Various new models of skis have been sold on the market every year. Some of them feature a superior damping property. However, it is not clear whether the damping property of the ski is important or not. It has not been explained dynamically how the damping of the ski works while skiing, and what function the damping property performs. On the other hand, various damping materials are used for many skis and special considerations are paid to some skis. Nevertheless, the damping property of the skis has hardly been published. In the present study, to make clear the damping property of the skis, an experimental study was carried out on 40 skis which were sold on the market in 1998. The damping properties of the skis were measured by using an experimental modal analysis technique. Next, the effects of a steel ball damper on the damping property of the ski are studied.