wear women's boots. Men's boots are typically designed to fit men's feet, while women's boots are tailored to fit women's foot shapes. Are ski trousers unisex? Let's find out from more of our articles.