Buying skis
Skiing – or doing any snowsports – is an expensive hobby. It can cost several hundreds of dollars to buy the full kit so it’s important that you buy the right gear for you and for your ability. That way you won’t be lumbered with equipment that’s the wrong type or the wrong size.
Do you really need to buy your own? If you’re just starting out, or will realistically only get skiing once a season, hiring is probably a better option. It also makes sense to hire if you’ve never been before – what if you don’t like it?
Hiring has several advantages:
- You can try several types of skis (especially good if you’re looking to buy in the future)
- You can change it easily if you pick the wrong type or size
- You don’t have the hassle or expense of transporting or maintaining your skis
- If anything breaks, you don’t have to fix it
Also, when you do want to buy your own you’ll have a much better idea of what kind of gear you want, and what you don’t. So consider all these factors before digging out your wallet. A good compromise might be to buy a good pair of ski boots and hire the rest.
Taking the plunge
So, you’re ready to make the investment in your own ski gear. The first thing you need to do is ask for help. Skis have changed enormously in the past few years and there’s a bewildering range of brands, types, lengths and widths out there, so getting an expert on board is the best way to be confident you’re buying buy the best equipment for you.
Don’t overstate your ability to whoever is helping you. If you do, you may end up with gear that makes skiing more difficult, more dangerous, and a lot less delightful.
For example, if you’re a beginner skier who tries to use longer skis (as used by more experienced skiers), you may have trouble turning and controlling your direction. That means you’re more likely to end up with an injury rather than fond memories of the mountain. It could also put you off skiing for good, making your investment a rather bad one.
Buying skis you’ve already tried when hiring is a good way to know that you’re buying equipment that will enhance your skiing experience, not ruin it.
What type of ski to buy?
Trying different kinds of skis before you buy is good advice because you need to know what you want your skis for. Will you be staying on-piste? Will you be skiing in powder or more packed or groomed snow? Do you like hanging out in terrain parks or half pipes? Do you want racing skis?
All these require a different style and type of ski, so again, get advice on what will be suitable for the skiing you want to do.
What size?
It used to be you bought skis that were around your own height or a little taller, but that guide has now gone since straight skis have all but disappeared in favour of ‘carving’ skis. These are shorter and fatter, with an hour-glass shape that makes it easier to carve down the slopes.
So now the prevailing advice is to buy short rather than long, and some experts say the right skis should only come up to your nose.
Bindings
The bindings literally hold the whole thing together; they need to keep you in the ski, but release you if you fall.
All bindings have a release setting that governs how much force it will take to cause the binding to release. Release settings can be adjusted to suit individual skiers. The best setting for you depends on factors such as your height, weight, boot size and skiing ability. It is important to provide accurate information to the person adjusting your bindings so that you don’t end up with bindings that either release inadvertently or don’t release when they should. Either of these could result in an injury. Knee injuries are a common result of non-release.
Cheaper ways to buy
If you can’t stretch to buying brand new, or you want a step that’s in between hiring and buying off the rack, consider buying second hand or last year’s stock on sale.Chances are last year’s discounted set of skis is every bit as good as this year’s.
However, if you’re buying used make sure they aren’t damaged or broken in any way. It’s also particularly important to get second-hand equipment serviced; that’s they only way you can really know they’re in top condition and won’t let you down – the hard way!
End of season
Maintenance is vital. When you return from your winter holiday always have your equipment professionally serviced. That way you know it’s safe and ready to go the next time it snows.
