So you’re shopping around, checking out ski equipment for sale, and you keep seeing these edge angle numbers pop up. 87 degrees here, 90 degrees there. What does it all mean, and why should you care?
Here’s the thing: edge angles directly affect how your skis grip the snow. Get this right, and you’ll carve smoother turns on your favorite trails. Get it wrong, and you’ll fight your skis all day.
What Edge Angles Actually Mean?
Think of your ski’s edge as a knife. The angle refers to how sharp that edge contacts the snow when you tip your ski on its side.
Most skis come with edges between 87 and 90 degrees. Lower numbers mean sharper edges. Higher numbers mean more forgiving edges.
The 1-degree difference might seem small, but it changes everything when you’re moving at speed down a mountain.
Matching Angles to Your Turn Style
Tight, Aggressive Turns (87-88 Degrees)
If you like to carve hard on groomed runs, you want sharp edges. A 87 or 88-degree angle bites into packed snow and holds through aggressive turns.
This setup works great when:
- You’re skiing mostly groomed trails
- You make quick, precise turns
- You can maintain good edge control
The downside? Sharp edges catch more easily if you make a mistake. They’re less forgiving when the snow gets choppy or icy.
All-Around Performance (89 Degrees)
This is your middle ground. A 89-degree edge gives you decent grip without being too grabby.
Most recreational skiers do well here because:
- You get good hold on groomers
- The edges forgive small technique errors
- They handle mixed conditions better
If you ski different types of terrain on the same day, this angle gives you flexibility.
Relaxed, Forgiving Turns (90 Degrees)
When edges hit 90 degrees, they become much more forgiving. They won’t bite as hard, but they also won’t catch and throw you off balance.
This works if:
- You’re still developing your technique
- You ski varied terrain with inconsistent snow
- You prefer smooth, flowing turns over aggressive carving
The trade-off is less precision. You won’t rail turns on hard pack like you would with sharper edges.
Reading the Grooming Conditions
Now let’s talk about where you actually ski.
Hard-packed groomers need sharper edges. When the snow is firm and consistent, you can use that bite to your advantage. The ski will hold through your turns without sliding out.
Mixed or variable conditions call for something different. If you’re dealing with:
- Morning ice that softens by afternoon
- Groomed runs with sections of chopped-up snow
- Areas where people have skied out the surface
Then you want a less aggressive edge. Something in the 89 to 90-degree range will move through these conditions without catching unexpectedly.
Off-piste or ungroomed terrain? You definitely want edges closer to 90 degrees. Sharp edges dig into soft snow and make it harder to initiate turns smoothly.
Adjusting Your Current Skis
Here’s good news: you’re not stuck with whatever angle your skis came with.
Most ski shops can adjust edge angles during tuning. They use specialized tools to file the edges to your preferred specification.
Before you make changes, consider:
- Where you ski most often
- Your current skill level
- The turn radius you naturally prefer
Start conservative. If you’re unsure, go with 89 degrees. You can always sharpen from there, but you can’t un-sharpen without removing more metal.
Turn Radius Plays a Role Too
Edge angle doesn’t work alone. Your ski’s sidecut (turn radius) matters just as much.
Short-turn-radius skis (less than 16 meters) with sharp edges will carve tight, snappy turns.
Long-turn-radius skis (more than 18 meters) with sharp edges excel at high-speed, drawn-out arcs.
The combination of edge angle and sidecut determines your ski’s personality on the mountain.
Making Your Decision
Think about your last few ski days. What frustrated you?
If your skis felt grabby or unpredictable, you might need to dull your edges slightly. If they slipped out during turns on hard snow, sharper edges could help.
Your edge angle should support the way you actually ski, not some ideal version of yourself. Be honest about your ability and the conditions you face most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a ski edge angle actually mean?
Answer: It’s the angle at which your ski edge contacts the snow. Lower angles (87-88°) are sharper for aggressive carving, while higher angles (89-90°) are more forgiving and easier to control.
Which edge angle is best for beginners?
Answer: A 90-degree edge is ideal for beginners or those skiing mixed terrain. It’s forgiving, reduces catching, and allows smoother, controlled turns.
Should I adjust my ski edges for hard-packed groomers?
Answer: Yes. Sharper edges (87-88°) give more grip and precision on firm, groomed snow, helping with tighter, aggressive turns.
Can I change my ski’s edge angle after purchase?
Answer: Absolutely. Most ski shops can tune your edges to your preferred angle using specialized tools. Start conservative if unsure—you can sharpen further later.
Does edge angle affect all types of terrain?
Answer: Yes. Softer snow or off-piste terrain benefits from higher angles (89-90°) for smooth turns, while groomed trails benefit from sharper edges for precision carving.
