Best skis for mainly on piste

I'm heading off with my better half this weekend to the Alps for our 4th skiing trip. I think I'd describe myself as a reasonably confident intermediate - happy on greens, blues, reds. Pretty tentative on blacks and moguls. My wife probably a cautious intermediate, happy on greens and blues, not so happy on reds, won't go near a black.

Our 1st 2 skiing hols were in Norway and the ski equipment was excellent. Seemed almost brand new and we progressed well.

Our 3rd hol was in Les Arcs and we were less than impressed with the skis we hired there. I ended up with Volkl unlimited R1 skis (109/70/96) which looked like they'd been round the block many times. My wife was given Volkl Attiva (sp?) (111/66/98). We both felt very uncomfortable on day one and felt we'd moved back in terms on ability. Both sets of skis felt like they wanted to catch an edge? At the end of the 1st day one of my wife's bindings snapped (quality stuff eh!?) and we trudged back to the shop where they swapped the skis for Volkl R1 (109/70/96). My wife was happier with these although still not as happy as we were in Norway. I can't find my notes for the spec of these but I'm pretty sure we both had brand new Head Peak skis. they seemed much more stable and I think the waist was wider.

By the end of the Les Arcs week I felt I'd moved on and was dealing with the skis although they always felt slightly edgy.

We'll be hiring from Snowberry in Val D'Isere and I've pre booked their premium skis but not specified a make/dimensions.

Boots (me) - Salomon Custom Shell Impact 8

Boots (better half) - Salomon Custom Shell Idol 8

Any advice much appreciated. I'm wondering if the waists to the Volkl skis were a little narrow??

We're having a half day private lesson on the 1st day and I want to make best use of it with the right skis.

I have never hired from Snowberry but I think they have a good reputation.
What I would do is go to the shop and be clear and accurate about your skiing experience and aspirations and then ask for their recomendations taking into account the current snow conditions.
Then ....
Have a ski and if you don't have a big smile on your face because the skis suit you take them back and swap.

Too many people, both novice and experienced, just accept the first ski given in a hire shop without questioning.
If getting a ski that was right for one was that simple then all the questions and discussions about skis would be redundent.

You know what it didn't even cross my mind to go back to the shop and say I didn't like the skis.....

I won't name the establishment but they didn't seem very interested in providing us with advice or decent equipment.

bedrock barney wrote:You know what it didn't even cross my mind to go back to the shop and say I didn't like the skis.....

I won't name the establishment but they didn't seem very interested in providing us with advice or decent equipment.

I don't think most are - they get overwhelmed with punters at peak times and queues form and most skiers haven't a clue anyway so .......

But, in my experience from both sides of the fence an interested, objective, honest punter who will ask questions and listen to the advice will get good service.
Don't forget virtually all ski shop bods are keen skiers and like to show off their knowledge.

Last easter I followed my usual approach and was offered a pair of legend 85 (spring skiing lots of crud and slush etc). The shop was quiet, we were chatting about skis for sister and niece as well. He then asked my sister how good a skier I really was (!!!) and swapped mine for a longer ski, telling me to try these and come back if I wanted to swap.
I went back that evening and thanked him!
Best things I'd skied on for some considerable time.
And longest skis since before the carver revolution (eye height).
All through asking advice.

Ive never used Snowberry but have been in chalets in VDI with peeps who had and they were pretty happy.

As OA says - talk to the people in the shop, they will help you if they can

I'm off to VDI in 2 weeks so a report when you get back would be appreciated! 8)

Sorry but "BEST SKIS" does not exist for all skiers!

The question should be,,,"best or most compatible skis for me "

The "me' is the key term !

All skis are great now,,the "trick" is to find THAT ski that will compliment you!
How you ski where you ski and what you want in a ski!

No one can tell you what ski is "best" for you!

15 minutes on the slopes with you, would tell me what kind of ski you need! I would need to see how you "stand" on the skis.
I would need to see how you turn on the skis!
I would need to see how you "tame" the skis in varied ski conditions!

May I suggest you try mant types of skis and slowly narrow range to 3 skis! Then "hire" them for a week !

Sorry if I can not find THE ski for you !

You are the only only one who can do that !

Good luck finding your "mate" !

Pavel

What are 'premium' skis? For me, skis designed for advanced skiers can be dangerous becuase they are harder. I have a pair of skis designed for speed and they tend not to work well at the lower speeds I prefer. Quite scary on any hint of ice. But if you are very aggressive they work better. So best have a good look at the skis before going out on them to check the shop do not equate 'premium' with 'race' or 'aggressive' as sometimes they tend to think that way.

I haven't rented skis personally in ages but have been with people who have and my understanding of a the premium skis they offer in most hire shops is that it is the current season models-they will also probably be for more advanced skiers but mainly the new stock that looks in the best condition.
I know what you mean tho as my friend hired fischer amc76 skis 2yrs ago when he visited in Italy and loved them-they were stiff onpiste skis. He then tried my slalom skis as they were almost identical specs and i was raving about them but he hated them as he wasn't really heavy enough to work them through the turn properly.
Be as honest with yourself and the ski shop when they ask you-don't talk yourself down and return them if you don't like em!