In recent years, I want to enjoy skiing powder better! The number of skiers is increasing. In fact, even in the pro shop, the movement of fat skis for powder is good. As preparations for winter get into full swing, I would like to introduce how to choose a fat ski that matches the preference and type of skier.
What is Fat Ski?
Fat skis have a wider waist than standard skis and are designed to glide easily on uncompacted slopes. The definition is vague, but the standard all-mountain ski waist width is around 80mm. It is said that when the waist width exceeds 100mm, the buoyancy in the powder is felt more strongly, and the effect is sufficiently felt.
From the basics of fat ski selection
Q. Any tips on how to choose the waist width and length? Do you decide the length by height + cm?
A. Actually, this is a very difficult problem, but in the end, I think you'll have to choose what you like! Even if the thickness and length are the same, the ride quality is greatly different depending on the board. So I think the best thing to do is test drive it. As a general trend, in the case of a waist of 100 mm, it is about the same as the height or a little longer. In the case of 115 mm, I feel that there are many people who consider height + 10 cm.
Q. I'm not sure about rocker or camber. Simply, what kind of shape is good for what kind of slip?
A. Camber is the part where the center part of the ski rises like a bow. Camber evenly distributes pressure across the entire ski from tip to tail for longer edge contact with the snow for greater control. On the other hand, if the camber is weak, it will be a board that feels easy to handle.
Rocker should be warped at the top and tail of the ski where it contacts the snow surface. The rocker part has less resistance from the snow surface and increases buoyancy in powder. If the rocker is a large board, the top and tail will not get caught even in deep snow, making it easier to handle the ski. I think it's a big advantage that it's especially easy to enter the turn.
If you want a mild ride, use a large rocker (ski warpage), and if you want to ski firmly, use a small amount of rocker! is.
Q. What is the difference between "all-mountain" skis and "freeride" skis?
A. Again, there is no clear line, but many manufacturers call 85-100mm boards that can be used both on the slopes and off-piste as all-mountain. Freeride has a strong image of skiing on natural terrain, and I think that it often refers to fat skis with a wide waist width of about 90-120mm.
Q. What kind of people buy "touring skis" that we hear a lot these days? Are you a mountain skier?
A. There are various terms such as touring, tour skiing, and backcountry skiing, but the general idea is the same. Walk up and slide down. Touring involves more walking and lighter equipment, but recently regular skis have also become lighter, so it's almost as if there's no clear distinction between them.
'22-23 season topic fat ski
Q. Anyway, I want to ride fat skis, which are a hot topic this season! Which '22-23 model do you recommend?
A. Here are the two models that we recommend from PROSHOP VAIL.
1. ARMADA｜short pants paradox
Completely new model from this season. It is a type of ski that has not been sold a lot until now called short fat. Because it is short, it is easy to handle and the tail is extremely easy to move. This ski has a small side curve and can be enjoyed like surfing.
2. NORDICA｜UNLEASHED98
Completely new model from this season. With a softer flex, this board can be played on-piste, in powder on the side of the slope, or in a small park. I think it's a completely different ski from the Nordica's image of "slide firmly".
Choose according to the purpose of skiing
Q. What kind of fat ski is best for tree runs?
A. Japan has a high density of trees, so I think there are fewer tree runs that can be comfortably dropped compared to overseas. I have my preferences here, but I think it's easier to control the top of the board with a rocker in the tail, and it's easier to change the movement and direction of the board.
I don't think there are many people who have ever tried spinning a board with a fine rhythm in a dense tree with a thick board, so I think that there are many people who recommend boards that are easy to move.
―For example, what model do you recommend?
A. As an example, ARMADA's "ARV JJ" and "JJUL (Ultralite)" have a deep rocker shape at the top and tail and a short contact surface, so they are easy to control and have high operability.
Q. Is a fat ski that works well on "non-compacted snow" ski for powder ?
A. Fat skis for skiing powder emphasize buoyancy. Many of them have a thick and soft flex, but in the case of uncompacted snow, which has various conditions, a certain amount of edge grip and turning ability are required.
