Beginner Skis for Men

Now that you’ve wet your feet on the rentals, it’s time to pick up a set of your own. Here are six pairs built for with the beginner to intermediate skier in mind.

Atomic Vantage X 77 C

Unlike Atomic’s other skis, these have no metal, making them more flexible and forgiving on turns across a variety of snowpacks.

Blizzard Quattro 7.7

Pick up this pair if you’re already comfortable. It’s a wood core, no-frills ski that works for someone approaching the intermediate stage, but it’s not easy to learn on.

Salomon X-Drive 8.0

Made for hardpack, the X-Drive 8.0 is worth the extra cash compared to the 7.5, getting you a layer of titanium that provides increased stability, though it also requires some extra effort to maneuver.

Head Natural Instinct

These might be the best budget skis available. Head utilizes graphene to provide a stiff feel without the added weight, a problem for most composite skis.

Volkl RTM 75

Volkl RTM 75s are made specifically for beginners who like to cruise, perfect for slow, flat runs.

Nordica Soul Rider 87

Most advanced skiers prefer extra weight so they can handle rougher terrain, but there’s a growing trend for lightweight skis for extra maneuverability. For that reason, the Nordica Soul Rider 87s are great for veterans and beginners alike, as long as you’re willing to shell out the cash.

K2 Press

Some people prefer the park, for which mountain skis aren’t always built. Beginners who like rails and kickers love the K2 Press for its jib rocker and twin tips.