Camber

The upward curve or arc in the main body of a ski from the shovel to the tail. The camber is designed to allow an even distribution of the skier's mass over the entire length of the ski. The amount of camber determines a ski's performance characteristics.

A soft-cambered ski will exhibit an even distribution, whilst a harder-cambered ski is built so that the mid-section of the ski is held above the surface of the snow except when it is being heavily weighted (for example, when kicking). A ski with higher camber will feel springier than one with low camber.

See also:

• Alpine (Single) Camber
• Nordic (Double) Camber