What To Look For
Skiing is a very equipment-dependent sport, and having the right gear can mean the difference between an enjoyable day out and a miserable excursion that you just as soon forget.
The introduction of the shaped ski has made it much easier for intermediate skiers to get better. Shaped skis, with their radical sidecuts, make turning easier, and allow skiers to use shorter skis. Finding the proper ski will take a lot of demo days. Many advanced skiers like to have a quiver of skis for different conditions, such as packed powder, backcountry, park/pipe skiing and deep powder. In general, skis that have a narrower waist are better for on-piste, packed powder conditions, while wider skis give more flotation and are good for powder and backcountry. Park/pipe skiers often favor twin tip designs, which have a raised tail, so they can ski backwards and do more tricks.
Boots again present a wide array of choices. Rear-entry boots are often favored by novices because they are easy to get on, but experts prefer front-entry boots for performance.
Many expert skiers prefer adjustable length ski poles to fixed length poles, as they can adjust for different types of terrain, going shorter on steeps and longer on flats.
For clothing, layering is the key. Wear a base layer of wicking long underwear, then put on a fleece layer for insulation. Finish with a waterproof-breathable shell of some sort, such as Gore-Tex. Wear a hat, and wearing a helmet over your hat has the dual benefit of being warmer and adding protection to your skull. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but most skiers favor gloves for dexterity.
Common Pitfalls
Boots present one of the biggest challenges, and are often overlooked by novices who salivate at getting their own pair of skis. Boots are the connection to your ski and in fact are the most important piece of gear. If you are buying equipment in stages, instead of all at once, get boots first.
Boots are usually offered in a variety of flexes; expert skiers who place great demands on their gear by skiing at high speeds prefer stiffer boots, while recreational skiers will appreciate a softer flex.
When buying boots, make sure to wear the correct sock; for most in-bounds, resort skiing, a thinner sock is preferred. Size the boots properly, and be aware that the liner boot will pack down over time with usage, so if the fit is initially a little roomy, it will get sloppy.
With skis, stiffness is again a consideration. Racers want extremely stiff skis that will withstand enormous stresses. Powder skiers want a softer flexing ski that will float through the snow. Don't get suckered into thinking you need to buy the latest high-end design if you are a recreational skier; for most weekend warriors, a mid-level flexing ski is going to be the best choice.
Where To Buy
While it can be tempting to buy gear online and try to save some dollars, it is best to go to a local shop and talk to an experienced salesperson who has some familiarity with the resorts in your area and can help you pick gear appropriate for the terrain you will ski. In addition, try to visit a shop that has an experienced boot fitter who can help customize the ski boot to your foot.
Cost
Skiing is an expensive sport, though hitting end-of-season and start-of-season sales can be a great way to get good gear at a steep discount. In general, you can expect to pay between $400 to $1,100 for a pair of skis, $300 to $600 for boots, $50-$100 for poles, and $400-$1,000 for clothing.
Comparison Shopping
Popular ski boots for recreational skiers include the Nordica Sport Machine ($400), Head Edge ($300), and, for women, the Rossingol B-Pro ($400). More experienced skiers might like the Nordica SpeedMachine ($500) and Salomon Falcon CS ($600).
For skis, popular models include the Rossignol Classic 80 ($1,050 with binding), Movement Thunder ($800), and Salomon X Wing 10 ($650 with binding).
Accessories
A pair of ski goggles are much warmer than sunglasses, and will run anywhere from $40 to $100.
Insider Tips
Heat packs can be a great way to keep your extremities warm on cold days.
Custom insoles can help increase the performance of your ski boots; ask your boot fitter about getting a pair. Custom insoles properly align your foot in the boot, and will cost around $150.
