Iain and Al pick the best new skis for winter 2024, plus help you understand what length skis to buy, what 'rocker' and 'side cut' mean and why lighter bindings aren't always better.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES What’s the difference between different types of skis? (2:00) Skis like the Line Blade, Black Crows Mirus Cor and Salomon Addikt Pro are bringing the fun back to ‘Piste’ skis (2:15) What’s the difference between Big Mountain and Freeride skis? (3:00)  How important is the width under your foot? (3:45) What are ‘All Mountain’ skis? (4:30) What is a ‘rocker? (6:00) What is ‘side cut’? (7:15) How long should your skis be? (8:30) ‘Nose to forehead’ level is a good guideline for length (10:15) What are the latest sustainability initiatives in skis (11:00) Is the Rossignol Essential the most sustainable ski ever produced? (14:00)  Only 8% of a traditionally ski can be recycled, but the Essential is 77% recyclable and it is made from 34% recycled materials (14:15) Al tested these skis at the SIGB Ski Test in February 2023 (17:15) How much are bindings? (25:15) Why lighter touring skis aren’t always the best option (33:30) THE BEST SKIS OF WINTER 2024 Salomon Addikt Pro (19:00) A ‘Piste’ ski for upper intermediates to experts. £780 including bindings. Nordica Belle 75 (21:30) A ‘Piste’ ski for women, ideal to those just getting into skiing and for intermediates. £385 including bindings K2 Mindbender 90 C W (23:45) An ‘All Mountain’ women’s ski that’s perfect for performance on the groomers, but with a freeride feel.  Great for intermediates wanting to go off the side up to more advanced and expert skiers. £455 without a binding. Scott Pure Mission 98 Ti (26:15) A true do-it-all ‘Freeride' ski that suits advanced and expert skiers. £580 without a binding. Elan Ripstick Tour 104 Glen Plake (30:00) A ‘Touring’ ski that’s 104mm underfoot but works on piste. £720 without a binding. All of these skis are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, ideas for features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:   1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode