All Mountain Ski Guide
Are you looking for new all mountain skis?
We have you covered with our guide - a deep look into what style of all mountain skis best suit you and what length skis you should be getting.
*Please note that this is a unisex guide and our women's specific guide will be out soon!
General Types of All Mountain Skiers
The Cruiser
The skier that wants to get out on the open runs and loves to hit the freshly groomer corduroy. The Cruiser likes to carve sweeping arcs but may throw in a quick turn here and there. The Cruiser may also want to get into mixed terrain like spring corn or some early powder - but knows that groomers are where they spend the most time.
Ski needs: strong edge grip, moderate flex, enough width for a variety of snow conditions.
Recommended skis
- Brockway 80 (more traditional)
- Brockway 90 (more traditional with added width)
- Ahmeek 85 (added maneuverability)
- Ahmeek 95 (added maneuverability with added width)
Recommended length
- Top of head minus 5-10 cm
The Carver
The skier that loves to roll over their knees and really drive their skis into a quick turn. The Carver revels in the feeling of their skis making short radius railroad tracks in the snow and seeks out the freshly tilled groomers. The carver generally has a set of skis dedicated to hardpack and groomers. For all mountain skis, the Carver should look for skis with a moderate turning radius and a good amount of taper from the tip to tail dimensions (14 mm or more).
Ski needs: strong edge grip on hardpack, stiffer flex, enough width for a variety of snow conditions.
Recommended skis
- Brockway 80 (stiffer flex)
- Brockway 90 (medium flex)
- Fun Carver 88 (tight 13 m turning radius)
Recommended length
- Top of head minus 5-15 cm (between eyes and chin)
The Charger
The skier that wants to ski fast and blow through anything in their path. The Charger is best characterized by aggressively driving into the tongue of their ski boots and loves to make larger radius turns. The Charger skis in a wide variety of terrain but loves the steeps.
Ski needs: stiff to medium-stiff flex, 95 mm+ waist width, mounting point at least 5 cm behind center.
Recommended skis
- Brockway 90 (aggressive with moderate flotation)
- Brockway 100 (aggressive with excellent flotation)
- Mohawk 98 (stiff and directional, yet agile and quick turning)
- Ahmeek 105 (solid underfoot, maximum versatility)
- Ahmeek 115 (powder charger)
Recommended length
- Top of head plus 0-10 cm
The Adventurer
The skier that is always looking for a new (and challenging) experience on skis and seeks out all types of terrain on the mountain. The Adventurer can often be found ducking into the trees one run, hitting groomers the next, then hiking to a powder-filled ridge. Versatility is the name of the game with the Adventurer.
Ski needs: easy to maneuver, twin tail, medium-stiff flex, 95 mm+ waist width, moderate to good flotation, edge grip on hardpack.
Recommended skis
- Ahmeek 95 (moderate flotation, quicker edge-to-edge)
- Ahmeek 105 (good flotation, stronger in heavy crud)
- Mohawk 98 (stiff and directional, yet agile and quick turning)
Recommended length
- Top of head plus/minus 10 cm (shorter for more maneuverability, longer for stability)
The Powder Hound
The all mountain skier that knows they won't be exclusively skiing powder, but seeks it out at any opportunity. The Powder Hound gets the first chair when the powder is fresh in the morning and then finds the hidden stashes throughout the mountain when the rest is tracked out. Often a close relative of the Adventurer, the Powder Hound seeks out new challenges when all the fresh snow is gone.
Ski Needs: good to great flotation, easy to maneuver, 105mm+ waist width, edge grip on groomers.
Recommended skis
- Ahmeek 105 (good flotation, stronger in heavy crud, extremely versatile)
- Ahmeek 115 (great flotation, slower edge-to-edge, not strong on ice)
Recommended length
- Top of head plus 10 cm to minus 5 cm (shorter for more maneuverability, longer for stability)
The Jibber
The all mountain skier that was likely a former park skier or a current park skier that wants to take their park skills all over the mountain. The all mountain Jibber finds all kinds of non-snow surfaces to hit, such as fallen logs propped up in the woods. Any time there is a roller to launch, the Jibber is sending it. The Jibber isn't worried about getting to the bottom the fastest, but always with style.
Ski Needs: full twintip tail, snappy flex, edge grip on hardpack, mounting point 2-7 cm behind true center.
Recommended skis
- Sarge 95 (playful yet snappy flex, newschool mounting position only 3 cm behind center, can replace a park ski)
- Ahmeek 95 (full twin, modern mounting position between center and traditional, lighter construction)
- Ahmeek 105 (great complement to a park ski, more versatility in soft snow, lighter construction)
Recommended length
- Top of head plus/minus 5 cm
Comments
Jeff Thompson said:
Hi Heather,
We make the new Medora 95 in the 156cm length! The 2021 Medora 95s weren’t released when we originally published this guide!
Link: https://www.skishaggys.com/collections/2020-2021-skis/products/2021-medora-95
We can also build both the Ahmeek 95 and 105 in a 156cm length if you call to order – it’s just not an option that we stock.
Heather Seger said:
Hi!
I was reading your All Mountain Ski Guide and I’m liking the sound of the Adventurer. But I’m 5’4" and wouldn’t 162cm be too long?
Thanks for your help.
Hayes Collins said:
I have an extensive collection of Shaggys skis and I guess each one has its situation. I like the 105 platform for fast light powder, the Tubby for spring conditions, and the 115 or bigger for days with more than boot deep snow or places like Big Sky or out west. The 115 is too big for Boyne or anywhere that doesn’t have steep terrain and snow. All Shaggys big powder skis are very nimble when you have powder under them but a 115 at Boyne on groomers is a 40 mph turn, it’s over before you get started, when they say big mountain charger they mean it. At Boyne and other smaller hills I like the softer narrower versions of their skis. I highly suggest getting the custom option for the flex quality of the ski. The Shaggy team will flex index the ski for your weight.
Jason Veith said:
Cruiser that’s starting to like some adventure!
Ahmeek 95 – First time on Shaggy’s this year! Can’t wait! Bring on the snow!!
Jeff Coppes, O.D. said:
Definitely a charger—thus my purchase of Brock 95s.