Carving skis are more strongly shaped and usually shorter than traditional alpine skis, making them ideal for dynamic, cleanly carved turns. Their softer longitudinal flex combined with high torsional stiffness allows the ski to bend efficiently without twisting sideways — ensuring excellent edge grip.

A key performance factor is the sidecut radius defined by the ski’s shape. Depending on the intended use, typical radii range between 10 and 20 meters and can be reduced further through edging and active ski control.

Categories of Carving Skis

• Race Carver (GS): Heavy, high-stability skis with radii of 17–19 m, designed for high speeds. Recommended length ≈ skier’s height or body weight + 100.
• Slalom Carver (SL): Extremely agile, radius approx. 12–13 m. Perfect for short turns and powerful edge changes. Length: chin–mouth height or body weight + 90.
• Supercross Carver: Sporty all-round skis positioned between GS and SL. Highly versatile.
• All-Mountain Carver: Waist width from approx. 70 mm. Excellent flotation and ideal for variable snow conditions.
• Freeride Skis: Very wide skis (up to 130 mm waist width) designed for powder, off-piste terrain and heliskiing.
• Allround Carver: Forgiving, easy-turning skis with small to medium radii. Ideal for recreational skiers.
• Fun Carver: Very short, extremely agile skis with ultra-small turn radii. Largely replaced today by SL or strongly shaped allround skis.