Skiers who learned the sport in the later part of the 20th century have distinct advantages over those who learned prior to the 1990s. Easy-turning shaped skis, gender-specific gear and boots that can be altered to fit your foot shape shorten the skiing learning curve. While beginners now have an extended selection of gear choices, the ski-gear buying process requires foresight. Serious novices will quickly fine tune their skills and outgrow their beginner-oriented ski equipment. Most ski instructors and boot fitters advise beginner skiers to rent gear until they reach a basic proficiency level.
Buying Strategy
Your ski equipment acts as an interactive and interdependent team. Since the modern ski turn initiates with foot and ankle movements, your boots are the team caption and should therefore be your first gear purchase. Resort shops rent skis, poles and helmets, so you can delay these purchases until you have a firm commitment to the sports. Rental boots are a different story. Since they are not designed for your specific foot shape, they tend to be uncomfortable. Beginner boots are comfortable and flexible, but the REI boot experts warn that even novices should avoid ski boots with a "bedroom slipper" fit. Overly soft boots minimize control, and have an adverse effect on your technique.
Time Frame
Buy your skis after you have broken in your boots and have gained a better perspective on your natural abilities and terrain preferences. Beginner skis are softer and shapelier than skis designed for intermediate and advanced skiers. They often have a layered torsion box and cap construction. The torsion box is the ski's flexible foam core. The outer layer cap construction uses a stiffer material to stabilize the ski. Since beginners usually ski on groomed terrain, skis with waists smaller than 72 mm will be more efficient for carving. If you are a fast learner, and want to experiment with powder, choose skis with 73 to 78mm waists.
Size
Longer skis are harder to maneuver. Beginners usually work best with skis that reach chin height, but heavier skiers should choose a slightly longer ski. Ski boots should have a snug fit, but you should be able to wiggle your toes in the toe box. Wear ski socks and walk around the room. If your heels slide back and forth in the heel box, the boots are too big.
Pole size is also important. Poles that are too long impede balance. Poles that are too short cause you to hunch forward to touch the snow. Turn the pole over, so that the handle faces the floor and the tip faces the ceiling. Grasp the pole between the tip and the basket. If your forearm creates a 90-degree angle, the pole is the correct length.
Features
The ski bindings connect the ski boot to the skis. Their DIN, which is a release setting, is an important feature for beginners. While the ski shop technician sets the DIN, he will ask you some important questions about your height, weight, skiing proficiency, skiing style and terrain preferences. Your honest answer determines your DIN setting. Beginner ski bindings have a lower setting, which means that the ski will release from the binding in the event of a fall. Since beginners are not yet skilled at falling, this binding release may mean the difference between looking embarrassed in front of your friends and falling and twisting your knee with the ski still attached.
Safety
Actress Natasha Richardson was skiing on beginner terrain with a private instructor at Mont Tremblant. She was not wearing a helmet. Her fall was fatal, even on easy terrain. Helmet use is crucial for safety. Beginners do not need all the bells and whistles featured in high-end ski helmets, but they do benefit from the safety and warmth that this brain-saving ski gear offers. Choose a helmet that fits your head and does not wobble forward and back or side to side. Find a helmet with a goggle attachment. Make sure that there is no space between the helmet rim and the top of your goggles.
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