What are shaped skis?
Shaped skis are skis that have a pronounced narrowing in the mid point of the ski. This hourglass shape allows the ski to turn much easier than the strait skis of the past. When the ski is turned on edge the front edge contacts the snow first which drives the tip into whatever direction the ski was turned. Then the ski continues to flex until the pressure is underfoot. The back of the ski is also larger so it continues the turn around making a nice rounded turn with no slipping and sliding. The amount of difference between the tips and waist determines how quick the ski will respond and how wide the turn will be.