Uncompacted snow isn't just powder, it can be rough, or it can look like a natural lump, but the snow is soft. think. Also, I think that the board with extreme rocker flaps and is hard to slip, so I think that a board with a certain amount of firm edge grip and a board that the edge bites properly under your feet will be more enjoyable in uncompacted snow.
―For example, what model do you recommend?
A. I think BLIZZARD's "RUSTLER" series is good.
Q.I want to experience the best feeling of floating in Hokkaido and heavy snowfall areas. What kind of fat ski if you have a special machine for deep powder?
A. Anyway, it's a thick one with a big rocker. For example, even a 130mm big fat doesn't mean that ordinary people can't handle it. Big fat is effective if you want to catch snow firmly in deep powder and enjoy the feeling of super-class floating.
If you try to slide deep powder on a narrow board, the board will lose. There is no problem when the snow is smooth, but if the snow is a little heavy or the slope is not good, it will not progress unless it is thick. In that respect, Big Fat has extremely high propulsion. Even if the slope is a little steep and it snows heavily, a thick board will respond firmly. That's why I think there's value and charm in having a big fat as a powder machine. It's a good idea to try it out first at a demo center or rental to see if you can handle it.
Q. What kind of tour ski would you recommend if you want to pursue not only easy hiking but also skiing?
A. Basically, both are perfect! There is no such ski, so you have to choose whether to cover the weight with physical strength, sacrifice the stability of sliding, or choose a board that seeks balance. However, in the last few years, each manufacturer has been focusing on balanced boards that are comfortable for hiking without throwing away slipping, so I'm paying attention. We have received many inquiries about ATOMIC's "MARVERIC series" "MARVEN" and ELAN's "RIPSTICK series".
I have two and choose the next one
Q.I have one fat ski with a waist width of 100mm, which is orthodox. If you want to enjoy powder more aggressively, if you buy a few mm thicker, can you feel the difference in sliding feeling and performance?
A. If you have a 100mm class that many people feel can be used in all conditions, I personally recommend a fat ski around 115mm. It's a thickness that allows you to enjoy deep powder, and I think it's one of the standard thicknesses that every manufacturer puts effort into.
It's great to have boards of various thicknesses and shapes, but by giving each board a different role, it's easier to choose the board to use that day. Isn't it easier to make an excuse when buying than using the same strain?
―Waist is around 115mm...For example, what kind of model do you recommend?
DPS "PAGODA LOTUS117", ARMADA "JJ", LINE "OUTLINE".
Q. If you were to choose a fat ski that you could enjoy from powder/non-compressed snow to park/groom, what would you choose?
A. If you can use anything with one, it is very often recommended that the waist width is about 100 mm.
Depending on how you feel and how you've skied, many people use a 100mm waist as their standard. The edge grip is not impaired, and the thickness is such that you can feel some buoyancy when entering deep snow. If you also want to enjoy the groom, the shape of the board may have poor edge grip if the rocker is large, so be careful. The feel of the skis in this genre varies greatly depending on the board, so it is recommended that you test drive before buying.
― What do you recommend specifically?
The ATOMIC BENT CHETLER 100 is by far the most popular fat ski that you can enjoy with just one. I think that even those who want to enter the powder slope park with one can use it. It's selling well.
Q. Basically , what kind of fat ski is used by park skiers to enjoy powder?
A. I get the impression that many people choose between 100-105mm if they think they can enjoy both with one board. Many boards are soft and easy to use for press tricks and powder skiing. If it is too thick, it will be heavy in the park, it will be difficult to turn, it will not stop spinning, and you will lose the sense of lightness, so it is necessary to consult with your own skills.
―Is there a specific “recommended” model?
A. VÖLKL's "REVOLT104", MAJESTY's "DIRTYBEAR XL", LINE's "BLEND" and so on.
Q.I really want to go to the backcountry this season. How to choose one that can also be used with the backcountry?
A. Most boards can be used in the backcountry. If you have physical strength, I think it's perfectly fine to climb on a board that you can enjoy skating. I think fat skis that are fun to ski without worrying about the weight would be the best.
However, if you are not confident in your physical strength or feel uneasy about climbing, we recommend choosing skis around 1500g, which have been increasing recently. It depends on the thickness, but there are many boards designed to enjoy everything from carving to powder, and they are very easy to use.
