Winter Help

[ILC]

Well, I am going to be living in central New York for the majority of the next couple years and I really want to get into snow skiing as a weekend hobby. The only problem is that I have done very little of it (< 5 times in 20 years) and I know virtually nothing. I was hoping to be able to find a ski forum, comparable to the likes of Techimo only for skiing, but have found very little. Therefore, I am hoping everyone from Techimo (ahem, Mntsnow, ahem) will be able to help.

My largest concerns are with the equipment - I do not want to rent every time I go to the lodge – but I do not know where to even begin looking, let alone what to look for. What do you all recommend for brands/type/etc.? Where do you all suggest purchasing from? Also note I am not looking to break my budget; I am only looking for decent newbee equipment.

Thanks, I really appreciate any comments and suggestions.

ILC

At least try it several times first. Perhaps then you should consider buying your boots and renting skis.
Boots need a great fit and you're right all the equipment is expensive.
Go to the local ski place and take some lessons there, even if you ski you can use the refresher. The will have instructors there, perhaps a lift, instruction package price for the day.

[sharder8]

Check out the deals at REI. That's where I bought my equipment years ago (still have and ride'm too)! I don't remember what time of year it was, but I picked up ~$600 worth of ski's, boots, poles, ect. for $180.

Harder

[Mike]

Well I know quite a bit about skiing (A big hobby of mine! )
What were you wanting to spend? On skis, bindings, and boots. I could easily find you boots that are wicked comfortable but cost more then the bindings and skis put together.

Where do you plan on skiing? Bunny hills which are always groomed, aggressive ski slopes like moguls, glades, etc.

I really can't recommend stuff for you until you give me some more details. (Especially the bit about the price range. )

Where will you ski in NY? I haven't been skiing in NY personally (Always go to New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine) but Whiteface (With good conditions) and Ski Windham are supposed to be good.

*EDIT* K2 and Rossignol are my favorite ski companies. I should wait for you to give me some more details but I don't recommend buying ski equipment from REI. I will list my reasons when you reply to this thread and give us some more details.

*EDIT #2* I would recommend going and picking up a ski magazine from your local book shop. Ski Magazine, Ski World, or maybe just google for beginner skis. I would then go to a ski shop and try on some boots and see how they feel. I forgo the way how you tell if they will fit you well. Although anyone in a ski shop will be able to help you out. (I haven't purchased any ski stuff in a long time.)

Like I said before, I will help you out more when you reply back with the answers.

The local name for Whiteface is Iceface.

Where in NY you gonna be? Windham and Whiteface are really far away from each other. There's Catskill skiing, Adirondack skiing and Vermont.

[Mike]

Oh they are definetely far away from each other.
Whiteface is a bit scary if the conditions aren't really good. Have to be careful.

[ILC]

I am not exactly sure where I will end up skiing at the most; somewhere relatively close to the Syracuse area (two hours, max).

Mike, I plan on trying everything (working up to it at least), except for freestyle. I guess I am looking for an intermediate ski (probably be smart to go with something more basic but I will learn, right) that will handle most everything but not be too specialized for something specific. I am not looking to race or anything in that nature, just want to kill stress and have some fun.

As for my budget, I would like to spend about $300-$400 (or less!) for everything: boots, skis, poles, bindings and a new pair of snow pants. Also, I am only about 5’9” and roughly 150 lbs.

ILC

[Mike]

Oh whew that's going to take some work. Like I said.. Depending where you are, I would recommend checking out some local ski shops and asking them to do some measurements and what not.

Are you ready to buy your equipment soon? Offseason is a good time since it's Summer and many ski companies will be releasing new products shortly.
(I am sure this post will be like my other post, I will be adding many ideas/thoughts later)

I would suggest going to a ski shop and having them check what size ski would fit you best. (I can't remember the size chart off the top of my head, but I will google for it in a bit) I would recommend the shorter the better.
Why? Just easier to control and a lot easier to ski with. If you have skis that are too big for you and try and make a sharp turn without adjusting to the skis, chances are you'll just fall right over.