What is the difference between slalom skis and giant slalom skis?

Answer

If you are a serious downhill ski racer then you know that you need to invest in at least two pair of skis. One pair of skis is for slalom racing while the other pair of skis is for giant slalom racing.

Slalom skis tend to be shorter in length and narrower because you need to move your skis quickly. In slalom the gates are fairly close together and you need to be able to maneuver around them with lightning speed. Shorter skis allow quick movement and helps prevent catching your tip on a gate.

Giant slalom skis tend to be longer and wider because you have a greater distance between gates. You want as much flat surface area of the bottom of your ski to be in contact with the snow as possible to increase your speed.

The size you choose for your slalom and giant slalom skis depends on your height, preference, and skiing ability. Consult with a ski professional to help you out.

This answer is closed to changes. This is done in rare cases when questions are being vandalized or answers have become debates. Email WikiAnswers @ Answers.com if you would like it to be reopened.

First answer by JillianG. Last edit by JillianG. Contributor trust: 336 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 88 [recommend question]