Choosing the right ski equipment

For a person hitting the slopes for the first time one
of the most important factors is the right equipment.

Poor quality equipment can endanger your safety and can be the difference
between a good time and a horrible experience. The brand of equipment isn’t as
important as making sure you get good quality and a good fit in the case of boots.
Using a reputable ski shop for your rental can ensure that all your equipment is
maintained to the highest standard. Ski or snowboard bases should be serviced
regularly – bases should be shiny in appearance as opposed to white and dry and
edges should be sharp. Boots should be a snug fit with little movement available
inside once clipped up properly – they will feel very odd, even for a seasoned skier,
when you put them on for the first time. It’s crucial to have the correct size as too
small and you’ll experience discomfort – too large and you’ll lack control
of the skis. Take you time when trying boots on – don’t be rushed!

If you’re thinking of splashing out and buying skis then choosing a pair that
is the right for your level of experience is essential. Skis that are too long/too
short or too hard/too soft could cause problems. Skis used to have standard
sizes based on a person’s height. Today ski lengths can vary on how fast you
want to go or what kind of skiing you’ll be doing.

The next essential item is a good pair of ski boots. Boots are the most essential
part of your skiing equipment because your ski boots transfer your movements to
the skis. They should be snug fitting, without being too tight. Ski boots that are too loose can be another source of injury for novice skiers. We can recommend Solutions4Feet in the UK and Alpine Sports Warehouse in Morzine for all you boot fitting requirements – we use them ourselves!

Bindings will be the next piece of equipment to consider. The bindings attach your boots to the skis and are required to release in a safe and predictable manner. Binding choices can be overwhelming but most of them do the same thing. Make sure to get a quality product for your money that releases like it is supposed to.

Poles are the next piece of equipment in your skiing arsenal. Don’t spend too much time trying to find the perfect poles. Look for a comfortable grip and something that isn’t too heavy for you, but don’t spend too much money on them.

Once you’ve found the right equipment, all you should worry about is enjoying yourself out there on the slopes!