Gear Up
Before renting or purchasing
equipment, ask
yourself a few questions:
How often will
you ski? Will you ski only
on a vacation
or also near where you
live? Determining
your projected commitment
level will help
you decide whether to rent,
lease or buy
equipment.
Your equipment options include:
Renting equipment at a
local ski shop or
at the ski resort. You
can rent equipment
by the day or week. This
is often recommended
for first-time skiers.
(Note: Some ski shops
will apply the price of
rentals toward purchasing
new equipment.)
Leasing equipment for an
entire season. Some
ski shops offer this service
and it can especially
make sense for children
who quickly out-grow
gear.
Buying used equipment at
a local ski shop
or ski swap. If you are
new to skiing, stay
away from garage sales
and be careful at
ski swaps because you may
wind up with gear
that is outdated and inappropriate.
Ski shops
often sell their rental
equipment after a
couple of years. Though
these skis may look
pretty banged up, shop
personnel have checked
them to be sure they meet
safety standards.
Buying new equipment. You
might want to consider
a package deal that offers
a discount when
you buy skis, boots, bindings
and poles together.
Ultimately, owning your
equipment allows
you continuity as you progress
through skiing's
learning stages and can
also save you time
and money in the long run.
In general, alpine skis
are made of a wooden
core wrapped in fiberglass
and coated in
a fiberglass or plastic
cap with metal edges.
All skis do not perform
the same; a number
of things influence the
performance of a
ski, including combination
of materials,
stiffness, length, weight
and sidecut, which
refers to the narrowness
of the waist, or
middle part of the ski,
in relation to the
wider tip and tail.
Shaped skis, also known as super-sidecut
and hourglass skis, have narrow waists and
wide tips and tails. These skis are designed
for use in shorter lengths than traditional
models and make it easier to carve turns
and stop.
Fat skis are designed for skiing powder and
chopped-up snow. They tend to be wider and
have less sidecut than shaped skis.
There are a number of different styles of
boots, but the most important thing is that
the boots are comfortable and fit your feet.
Bindings hold your boots to the skis and
are designed to release when you need them
to during a fall. Many bindings also have
vibration-reducing features that allow you
to ski more smoothly. Your ability and weight
will determine the binding you choose.
Poles are used to help
you with your balance
and rhythm while skiing.
Poles can be made
from fiberglass, aluminum,
graphite or some
combination of these materials.
Measure up
Skis are measured in centimeters
(cm). Your
ski length will depend
on your ability, height
and weight. A shop employee
will help you
decide on the appropriate
length.
Ski boots come in traditional American sizes
and also "mondo point," which is
simply the length of the boot in centimeters.
When trying on boots, wear
one pair of medium-weight
or light-weight socks.
The fit should be snug
and your heel should
remain in place when you
flex your knee and
ankle forward into the
boot.
Your toes should barely
touch the inside
of the boot and then, when
you bend your
knee forward, your toes
should slide back
slightly.
Make sure there aren't
any pressure points
or spots that pinch your
feet and legs.
Remember, the boots will
stiffen in the cold.
The retention setting on
bindings are measured
in "DIN," which
stands for Deutsche
Industrie Norm. In general,
the higher your
weight and skiing ability,
the higher the
DIN setting. Have a ski
shop technician determine
and set your DIN for you.
Poles are measured in inches.
Get going
First-time skiers should
always take a lesson
from a qualified ski instructor.
Don't trust
a friend to teach you to
ski, and don't jeopardize
your relationship by allowing
your significant
other to serve as instructor.
Call ahead to the local
area or destination
resort to find out about
beginner lessons
and any special deals that
might be available.
Make the ski school your first stop.
Take a group or private
lesson. Ask about
classes or groups organized
by age or gender.
If you have shaped skis,
ask if the area
offers any lessons for
that type of gear.
Once you have mastered
the basics, consider
taking lessons from time
to time to help
you improve your skills
and handle different
types of terrain.
Family Matters: Skiing
is one of the few
sports that families can
enjoy together,
and many areas and shops
offer special family
discounts. Keep a few things
in mind when
you're getting equipment
for junior skiers:
Avoid buying equipment
that is too big. Don't
use the rationale that
the child will "grow
into it." Kids are
happier and more
confident when they are
skiing with the right
skis and proper-fitting
boots.
Ask your ski shop about
leasing programs
for young skiers.