Buying a pair of skis, let’s face it, it`s not an easy task… Depending on the type of skiing you prefer, the conditions, your skill level , there is a whole bunch of criteria to consider and therefore it is easy to get lost in the large choice of products. Whether you are an experienced freerider, an amateur touring skier or simply a beginner skier, buying a pair of skis is not to be taken lightly. As well as being an investment, your skis will accompany you on your best sessions as much as on the worst ones, so you better choose correctly.
BUYING YOUR FIRST PAIR OF SKIS: YOU SKI JUST FOR PLEASURE BOTH ON PISTE AND OFF-PISTE
You ski every possible opportunity you can; fed-up renting skis? it’s time to get your very own pair. A versatile ski is what you should be looking for to get the most out of the groomed piste, difficult conditions or “crud” and why not even some off-piste? Buying a versatile ski at ZAG corresponds to our all-mountain range composed of skis from our Harfang line and SLAP line. The Harfang is our flat heel ski, more shaped for the “groomers”, a pair like the Harfang 86 will be your best ally for some nice curves but will be all the more efficient “In those moguls” as it remains ultra-maneuverable. If you are heading more towards a freeride oriented ski, piste and off-piste, a ski like our SLAP 98 will be perfect on any terrain and in particular a good float capacity in powder snow.
BUY A PAIR OF SKIS TO GO HIGHER: YOU’RE A FAN OF HIKING AN “UPHILL VERTICAL OFFICIANADO”
You already own a pair for the groomed slopes, for fresh powder and you’re only missing this famous pair to go reach the summits? We have the solution for you with our touring and freetouring ranges. If you want to buy a pair to go freetouring, we advise you to direct yourself toward our star model; the UBAC! A light and wide ski that will permit you to access those amazing untouched lines that you’ve spotted. Our Ubac 95 is the ultimate freetouring ski, with a lot of comfort and a great skiability, once bought you will not be able to do without it! On the other hand, if you are looking for a “pure” touring pair for optimal climbs while retaining a ski that performs well on the descent, try our ADRET. Ultra-light, these skis will allow you to navigate the mountain with ease. They are endowed with a great technicity and versatility which make them a reference in the field of ski touring. So, if you want the lightest ski possible, the ADRET 78 will be the perfect match for your “uphill gain in record time”. For a little more versatility “for day touring or hut to hut”, do not hesitate to consider buying a pair of ADRET 85 also available in a lady version.
EXPERIENCED SKIERS SEEKING SENSATIONS: YOU SKI ALL THE TIME; IT IS YOUR REASON FOR LIVING
Your quiver of gear is almost as impressive as Wadeck Gorack’s? You love to buy new models and you’re looking for a pair to complete your collection…? Well, you are in the right place since at ZAG, innovation is at the heart of our ZAGLAB in Chamonix, core of the R&D, where we manufacture and test the future prototypes. We offer some versatile models but also more specific ones for experienced skiers & riders who wants to go beyond their limits. Our SLAP 122 for example is an excellent purchase if you’re in need of a real gun for powdery days in the resort. And for those diehards that want to reach those unskied & isolated lines under their own steam, the BAKAN will be your best allies with it’s 112 mm width , a lightness to match and an elaborate shape which will allow you to have maximum pleasure in deep powder and to slalom with ease in the forest on that run to the valley floor.
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES TO ACCOMPANY YOU ON YOUR SKI TRIPS
Buying your first or 28th pair of skis, Done! But don’t forget the different accessories that you may need out in the mountains. Indeed, if you’ve chosen touring skis, it is mandatory to purchase some skins and eventually some crampons. Bindings will also be vital for you because it’s complicated to ski without them… You can find our different models, more or less light, hybrids or not. Let’s not forget the poles, they are a must for a good ski session. Telescopic or not, there is something for everyone and do not hesitate to have a look at our “Batons d’Alain”, conceived for our 20th anniversary in collaboration with Alain Desez, high mountain guide in Chamonix. Finally, a backpack to carry all this stuff should not be unwelcome or overlooked right? We propose to you our little new one at ZAG; the upcycled touring bag in collaboration with “la virgule” which will be able to contain your skins or crampons.
Whether it is all mountain, freeride or touring skis and whatever your level, purchasing a pair of skis as you may have noticed up here is a complex process and pretty specific. Needing some expert advice? You will thus find on each model, a detailed description to guide you in your choices and therefore in your purchases.
