A Review of Ski Blades and Short Skis: Advice and Conclusions
by Technical Director Rick Paris
All the skis and blades we sell are designed for adults and teenagers. While taller or heavier children may use them, we don’t sell children’s skis, and smaller/young children should never use non-release binding snowblades.
This guide aims to introduce you to the joys of skiing with blades or short skis. Check out the YouTube video on our homepage for a quick insight, featuring the Buzz ATOM MAX. Though it highlights this model, it applies to the entire Buzz Atom range, which differs only in graphics.
Short skis are often called “snowblades,” a name popularized by Salomon, or go by other names like "mini skis," "skiboards," and "big foot." Skis under 100cm are typically referred to as blades, while those between 101-136cm are called short skis or long blades. "Big Foot," a short ski made by Kneissl in the 1990s, is no longer in production.
Why Use a Short Ski?
That’s a great question, and there’s no single answer. If I had to sum it up in one sentence: short skis make skiing easier for most people in most situations.
Some may disagree, but if you flipped the question—why use long skis?—most would say it’s simply tradition. A century ago, skiers used long skis to trudge up mountains and ski down, and the trend stuck. While standard ski lengths have shortened in recent years (from 180-210cm to 150-180cm), they’re still long planks with fancy designs.
Skiing has evolved dramatically since those early days. Back then, skiers needed the length for stability and to manage rough terrain with primitive gear. Today, technology has advanced, but the belief that skis must be long persists. Read on to explore the benefits of short skis—you may just change your mind.
Short Skis/Blades vs. Normal Skis
It’s challenging to compare these two types of skis, but here’s a general breakdown. The answers may vary depending on the specific ski, but for most holiday skiers and beginners—especially in the UK—short skis are often the better choice. Here’s why:
Long skis require a steep learning curve. They don’t feel natural at first and need weeks of practice to master. Even then, most skiers only scratch the surface of their potential. While long skis are ideal for advanced, skilled skiers, the reality is that most UK-based skiers don’t spend enough time on the slopes to reach that level. Short skis offer a solution, allowing a quicker learning curve and helping skiers improve faster. Some move on to long skis after starting with short ones, while others stick with short skis for life.
Long skis eat into holiday time. It takes several days to adjust to the feel and length of long skis, especially for beginners or those returning to skiing after a break. On a typical 6-7 day holiday, that’s a third of your time spent just getting comfortable. If the weather or snow conditions aren’t ideal, it might take even longer just to get back to your previous skill level.
Some long skis are hard to handle. With little sidecut, many long skis feel like planks, making it tough for the average skier to turn. Only highly skilled skiers can get them to perform well, and that requires significant practice—hours, days, or even weeks.
Beginners struggle with long skis. They feel large and cumbersome, making it easy to cross tips and fall. Most learners are taught to snowplough because it’s nearly impossible to teach skiing in any other way with long skis. This is why long skis make learning more difficult and why many beginners take longer to progress.
Why Are Blades and Short Skis Easier/Better?
The key reasons short skis and blades work better are length and sidecut, both equally important. While all short skis are, of course, short, the turning radius is what makes the difference in performance. To get the best results, the turning radius should be small—ideally in single digits. This is usually printed on the top of the ski and is easy to check.
What Is a Turning Radius and Why Is It Important?
The turning radius is crucial for how a ski handles turns. It’s usually stamped on the ski and indicates the radius (in meters) of the circle the ski would make in its tightest turn. A typical rental ski (around 160cm) has a turning radius of 14-22m, meaning it takes longer to complete a turn, especially on steeper slopes.
For example, a ski with a 20m turning radius will struggle with tight, quick turns on steep terrain, making control difficult. In contrast, a ski like the Buzz Atom, with a 6.2m radius, turns much tighter and faster, giving you more control, balance, and confidence.
All our blades and short skis are carefully selected with optimal turning radii to help you ski at your best. Feel free to ask for advice if needed.
When Will I See Results?
With blades, you’ll notice improvement within a few hours. As your confidence grows, the blades will inspire you even more. While shorter skis may take a little longer to get used to, perseverance will quickly lead to understanding and control. Once you feel at one with them, you won’t look back. The shorter the ski, the quicker you'll gain confidence—especially if you're unsure of your ability. Give them a chance, and you'll love them.
Even if you ski well on traditional long skis, there are plenty of reasons to switch to shorter skis. Ask yourself: how well do you ski in all conditions? We all perform best on smooth snow under clear skies, but even the best skiers struggle in poor snow and bad weather. Long skis can make these conditions unpleasant, while blades, with their superior maneuverability and control, handle them much better. Think about it!
Choosing the Right Short Ski or Skiblade
The most common question I get is: should you go for a snowblade (under 100cm) or a slightly longer short ski? My answer depends on your experience and preferences.
If you’re a total beginner, have skied several times but lost confidence, or feel stuck in your progress, I recommend a blade under 100cm. This length is perfect for slower to moderate skiers who stick to green, blue, and easy red runs. A great option is the Buzz Atom with full release bindings. We offer several high-quality models, including the Buzz Atom Max, Sporten Flash, and Elan Freeline, all designed to inspire confidence and come with various binding choices.
Many assume skis under 100cm are for kids or less capable skiers, especially larger men. That’s a misconception. These skis are used as training tools by professional alpine racers and are highly versatile—not just for kids or beginners.
If you’re more experienced and ski a few weeks a year, a slightly longer short ski (116-136cm) could be ideal for boosting your skills and fun. They offer more speed and better grip on steeper or icy slopes. I personally used the Buzz 126cm model for years and now ski on the GPO Short Rocker 130cm. These skis are forgiving and easy to handle.
In short, go for a snowblade if you're a beginner or prefer moderate speeds on gentler slopes. Choose a short ski if you're more experienced, ski faster, and tackle steeper terrain. I’ve skied both lengths on black runs and bumps, and both are great—it comes down to personal preference.
FAQ's
What do you recommend for beginners?
The shortest blades, like the Buzz Atom 99 with full release bindings, are the easiest to learn on. Progress is fast, and if you can skate, you may not even need lessons.
Are short skis or snowblades the same as kids' skis?
No, kids' skis are different. They’re softer and not designed for adults. All our skis and blades are built for adults, though teens and larger kids can also use them.
Are they suitable for tall or heavy people?
Yes, blades work for all weights and heights. Check each model for specific details.
Do you use poles with blades?
It’s a personal choice. While I use poles (especially for flat sections and in lift queues), many don’t. It's up to you!
Conclusions
If you’re starting out, have skied only a few times, are a once-a-year holiday skier, recovering from injury, or looking to overcome a plateau, ski blades could be the answer for you. They make skiing more fun, help you improve, and can unlock your potential on the slopes.
With blades, you'll quickly become a better skier than you imagined, as they respond well to your commands and inspire confidence from the start. This newfound confidence can lead to jealousy from friends or fellow skiers who might feel threatened by your progress. Just remember: some may claim “long skis” are the only way to ski. Smile and enjoy your time on the mountain!
Improving with blades isn’t magic; it’s simply about using the right tool. Why use a fork for soup when a spoon works better? Leave long skis for experts and instructors—invest in a set of blades instead; it’ll be the best decision you ever make.
I hope this guide has been helpful. These insights are based on my long experience, and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes—look for us with the big smiles!
Explore our website and enjoy!