How to Buy Equipment and Gear
Here’s a handy primer on what you need to know to get started – including how to choose the stuff that’s right for you.
Peter Lane, a business partner of Ski Cellar Snowboard in Calgary, is a seasoned pro when it comes to outfitting new skiers. We detail his advice below, along with suggested price ranges.
At the bottom of this article, we also consider the pros and cons of renting vs. buying.
“Apart from a helmet, ski boots are likely the most important part of the equipment equation,” says Peter. “Great-fitting boots mean a good day even on mediocre skis, whereas poor-fitting boot mean a bad day even if you’re on a great pair of skis.”
The key to a great day of skiing is a pair of boots that not only fit your feet well but your performance level as well, he says. How should they fit? Comfortably snug all over. It should fit like a skate. Your feet should not move laterally or back and forth, because if they do, you’ll reduce effective steering and edge control of your skis.
“We carry many different boot models to cover the variety of different footprints and skier needs, but it can be a daunting task for a beginner to look at so many boots and figure out just what it is they need,” says Peter. “As professional boot-fitters, we will simplify this process for you by doing the following:”
“At this point, close your eyes and let your feet choose the most comfortable pair, ensuring they are snug and secure all over,” says Peter. You should place more value on a comfortable snug fit than how they look.
“For people just starting out in the sport, I would recommend a ski that is good in all types of terrain and conditions,” says Peter.
The flex, shape (side cut), and size will be determined by the person’s weight, and height to a lesser degree.
“As a beginner who is looking to progress, it is important for the ski to be reasonably forgiving in flex to allow the skier to adapt to changing terrain with less effort,” says Peter.
Also, ladies will benefit greatly by purchasing Ladies-specific skis, where the midpoint is further forward to accommodate ladies’ lower centers of gravity. General rule of thumb is: the stiffer the ski, the more advanced it is, and the softer the ski the more intermediate and forgiving it is.
“For people who are starting out, my advice is to buy a ski that is at least 70 mm in the waist with enough side cut to promote ease of turning,” says Peter. “Anything over the 70 mm. waist will provide you with a good stable platform to from which to learn the mechanics of skiing.”
Also, if you plan to advance, don’t buy a beginner ski. Buy an intermediate-level ski and you’ll be able to enjoy it and improve on it for an extended period of time.
The skis should generally be chin to top of head in height. For the most part, bindings will come with the s.jpg)
“This is a no-brainer,” says Peter. “Protect your melon.”
This is the most important piece of equipment you can buy. If you wear a helmet cycling, you most definitely should wear a helmet skiing.
“Besides, they are warm, light and don’t itch nearly as much as most hats,” says Peter. As with ski boots, they should fit comfortably snug and protect all parts of the exposed skull.
They should not fit high on the crown of the head, but rather level on the forehead, and provide enough room to fit a goggle nicely against the top of the helmet without gap. All are safety standard approved.
GOGGLES - Plan to spend $45- $225.
The primary reason to wear goggles when skiing is to provide eye protection against harmful UVA and B rays which can cause damage to the retinas.
As well, they will provide possible damage caused by potential impact from poles, skis, etc. They will also improve vision by reducing tearing as a result of wind.
“We carry a full rang of children’s and adult goggles to fit all head and face shapes,” says Peter. “We also carry goggles to fit over prescription glasses and even carry goggles designed for contact lens wearers.”
POLES - Plan to spend $30 to $50.
For someone starting out, it’s worth the money. As poles go up in price, they become lighter and more durable.
SKI/GEAR BAGS - Plan to spend $30 to $50 on a ski bag and $25 to $100 on a gear bag (depending on features).
A great idea when you want to consolidate and organize all your ski gear. Also, if you are carrying your skis in the vehicle, a bag will provide protection to the upholstery.
If you are carrying your skis on a ski rack (much safer than in the vehicle), it is a good idea to protect them from road salt. Salt can erode your ski bases and bindings quickly.
BUYING VS. RENTING
Renting, when starting out, is a good idea to determine whether or not you want to actively participate in the sport.
“If you rent, my best advice is to rent from a reputable shop such as Ski Cellar Snowboard’s rental shop,” says Peter. “Let them know that you are just starting out and they will be able to outfit you in the right gear to most effectively enjoy your day.”
As well, take a lesson from a professional. They know how to get you up and skiing safely in no time at all
