Is buying a pair of skis worth it?

Question

I have been skiing for a few years now (3-4 years, I'm 15) and I'm really starting to get into it. I live in Chicago (no good sking nearby unfortunately), but I go out west usually twice a year to Beaver Creek. I own my a pair of decent boots that I got in January in Beaver Creek. But now I'm looking into trying out the slopes in Wisconsin/Michigan/etc. So I have a few questions

1) What are the best skis for me (6'0 170 lbs)?

2) What are the best ski areas in the Midwest within a reasonable drive of Chicago

3) Is it possible to make skiing a hobby without blowing all your money?

4) Is a road trip to Colorado reasonable?

Answer 1

1. just find what skiis you like at a skii shop

2. i dont know i do my skiing in penslyvania amd a few other places

3. yes

4.yes

Answer 2

1. The best type of skis for someone your age are probably a nice all mountain. It really depends on your level of skill. THe Line phophets are very nice all mountain. You can do the park just as good as other skis and do all mountain with powder just the same. You would do good with about a ski between 160(if you want it to be easier) and 173 Tops. Buy your skis on ebay if you don't want to pay $450. I got $1200 skis for $250 just a year older brand new.

2. I really don't no it is Really flat out there, but if you can find a hill with more than 600 vertical feet that would do.

3. It is easy to make skiing a hobby you can spend $150-200 on skis and buy lift tickets for $35

4. Driving will waste alot of time. Your 15 im 14 missing that much schools tough especially wasting it in the car. I go out twice a year too. Flying is a good option. United has a big hub in chicago. I always fly there and then into denver. United also has a big hub there too. You could find nonstop for under $200 especially on Travelzoo.com great deals!!! Driving to CO would also be a problem during a snow storm.

Answer 3

1. Your best bet is to demo skis to get to know what you like. For your needs I would look for a quality all mountain ski.

2. You have quite a few areas in WI and MI within 2 hours of Chi-Town.

3. Yes. It helps to buy your own skis rather than blow your money on rentals.

4. Yes. But, with the high price of gas and the bargains out of ORD to DEN sometimes it is cheaper to fly.

Answer 4

To answer your question.

1. there are a couple a good shops around town .. go and ask. The Ski swap put on by the Central Region Ski Patrol is really good for used stuff. .. Go to Willmot or Villa Oliva and take a lession. the instructors can give you a good Idea as to a "class" of ski to buy.

2. Chestnut mtn is the best close by .. 3 hours by car ( right by Galena IL) for evenings Willmont, or even V.O.  Lake Geneva can be fun for a quick drive. as for no good snow.  Some of the best skiers in the world come from your neck of the woods.. midwest sking teaches you a lot of skills. Your right you are not going to get a 3' powder dump any time soon by if your putting in time at willmont. the next time you go to Colorado and everyone is complaning about how 'icy' it is. you will be carving circles around them.. and having a awesome day

I live in the west now .. but I will let you in on a secret

I skied way more when I lived in Chicago

I skied at least 2 night a week and every day on the weekend

Now if i can do a day a week I am ahead of the game

3. the trick to making sking a hobby is

       1. NEVER PAY RETAIL ( ski swap, ebay old demos )  

       2. Get involved in the ski community ski-patrol  next year when you are 16 V.O is always looking  the medical is 3 months but worth every second.   I havent payed full price for a lift ticket in over 10 years. I generally ski for free unless I am traveling

4. Of course it can be done in a day ( well usually a day into the evening )

Answer 5

1.  Go to a local ski shop, try on some different skis, get an expert to tell you, depends on your style of ski

2. Not sure, just explore

3.  Yes

4.  Yes

Answer 6

Buying skis - yes you should. If you're getting into it, it can save you money as well as help you progress. Don't forget the summer sales - you can get really good bargains. I wouldn't pay full price for skis.

All-mountain skis are the most versatile and will suit all conditions. Atomic Metrons, Rossignol Zeniths, that sort of ski. There are many. Length - a rough guide is about 5-10cm shorter than yourself, but consult the manufacturer's recommendations. Listen to the advice of the experts in the ski shop.