The right pair of skis should feel like part of your body. The wrong pair can seem viciously uncooperative. You should take a lot of time and effort to get the right pair that will suit your style and fit your needs exactly.

There are so many types of ski available today: from telemarking and cross-country skis to race skis and ski boards but there are some important things to consider:

• Ease of turning
• Edge grip
• Stability at speeds
• Shape
• Vibration absorption
• Versatility
• Precision
• Light weight
• Colour graphics

When you've decided on the type of ski you want (see next pages for more details), you then have to choose the right length. As a general guideline most carving skis should reach between your nose your forehead. However you need to consider the type of skiing you want to do, your level and your weight; a ski can't tell how tall you are - only how heavy you are.

If you are a beginner or like to ski slowly, then go shorter - for ease of turning and control. If you want to ski fast and hard, turn little and have better stability, or if you want extra flotation in the powder, then go for a longer length.