How to Buy Alpine Ski Equipment
Getting the right equipment for full winter enjoyment
While some dream only of heat and sunny beaches, others are longing for life in white as they impatiently await ski season.
Downhill sports can easily cost you an arm and a leg without even seeing a mountain. The buying guide that follows will help you make educated buying decisions that will hopefully see your new ski equipment lasting for a number of years.
Before You Consider Any Options
The first thing you have to do is determine what skill level you ski at. Be honest with yourself - 80% of intermediate skiers think they are experts! When purchasing skis, it is recommended that you choose a model one skill level higher than what you rate yourself at. This will allow you to use them longer and to learn faster. On the other hand, if you choose a model too advanced for you, you will spend your time trying to figure out your equipment and be at risk for accidents.
What Are Shaped Skis?
The invention of shaped skis has brought about a revolution in skiing.
While a conventional ski is longer and practically straight, the shaped ski is larger at the ends and narrower in the middle. It is easier to manage and therefore beginners can have more fun on the slopes with much less effort.
Identify your style
It is important identify what kind of skiing you want to participate in before you choose your ski style. When referring to the list below, keep in mind that there are a many other ski slope activities like moguls or acrobatics that require more sophisticated equipment.
Recreational: Recreational or alpine skis are designed to perform relatively well all over the mountain. They are the most popular ski sold today.
Freeride: The freeride is designed for maximum ski fun in a variety of extreme conditions, ranging from powder to moguls. It is perfect for those that have already mastered most skiing techniques and are looking for a new challenge, and is commonly recommended for advanced or expert skiers.
Freestyle: The acrobats' skis! These ski's are curved at both ends, allowing the skier to land front- or backwards on the slope. There are however many techniques in the large category of freestyle that may require specialized equipment.
Racing: These skis are longer for more stability at high speeds. They require a high level of skill to turn.
Snowblades: Snowblades are mini-skis and are very easy to maneuver - everyone can have fun on the slopes as they are so easy to get used to. Often referred to as trick skis, blades are effective for jumps and pirouettes.
Télémark: Telemark is a mix of cross-country and alpine skiing that originated in Norway. The skis are shaped like the alpine models but have the bindings of cross-country skis ie. the heal is not fixed. They are easy to master but are a lot of fun and an excellent challenge for experienced skiers. Another advantage of this technique is the freedom to practice both alpine and cross-country skiing on one type of ski.
Choosing the right size
The length of your skis is determined not only by your height but also by your weight, skill level and choice of technique. Shorter skis are easier to maneuver while longer skis offer more stability.
Beginners and slalom lovers will direct their choice towards a shorter ski. More aggressive skiers and speed lovers might choose a longer version. The rule of thumb recommends a nose height ski to start, and a longer one (up to the top of your head) as your confidence grows. Skis should never be shorter than your chin level.
Flexibility
The more rigid a ski is, the more difficult it is to master. However, it allows repetitive turns more easily. Beginners and recreational skiers will prefer a more flexible model that adheres to the snow better.
Since women tend to weigh less than men do, it is recommended to choose a model designed for the fairer sex. They are more flexible, lighter and the bindings are installed slightly further to the front in order to accommodate the lower center of gravity of a woman.
Bindings
Bindings make the connection between the ski and the boot. Bindings are set according to your skill level. They are important for your safety because they will release the ski if a pressure greater than the one set at installation (called the DIN) is applied.
Beginners tend to fall a lot and require their skis to release immediately, while experienced skiers will venture into more arduous terrain where a ski releasing at high speeds or while landing a jump would be disastrous!
Poles
Not all skiers use poles - it all comes down to preference. Some find them annoying, but beginners tend to find poles reassuring.
The correct length of a pole is determined when you are on your skis: with the poles pressed into the snow, they should form a 90-degree angle with your forearm. Poles that are an incorrect length will force you into a bad skiing posture.
If you are buying ski equipment for a child, you will have the option of choosing telescopic poles that can grow with him or her, although these can be a little less solid than regular poles.
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Boots
There are three different models of ski boots:
- Rear-entry boots are more common for young skiers and beginners and tend to be less expensive. They are easy to put on and are popular because they are so comfortable.
- Front-entry boots are designed for performance - competition skiers, racers and instructors favour them for their precision. The back of the boot is usually cut higher than the sides to keep the skier from leaning back too far.
- Mid-entry boots offer the performance of the front-entry boot as well as the comfort of the rear-entry model. They clip like the front-entry boot but the back opens, allowing you to slide them on more easily. Intermediate and advanced skiers usually choose this style.
Once you have identified the boot model that suits you, it is time to consider size. Regular shoe sizes don't apply to ski boots: the size used by manufacturers can be found in the interior of the boot, and is measured in centimeters.
A ski boot should be comfortable and should put no pressure on the foot or the shin. The toes should be close to the end of the boot, without actually touching it. Your foot and heal should not be move when you lean into the front of the boot in a skiing position.
Goggles
The usefulness of ski goggles is often under-estimated but they are a crucial element of your equipment. On top of protecting your eyes from ultra-violet rays, they will offer better visibility, as well as protect them from snow, ice particles, and branches. Think about the following factors when shopping for goggles:
- Multiple lenses have less of a tendency to fog
- Some lenses are treated with a chemical that helps prevent fogging
- Choose goggles offering at least a 95% UV protection
- Choose goggles offering peripheral vision (180 degrees) in order to see other skiers and obstacles.
- Make sure goggles are well padded so that they don't injure your face in case of a fall.
- Make sure that you can adjust the band to prevent to them from moving while you are skiing.
Various lense colors are suited to different conditions:
- Black or polarized: helps reduce reflection without altering colors. Ideal for very sunny days.
- Green or silver: increases contrasts. Good for clear days.
- Yellow or amber: helps reduce blue reflections and highlights contrasts. Good in most conditions especially in days without sun.
- Pink or purple: appropriate for over-cast days.
- Clear: recommended for cloudy days and at sundown.
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