Ok it looks like I am going to try and go skiing twice this december. Both of them are three day trips one at snowshoe, wv. and the other at breckenridge. Should I just try and get some used skiis or just rent them. I do try to go skiing at least once a year.
Skiing Advice
- Thread starter Timmy!!!!!!!
- Start date
Yes. Though your best starting point is a good pair of boots. Rental boots will cut your day short and leaving you disliking skiing.
You know rental boots have never bothered me. I have been looking at eBay and have found some really really cheap used rental skis.
Get good boots because they can make or break a day of skiing. Do not buy the rear entry boots buy ones that have front clamps and make sure the bindings are set up for your skill level.
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rental all the way
rentals at a major mt will be less then 2 yrs old and of great quality.
if the boots dont feel perfect try another pair on.
with what the airlines are charging for extra bags these days you will be able to rent way cheaper .
also you can change your equipment each day as well so you can start on some small shapers to get comfy and maybe jump up a few sizes as you go through the trip.
if you happen to get dumped on grabbing some fatties for the pow makes the day as well.
rentals at a major mt will be less then 2 yrs old and of great quality.
if the boots dont feel perfect try another pair on.
with what the airlines are charging for extra bags these days you will be able to rent way cheaper .
also you can change your equipment each day as well so you can start on some small shapers to get comfy and maybe jump up a few sizes as you go through the trip.
if you happen to get dumped on grabbing some fatties for the pow makes the day as well.
When in doubt, straighten 'em out!!!!. Seriuosly though, find good boots as mentioned. The pair I have I can go all day in and never get tired or osre feet. I've been on a ski patrol for 4 years and good boots can be a lifesaver.
You should be able to get some pretty decent skis from most rental shops of you just shop around. The farther away from the slopes you are, the cheaper they get moneywise. The quality should still be pretty good. WEAR A HELMET!!!! please!!!!
You should be able to get some pretty decent skis from most rental shops of you just shop around. The farther away from the slopes you are, the cheaper they get moneywise. The quality should still be pretty good. WEAR A HELMET!!!! please!!!!
Keep in mind that many airlines have raised their fees to fly with skis. You may well be better off to rent. Try to find some demo skis at a shop: in other words, rent the good stuff if you can find it.
Yeah, the days of shitty rentals like we had in our childhood are long past. I rented skis a couple years ago at a shitty little resort in Flagstaff, AZ, and it was top notch gear. I was amazed. Rental cost is also well worth the hassle of not having to travel with & transport the shit (not to mention shelling out major greenbacks to buy the shit).
Helmet is a must. Just rent stuff. I've rented equipment before in Alaska at Alyeska. Was skeptical about rentals as I'd always had my own stuff, but it worked out fine.
But seriously use a helmet. Not only is it safer but it boosts your confidence. But the safety thing is a must. If you've ever eaten it and then looked back at what you narrowly missed you'll be glad that you have a helmet on when you don't narrowly miss things.
But seriously use a helmet. Not only is it safer but it boosts your confidence. But the safety thing is a must. If you've ever eaten it and then looked back at what you narrowly missed you'll be glad that you have a helmet on when you don't narrowly miss things.
How is winterplace? I have been to snowshoe several times but never there. I have noticed the last time I went skiing more people with helmets
I would say rent for now as you can rent higher performance skis as you progress and eventually purchase something worth your money. Don't expect it overnight and don't give up on lessons once you feel comfortable getting down the hill, everyone has room for improvement. I've skiied since age 2 averaging about 20-30 days a year and still take a lesson once in a while to improve my technique, especially in the moguls.
Like LR123 said winterplace is alright. I thought the runs were about the same difficulty wise but its been a few years since I've been to snowshoe or winterplace so its hard to remember. Snowshoe might be a little but more fun but the times I went to winterplace it seemed less crowded, but that might just have been because of the time of year we went...
I also say just rent...
I also say just rent...
Snowshoe over Winterplace anyday.. Much more variety, more vertical, etc... Not even close - other than distance to each other. Good advice given here in regards to renting rather than purchasing - especially if you only intend to ski once or twice a year. I would however suggest that if you are going to rent locally - rent from one of the ski shops outside of the resort rather than within.. There are at least two that I can think of on the way in that have current model year rentals at a reasonable price (both boots and skis); compared to the resorts rentals which are at least two seasons old and well worn. I've taken an annual trip to Snowshoe for the past 7 years and have always found good equipment from these stores (sorry I can't think of their names off the top of my head) - the one that is about 5 miles out is the better one, rather than the one at the base of the mountain/ at the entrance...
WNYDiscoIIErik said:
I could not agree more! To stay on topic I'd recommend renting until you get a grasp on what you want to gain out of your skis and then make a purchase.
Dave Legacy said:
Fuckin' shredders!
Demo some if you can find a shop to do it. That way you get to test out the good stuff. Just don't let them think you're a rookie or they probably won't let you demo.
Cheers,
Mike