Advice on buying snow skis?

Question

I'm an intermediate skier who is looking to buy his first skis and boots, could anyone advise me on types, sizes, costs and any good deals. I ski once a year in europe and rent the equipment but would like to do more hence looking for skis and boots.

Thanks for any help.

Andrew

Answer 1

I won't have that long of an answer but i will try to help. K2 skis are probably the best; they sponsor most pro skiers.

Answer 2

First look around and see what the prices are, usually the newer models are a rip off and go for twice as much as skis from last year. New skis can be $600-$800 or so, sometimes more, but used skis or even new skis from previous seasons are much cheaper, usally $200-$500 but you often have to purchase bindings at an extra cost. Ask a local shop what skis they would reccomend for you, they know what they are talking about. Also it depends on what type of skiing you like to do. If you like powder, get wide skis, if you are thinking of doing jumping and terrain park, get twin tips, and if you simply like groomers, get medium width skis with sidecut. There are plenty of good brands out there, honestly there is not a whole lot of difference as far as performance from brand to brand, but what matters is the size, shape, and stiffness. Since you are intermediate, you probably want a pretty forgiving ski that is a bit flexible but not too flexible so that you can advance. Flexible skis are easier to initiate turns and are more forgiving, but chatter when you go fast and do not go through cruddy snow very well. Some brands I know of include line, salomon, rossignol, fischer, dynastar, etc... but i wouldnt get to caught up in the brand. As far as size, it depends on preference but you usually want something in between your nose and forehead. Longer skis are more stable when you go faster.

Boots should fit snugly and they will feel uncomfortable unless you lean forward. I would get your foot fit for an appropriate size by a local ski shop.

Answer 3

Honestly, $800 skis won't make your trip more fun. Go for the bargains!!!

Answer 4

I agree with all of the above posts. Although I am no professional, therefore, cannot offer you valid information in regards to your questions, I do know one thing: now is the time to buy your skis.

I recently bought my skis (and boots, poles, goggles, bindings etc.) and I cannot believe how much money I saved. If you can find your size and the price is right, snatch them and run! I was lucky enough to buy my skis (K2s), boots (Nordica), goggles (Spy), poles & bindings (forget the brand) for just a little under $300. That includes my bindings getting professionally mounted with regards to my weight and height.

Here is a good website I found helpful while I was looking to buy my first set of skis (and all the "trimmings" shall we say)...

http://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/skis-sk...

Some advice I may offer to you is about your poles. Stand up straight. Stretch your arm out horizontal. Bend your arm 90 degrees down. The end of your hand is where your poles should meet (assuming the poles are straight and touching the ground).

Good luck and happy skiing (it's such an addictive sport. I wish the season never ended!!!).

P.S. If you can find the right skis now, purchase them. Most likely they are reduced in price due to the skiing season being over shortly. I just happened to be lucky and all of my gear was more than half off. Hopefully you will be as lucky, if not more.

Answer 5

I was a ski instructor for two years so I have been asked this alot.  Personally if you only ski once a year I wouldn't bother buying skis.  The ski technology is changing every year to get better and if you buy them one year they will be obsolete the next.  However I highly recommend you buy boots.  A good pair of boots can be the difference between a bad ski vacation and an amazing ski vacation.  If you are comfortable in your boots you will have a lot more fun.  With that said, got to a shop and speak with a boot specialist (DO NOT GO TO SUREFOOT).  My main problem with boots (big calves) seemed silly once I talked to my boot guy.  I got comfortable boots in an hour and it made my skiing way more enjoyable.  

Good Luck

Answer 6

Quite a few manufacturers have Ski Selectors on their websites which can give you a good idea of what would be appropriate for you. I recommend you have a look at the ski selector on www.elanskis.com even if you have no intention of getting elan skis. They give you a good idea of ski length, width, sidecut, etc, which suits you. There are plenty of sites around which also do ski reviews. If you get a chance to demo the skis before you buy, so much the better. I did that with my Rossignol Zenith 5s and really liked them. But I know others who swear by their Atomic Metron 10s for example, that's why it's helpful to try them first.

I support those who say buying boots is more important than buying skis. Comfortable feet = happy skier. Get your boots first. They're easier to transport anyway.

Don't pay full price for skis. Wait for summer sales and get huge discounts on last seasons' stock. Sometimes you can get 50% off or more.