Your ski gear can make or break a day on the slopes, but choosing the right gear is not a simple process. Skill level, preferred terrain, height, weight and gender play a key role in your decision. Finding the most suitable ski gear at the best price involves knowing when and where to shop, and taking a knowledgeable friend to help with the decision.
Skis and Boots
Alpine skiing requires ski boots, skis, bindings, ski poles, helmets and goggles, but all of these objects must work together as a team. Purchasing gear in the proper sequence assures compatibility amongst your different types of equipment. Since your feet and ankles control skiing movements, your boots are your primary gear purchases. Buying skis first causes numerous problems. The shop technicians must adjust your bindings to fit your boots, and each new boot requires a minor adjustment. Minimizing the number of binding adjustments preserves the integrity of your ski bases.
Compatibility
Your choice of ski boot indicates your level of proficiency. Beginners choose flexible boots, whereas boot stiffness increases with skill. Likewise, intermediate, advanced and expert skis are longer and stiffer. A flexible beginner boot is incompatible with a stiff advanced ski, even if the color patterns just happen to blend. An experienced shop technician can help you choose the proper ski based on your ski boot selection. Your terrain preferences also influence your ski conditions. Carving skis -- designed for groomed terrain -- have hourglass figures, with small waists and wider tips and tails. In contrast, powder skis -- called fat or phat skis -- have wide waists and less curve.
Poles
To assure the correct height, wear your ski boots when buying ski poles. Stand in your boots and turn the poles upside down. Hold the poles directly under the basket. If your elbow is bent at a 90-degree angle, the pole length is correct. Less than 90 degrees indicates the need for a shorter pole, and more than 90 degrees indicates the need for a shorter one.
Helmets and Goggles
Ski helmets keep your head warm and protect your brain during unfortunate and unintended encounters with trees and lift poles. Goggles protect your eyes and prevent the sun and snow from blurring your vision, causing you to get up close and personal with said tree or lift pole. Your goggles must fit with your helmet. Purchase your helmet first, and make sure that there are no gaps between the rim of the helmet and the top of the goggles.
Demo Skis
Most ski resorts offer demo days throughout the season. During these events, manufacturers allow you to demo one or more pairs of skis for a nominal rental fee. Maximize the demo ski experience by booking an all-day ski lesson with a certified instructor -- preferably one who uses video in his classes. Arrange to demo a few different skis, and ask your instructor for feedback on your technique while skiing on each of them. The instructor provides an objective opinion, which may prevent you from making inappropriate decisions based on the ski's color or graphics.
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