Which Skis are the Best Skiers Using? Ski Gear & Ski Technique w/ Carv & Stomp It Tutorials

In this episode of Gear 30, host Luke Kappa dives into the intersection of ski gear and technique with Jamie Salter of Carve and Jens Nystrom of Stomp It Tutorials. Drawing on Carve’s extensive data from thousands of skiers, the conversation explores how ski width, radius, and length impact ski IQ scores—particularly in on-piste carving and mogul skiing. The data reveals that narrower skis (60–65mm underfoot) significantly boost carving performance, while mogul skiing shows less dependence on ski specs, with swing weight and flexibility playing a bigger role. Jens shares practical insights from his teaching, emphasizing that speed control and boot fit are critical for progression, especially for intermediate and advanced skiers. The episode also covers the surprising effectiveness of freestyle-inspired skis for training balance and the importance of playful experimentation in skiing. A highlight is the Carve team’s freestyle workshop with Jens in Innsbruck, where developers learned basic tricks and enjoyed a fun, low-pressure learning environment. The episode closes with excitement for Blister Summit 2026, where new Carve features will be tested. Key takeaways include: 1) Narrower skis (60–65mm) are optimal for high ski IQ scores in carving; 2) Speed control is more important than ski radius for most skiers; 3) Boot fit and cuff angle significantly affect technique and performance; 4) Training on diverse skis—especially freestyle or powder-oriented models—can improve balance and adaptability; 5) Fun and experimentation are central to long-term skiing improvement. The overall tone is enthusiastic and encouraging, celebrating the joy of learning and growth in skiing.