―Is there a specific “recommended” model?
A. ELAN's "RIPSTICK" and ARMADA's "LOCATOR" are great! The balance between weight and gliding performance is very good, and it sells well at our store.
Good fat skis to transfer
Q. originally designed for alpine racers with high gliding performance and turning performance?
A. I have an image that many people who participate in alpine competitions prefer FACTION's "DICTATOR" ('21-22 model), BLIZZARD's "RUSTLER series" and NORDICA's "ENFORCER". All boards are reinforced with metal and have a firm flex. Each series has a wide range of thicknesses, so it is easy to choose.
Q. I'm a basic skier (or have been a basic skier in the past), but I want to ski well in powder this year. What kind of fat ski should I choose?
A. Many people who have learned basic skiing are good at skiing, and I have the impression that they prefer a board that is a little firmer than a board that is easy to ride.
In the backcountry, you have to think about the weight because you have to walk uphill, so it's difficult, but if it's a powder board, something with metal underfoot or something with a little tension would be good. There are many people who are basic or race-oriented who have strong carving slips, so I often recommend them with the idea of stepping on the board to control it. I don't introduce a lot of things with a big locker.
―Where exactly will it be?
A. At our store, even basic skiers buy various types of skis. If you want to glide easily on the powder, I think that the boards with large rockers introduced so far are good. etc. may also be good.
Find fats that meet your criteria
Q. What kind of fat skis should I start with as a female slope skier or powder beginner
A. It's quite difficult (laughs). I think that there are relatively many Japanese women who are petite, but if you choose a thick powder, it will be difficult for petite people to stand out. I think it's better to take a test ride before choosing a thick board.
If you usually ride on a slope board, you can use it for all kinds of snow, such as 95 mm or 90 mm, if you enjoy the atmosphere of enjoying the fresh snow that is on the side of the slope. I think you can enjoy it without discomfort if you choose a board.
I think it will be very uncomfortable if you take a long time to get the edge and slide, or if you buy a thick board from the beginning. I don't think there will be a lot of powder piled up every week. I find it easy to use.
-What kind of length do you want?
Maybe it's because I'm a woman, but a lot of people worry about long boards. There are many boards that don't feel that long when you actually ride them, but if you have a waist width of 92 mm or 95 mm, I personally think you should choose a length that is about the same as your height. think.
―Is there a recommended model for a first-time replacement for the slopes?
Like "BLADE Woman". With a waist of 92 mm, it's a soft board for ski slopes, but it can be enjoyed with powder, and the edges are firmly chewed on slopes, so if it's the first time you're buying a new one for ski slopes, it might be interesting. In the case of BLADE, it's a bit special, and it's a board that allows you to make fine turns, so I think you can really enjoy it even if it's short. Lockers are also included, so basically I think it's easier to use if you choose the same size as your height.
Q. People in their late 40s to 60s who used to ski in the past, but are starting to lose confidence in their leg strength and stamina. What kind of fat ski can it handle?
A. For middle-aged and seniors who used to ski, there are many brands, including small ones, so I think there are many brands that you don't know. Many people don't even know which one to choose or which one to pick up at the store.
For such people, I often recommend a slightly lighter one first. Even if you don't do backcountry, if you think about enjoying the day including transportation, even in terms of physical strength, if the board is heavy, it may be difficult to go to the slopes, so it is a little light and mild. I think it would be nice to have a nice ride. We do not recommend boards that are difficult to move or that have a strong personality. Some people don't have confidence in their leg strength, so I think it would be better if they were a little softer.
―Is there a specific “recommended” model?
"ARMADA's TRACER" or "LIBERTY's Origin Series 96mm" would be good. Speaking of softness, "LINE BLADE" is the same, and "DPS Foundation series" may be good because it has a supple and mild ride.
the person who taught me
SKI SHOP VAIL
Sota Unno Sota Unno
In charge of gear for ski shop VAIL. Mogul course digger, school staff, tournament management, etc. Currently, I enjoy skiing not only on powder, but also mainly on bumps and a little park a little basic skiing.
Interview cooperation: Ski Shop Vail
Main Photo/ Daniel Honda Skier/Naoto Kono
Check them out!
