It’s hard to imagine a better way to get down the mountain than on skis. However, skiblades may be just that.
The ASO Mammoth team wants everyone who skis at Mammoth Mountain to love it just as much as we do. If that means skiing on skiblades then we have the perfect guide to introduce you here. Read all about them below, then visit ASO Mammoth for the best ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Skiblade Basics
The basic definition of a skiblade is a shorter, wider ski.
How short and how wide are skiblades?
They can vary on length and width, but generally they are only about 3 feet long and 6 inches wide. Skiblades also have twin tips, and although they originally had non-release bindings modern versions have regular release bindings like most skis.
SkiBlades are Easy to Learn the Basics On
One of the main benefits of skiblades is that their length makes them easy to control.
With less edge and weight, skiblades are easier to control and turn on than your traditional ski. That makes them ideal for beginners who simply need to create a foundation to build on. Plus, they are wider than regular skis which makes them feel more stable at low speeds or for beginner skiers.
Skiblades are a Blast to Ski On
Experienced skiers may also enjoy skiblades since they’re great for tricks and riding through the terrain park.
Their short length makes them easier to jump, grab, and spin on than regular skis. When most experienced skiers feel just how different they are, they can’t help but hit a side hit in front of their friends to show off. As a result, they are fun to ride in the terrain park and on groomed runs. They’re especially fun to ski in slushy conditions that you’ll find during spring.
Skiblades are Less Stable than Skis
Although the length and width of skiblades makes them fun and approachable for beginners, they will also hold skiers back from more advanced skiing.
If you reach high speeds like you’re certain to do while on advanced terrain then you’ll quickly miss the length of regular skis since you’ll have less edge to control your speed with. Plus, since they’re smaller skiblades are worse at absorbing bumps and wobbles at speed.
All that means that you’ll have a hard time taking on advanced terrain, so if you want to push yourself then you’ll need a set of regular skis.
Even if you want to advance in the terrain park, eventually you will need regular skis to handle landing larger jumps and tricks.
Plus, skiblades will struggle in powder. In most cases powder is easy and forgiving to ski as long as you have enough speed to not get stuck. Skiblades are so short that they can easily be buried while skiing through powder. There are models which are designed for powder, but for the most part they will quickly be bogged down in powder instead of flying through it.