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OT: Buying snow skis

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Jgbishop

Redshirt
Oct 9, 2012
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It's been a few years since I last went skiing out west. I'll be taking a trip to Breck/Keystone in February for 5 days of skiing. Rental prices are in the range of $45/day so I've decided I might go ahead and buy my own pair since this is looking like an annual event. I find good models a year old for $450 or so.

I wanted to see what people have for recommendations to look for or an ad hoc "how to" guide to buying skis. I've read articles from evo and such but I want more opinions.
 
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Lachien

Redshirt
Aug 25, 2013
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I would advise against buying skis. Instead, go get fitted for some good snug boots that fit well and have the flex you need for your skiing aptitude.

The technology for skis just changes so fast, and conditions play such a huge role in what ski to use on a specific day, and whether you want to tool around on groomers or go backwoods.

The boots won't change though, and they are a key part of a good skiing experience. Plus you won't have to pay an extra bag fee on the flight to check your boots (if you pack well).
 
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rugbdawg

Redshirt
Oct 10, 2006
5,251
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This is accurate.

You should be willing to pay whatever for a perfect pair of boots. Will last you 20 years. Skis are a completely different story.

I live in Colorado. If you don't live here, rent the skis, buy the boots. Most people who ski a ton here have at least two skis, maybe 3.
 
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Jgbishop

Redshirt
Oct 9, 2012
727
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Luckily I've already got a pretty good pair of boots. I bought those about 6 years ago and they're in good shape since I've only gone with them 2 or 3 trips.
 
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Lachien

Redshirt
Aug 25, 2013
190
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I understand the desire to buy the skis so you don't have to pay money to rent them each time. I was there at one point myself. If ya got boots you like you're already ahead of the typical resort skier.

But it's fun testing out the new technology and getting the right ski for the day. Plus you don't have to worry about tuning/maintenance.

Demo'ing each day is the way to go--it's the best way to get the most out of your experience each time.
 
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Wicked Pissah

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
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Lachien said:
I would advise against buying skis. Instead, go get fitted for some good snug boots that fit well and have the flex you need for your skiing aptitude.

The technology for skis just changes so fast, and conditions play such a huge role in what ski to use on a specific day, and whether you want to tool around on groomers or go backwoods.

The boots won't change though, and they are a key part of a good skiing experience. Plus you won't have to pay an extra bag fee on the flight to check your boots (if you pack well).
Click to expand...

This times a million! Invest in boots!
 
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Bcash2

Redshirt
Sep 20, 2012
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As far as buying skis goes (for someone who doesn't ski a lot/didn't grow up skiing/isn't that strong for whatever reason), I'd say aim for the best middle ground. Relatively "soft" and forgiving, that has a little "rocker" in the tip of the ski to float in powder/absorb variable snow conditions, with some traditional camber underfoot that also allows you to bite into the snow and carve the ski. Maybe waist of the ski around 100mm, plenty wide enough for float in the powder but nothing crazy.

That being said, I would probably take the advice of the above posters. Go to a boot fitter, the BEST boot fitter, wherever you are. Ask random locals, they'll tell you who the best is. Get some good boots that fit you, but not too comfy cause you want them to perform. Don't let a salesman suck you in immediately with new liners, footbeds, etc.

Next, DEMO skis. It's hard to know what to buy if you don't know what you want. I ski over 100 days a year and spent quite a while last season trying out different skis before I figured out just what I wanted in that ski. Rent a demo ski. Ask the guys what they think the best all around demo ski is. Ask them what is the most popular ski. Try one out. if you don't like it, walk back in and try a different one. It doesn't cost anything to change the ski you're demoing.

Also, be sure and check the weather. If you know its gonna snow a bunch at night, or wake up and it has, go in and try out some wider skis. If its a sunny groomer day, try out something more suited to carving groomers. Good luck.
 
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Lachien

Redshirt
Aug 25, 2013
190
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Man, you're right. MSU alums shouldn't know dick about skiing or anything foreign to the Southeast.

Welp, time to roll my fatass out of the Laz-e-boy and step outside my trailer to go weedeat around the car in my front lawn.

Bcash2 knows his ****. OP would be hard pressed to find better advice elsewhere.

I'm not necessarily picking on you in particular, but why does our fan base think and see so small sometimes? We're our own worst enemy.
 
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fishwater99

Freshman
Jun 4, 2007
14,073
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Lachien said:
I understand the desire to buy the skis so you don't have to pay money to rent them each time. I was there at one point myself. If ya got boots you like you're already ahead of the typical resort skier.

But it's fun testing out the new technology and getting the right ski for the day. Plus you don't have to worry about tuning/maintenance.

Demo'ing each day is the way to go--it's the best way to get the most out of your experience each time.
Click to expand...

This is what I do since I moved back to MS. I am on my 3rd pair of boots now...
On a powder day get some Fatties and other days get a good all mountain ski.
 
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