Top 10 Ski Brands - Ten most popular snow skis
If you are looking to follow the crowds and select your skis from the most popular brand names available then here is a rundown of the top 10 ski brands (listed in alphabetic order):
Atomic Skis
Atomic skis are based in Austria one of the preeminent skiing countries of the world. Founded in 1955 they have concentrated efforts on downhill or alpine ski racing and have provided skis for such legends as Hermann Maier. Always keeping close contact with the Austrian Ski Team they have had much success in world cup and Olympic ski racing. Check out the Drive range for on-piste or the Nomad range for all-mountain skiing.
Dynastar Skis
Another French based ski company formed in 1963 and now part of the Rossignol group that is paired with Lange ski boots. For on-piste skiing the Contact range is available and for all mountain consider the Legend models.
Elan Skis
Elan is a Slovenian company founded in 1945 that has always sought the best in functional yet technically advanced skis. Innovation in design and engineering to reach the top of the professional ski world. Try out the Waveflex Technology of the Speedwave and Magfire ranges.
Fischer Skis
Fischer was founded in Austria in 1924 by Josef Fischer. One of the biggest manufacturers of skiing equipment Fischer was the most successful world cup ski brand of the 2007-8 season. For on-piste try the RX-8 Fire or all mountain try out the Heat range.
Head Skis
Head originated in the USA and brought out the first metal ski in the 1950’s. With success in competitive alpine skiing the brand remains at the pinnacle of skiing. Sponsorships of Bode Millar and Henrmann Maier and many other rising stars make this a firm favourite on the slopes. Xenon should suit for groomed on-piste and the iXRC an all-mountain option.
K2 Skis
From 1961 K2 have pioneered fibre class and composite ski products. Now a sister company to Volkl it is a firm favourite in the recreational ski market. Try out the Apache Recon for some on-piste action or the Outlaw for the more adventurous. For the ladies the Luv range is proving all the rage.
Nordica Skis
Nordica is part of the Technica Group and based in Italy. Originally a boot manufacturer the brand sports a wide range of skis. Try out the Dobermann range of race skis or the Hot Rod range for all-mountain conditions.
Rossignol Skis
One of the older companies founded n 1907 and again a French company they have been at the forefront of designing plastic skis. Many successes at all levels of ski competition make Rossignal a mark of true distinction. For the racer the Radical will suit but for all-mountain try the Zenith.
Salomon Skis
Salomon skis started out life in the French Alps in 1947. Always at the leading edge of ski technology they have an been at the pinnacle of alpine ski equipment ever since. They are now a global force and one of the most visible brands in skiing. There Aero models for on-piste and X Wing for all mountain are worth serious consideration. For women’s skis try out the Origins range.
Volkl Skis
Volkl was founded in Bavaria and started making skis in 1923. Volkl to this day produces some of the most technically advanced skis. Top of the range is the Tigershark that includes a performance switch to change the skis characteristics for different terrains and styles. For on-piste the Tiger and for the women the Attiva range.