Naked Family Points
For many, skiing is much more than just a winter sport. For some, it means freedom and adrenaline; for others, it's the perfect escape from everyday life . But while we carve down perfectly groomed slopes or leave our tracks in deep powder, hardly anyone thinks about how much development work actually goes into a modern ski.
The area of operation:
A ski is anything but a simple piece of sports equipment. It's a precisely engineered , high-tech product where every material and every layer fulfills a very specific function. Building one is a long process, from the initial concept to the finished ski. Everything must be planned down to the smallest detail. But the first step is always the fundamental question: What is the ski intended for? Here, you need to consider whether you want to build a ski suitable for groomed slopes, all-mountain, park, or freeride . Each of these disciplines has different requirements. For example, a ski designed to perform well at high speeds on hardpack needs maximum stability and edge grip.
The individual parts:
1. Core:
Once the intended use is defined, the actual construction begins. The heart of every ski is the core . This significantly determines the skiing experience. Higher-end models almost exclusively use wood. But why? Wood possesses excellent damping properties . These are particularly durable and responsive. Poplar, beech, or ash are frequently used for this purpose. A combination of these woods is also not uncommon. Through the varying thicknesses of the wooden lamellae and their precise arrangement, the ski's flex can be controlled exactly . For example, a softer shovel makes turning easier, and the binding provides more stability . More affordable skis sometimes use a foam core. While this reduces weight and cost, it cannot compete with a wooden core in terms of performance and durability.
2. Material layers:
To give the skis the necessary stability , they are surrounded by several layers of material. Fiberglass is a classic example. This ensures a harmonious flex and good control. Carbon fibers are primarily used when weight needs to be saved and the ski made particularly responsive. Titanal is often used for maximum smoothness. This is an aluminum alloy that reduces vibration and makes the ski significantly quieter. The combination of different materials often determines whether a ski should be playful and agile or uncompromising and powerful.
3. Edges:
The next important component is the steel edge . This is inserted along the ski's shape. It provides a precise grip on icy or hard surfaces. The steel contributes significantly to the ski's durability. In addition, there are the sidewalls . These are usually made of robust ABS plastic . The sidewalls protect the ski from impacts and ensure that the skier's power is transferred directly to the edges. This is an important factor for control and precision . On the underside of the ski is the base, which consists of polyethylene . High-quality skis use sintered bases because these are particularly durable. This allows wax to be absorbed, and the ski can glide faster over the snow. The base is crucial for how well a ski accelerates and how long it maintains its performance .
The manufacturing process:
Once all the individual parts are prepared, the actual manufacturing process begins. The various layers are precisely stacked on top of each other and placed in a special mold. This gives the ski its final shape and camber or rocker profile . Under high pressure and controlled heat, the materials are pressed together until they form a solid unit. This step is particularly sensitive, as even small deviations can significantly affect the ski's performance. After pressing, the ski must cool and harden. Only then can it be further processed.
In the final step, the ski receives its finishing touches. The base is sanded and given a structure that ensures optimal gliding properties depending on the snow conditions. The edges are sharpened and tuned, the pre-printed topsheet is cleanly exposed, and every surface is carefully inspected. Before a ski leaves the factory, it undergoes intensive testing to ensure it can withstand the stresses of the mountain. This is always the case, regardless of whether it's freezing temperatures, high speeds, or hard landings.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it becomes clear that a modern ski is the result of years of experience, technical innovation, and genuine passion. But even the best ski can only reach its full potential if the rest of the setup is right. Clear vision and reliable protection are just as crucial on the mountain as the right ski. Ski goggles like ours SOLAR goggles are designed precisely for this purpose. They combine minimalist design with maximum comfort. Thanks to their new, compact size, they fit perfectly on smaller faces and offer comfortable wear all day long. While unisex, they are particularly popular as ski goggles for women because they are lower than other ski goggles in our range. The slim frame reduces pressure points on the cheeks and nose without compromising on protection or style.
Credits: Elias Neier