A ski is the sum of many parts, and those individual parts play a significant role in the performance and characteristics of a ski. Even a minor change in core materials, sidewalls, and base structure will have a huge impact on how a ski performs on snow. This guide details the key elements of a ski, so you know what to look for when shopping for new skis.
The topsheet is a protective outer layer that prevents damage to the laminates and core below. Depending on the material and/or construction, the topsheet can also function as an additional laminate (see below), and thus impact the way a ski feels and performs. Primarily, topsheets are focused on keeping water away from the core.
Top laminates are additional layers above the core that impact the way your ski feels and performs. Depending on the material – Titanal, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, Kevlar, etc. – and application, laminates will impact dampness, torsional flex, and longitudinal flex.
The core is the meat of the ski. Made from wood, foam, or a combo of the two, the core is the primary influencer on a ski’s performance. Depending on material, profile, shape, and even construction method, the core impacts a ski’s characteristics at the root level.
Sidewalls protect the ski’s internals while also greatly influencing feel and performance. They can be vertical, cap, or a combo of the two. Vertical sidewalls (90-degree) improve dampness, deliver maximum energy transfer (edge grip), and get more energy return (rebound.) Cap sidewalls are more durable, easier in/out of the turn, and generally more forgiving in terms of feel.
Base laminates are additional layers below the core, primarily used to increase stiffness of the ski. They are far less common than top laminates (see above).
The edge is where your grip comes from. Made with high-carbon steel, edges can fully wrap the ski, or run only between contact points (tip and tail.) This is what lets you keep the ski angulated (on edge), and thus able to complete a full turn. Without edges, there is no carve turn.
The base is a polyethylene material that holds the structure and wax that allows your skis to slide on snow. The base of your ski is critical to reducing suction and friction, and thus, improving glide. They can be sintered (cut-to-fit) or extruded (squeezed like Play-Doh.)