factors for ski flotation

[Krakus]

What factors of ski characteristic contribute to its flotation, or more generally, good performance in deep snow? I mean both in XC and D context. Of course, width at the waist, but what else - is it possible to say, what would make ski good for such conditions?

[lowangle al]

For me it's almost all about surface area. I don't think it's a coincidence that a 270cm or so forest ski has about the same surface area as my 185 x 110 powder skis. Certain shapes may make your tips rise but I think it is at the expense of the tais sinking.

[riel]

For me it's almost all about surface area. I don't think it's a coincidence that a 270cm or so forest ski has about the same surface area as my 185 x 110 powder skis.

The amount of surface area that helps you float might be less than the total surface area, though.

I have some soft Rossi BC90 skis here that will have the tip and tail stick out of the snow, laughing at me, while I sink in. They would probably work fine for a skier who doesn't weigh as much.

My Ingstads are narrower, but stiffer underfoot, and have a larger effective surface area contributing to my flotation. The Åsnes USGI surplus skis are narrower still, but super stiff and they float even better.

[lowangle al]

Different ski design does matter how the ski floats. As an overgeneralized example, say on a soft ski your boots are a foot deep and your tips and tails are at the surface. On a stiff ski with the same dimensions your ski may sink only 6 inches but remain flat. Or worse yet a ski with the same surface area but a wide shovel and skinny tails and maybe mounted a couple cm back where the tips ride up and the tails sink leaving you unable to climb out of your own track.

[Baaahb]

What they said. Soft skis can suck breaking trail.

[randoskier]

#1 factor = speed go for tit

[lowangle al]

#1 factor = speed go for tit

Hell yeah, but it then it runs out at the bottom of the hill.