If you're buying second-hand skis, one of the first things you'll notice browsing listings is that skis come in very different widths and shapes - and that's not just styling. The type of ski you choose has a big impact on how it feels underfoot, and how well it matches the way you actually ski.
This guide breaks down the three main categories you'll come across, so you can shop with confidence and pick a pair that suits your style, not just your budget.
The simple rule: waist width tells the story
The easiest way to understand what a ski is built for is to look at its waist width - the measurement underfoot, in millimetres. It's listed on every MountainLoop product page, and it's the single biggest clue to how a ski will behave.
Narrower skis are quicker edge-to-edge and grip firm snow well. Wider skis float better in soft snow but feel less precise on hard-packed pistes. Everything else about ski design follows from this trade-off.
Piste skis (under 85mm)
Best for: Skiers who spend most of their time on pisted runs, and want precision, control, and confident carving.
Piste skis are narrow, quick to turn, and built to grip hard, packed snow. They're typically lighter and easier to control at slower speeds, which also makes them a great choice for beginners and improving intermediates - not just experts chasing speed.
- ✓Fast, easy turn initiation
- ✓Strong edge grip on hard snow
- ✕Less stable in deep or choppy snow - they're not designed for it
Good for: Beginners building confidence, intermediates sharpening technique, and strong skiers who mostly stick to resort pistes.
All-mountain skis (85mm-110mm)
Best for: Skiers who want one pair that can do it all - piste in the morning, a bit of fresh snow off to the side later in the day.
All-mountain skis are the most versatile category, and by far the most popular choice for a single "do everything" ski. They compromise slightly on outright piste precision compared to a narrower ski, and slightly on powder float compared to a wider one - but that compromise is exactly the point.
- ✓Confident on piste, capable in light off-piste conditions
- ✓Good stability across variable and changing snow
- ✓The safest "one ski to own" choice if you only want a single pair
Good for: Most intermediate to advanced skiers who ski a variety of terrain and don't want to own multiple pairs.
Powder / freeride skis (110mm+)
Best for: Skiers chasing fresh snow, off-piste terrain, and big-mountain days.
Wide, often with substantial rocker (an upward curve at the tip and tail), powder skis are built to float on top of deep snow rather than cutting through it. They come at a cost on hard-packed pistes, where their width makes quick, precise turns harder work.
- ✓Excellent float in deep or variable snow
- ✓Stability at speed in open terrain
- ✕Less nimble and more demanding on firm, groomed pistes
Good for: Confident, experienced skiers who prioritise off-piste days, or those who already own a piste-focused pair and want a dedicated powder option.
So, which one should you buy?
If you're only buying one pair, ask yourself honestly: where do you actually spend most of your time on the mountain?
There's no wrong answer - it's about matching the ski to how you ski, not buying the widest or most technical-looking pair on the page. A narrower ski in the hands of a piste-loving skier will always outperform a wide powder ski being forced to carve all week, and vice versa.
One benefit of buying second-hand: it's far more affordable to build a small quiver - say, an all-mountain pair for everyday use and a dedicated powder pair for that one big trip - than it would be buying new. You can match your gear to the day, not just settle for one compromise pair because that's all you can justify buying at full price.
Not sure where your ability level fits into all this? Check out our guide on choosing the right ski flex for the next piece of the puzzle.