Athlete perception of skis.

Flexural and torsional rigidity are important properties of skis. However, the flexural and torsional rigidity that lead to optimal performance was unknown. For this reason, we created four pairs of slalom skis that differed in flexural and torsional rigidity. Next, we tested the skis by advanced and expert skiers. 

Using a 10-item questionnaire, different aspects of the skis’ performance were rated on a 9-point scale. For each pair of skis, physical measurements were compared. Correlations (Spearman) were then determined between (i) different mechanical properties of the skis (static and dynamic), (ii) subjective assessments of the participants, and (iii) properties of the skis and the participants’ assessments. 

The latter showed that expert skiers rate the aspects of the skis more accurately than advanced skiers. Most importantly, expert skiers are particularly sensitive to torsion of the skis. These results suggest that such highly rated elements should be addressed for ski designs.