Different Skis

Ok so I am new to skiing and have seen various threads about ski hire and what you get, as a beginner how do I know what sort of skis I am being given good or bad, is there anything I should look for in particular. Also if and when I decide to buy what sort of price should I be looking to pay for something that will last a good few years.

Steve

Well I'm pretty sure most places you rent from these days a have a some system to separate the ski's e.g. Gold, Silver, Bronze, Gold being the most expensive and for those who are more advanced and Bronze being the cheapest and more suitable for beginners. You can't really tell how good the ski actually is until you try it; however most rented ski's aren't that bad and depending on which company you rent with will depend on the condition of them. Arguably people say it is cheaper to buy your own ski's than to rent but for a decent pair of ski's including bindings and all the rest will be between, personally, £400-600, obviously some people may agree or disagree, but just a input from me :)

I suggest that you would be well advised to hire skis for the first 2/3 years. You would benefit from trying different skis, and during that period, your ability would change.

You could try skiset, their ad is located on the left of this page. I have used them many times. If you are a beginner, then Discovery/Recreation might be the right choice.

In large resorts, you may be offered a choice of hire shops, but you can look at the location map to determine which is located closest to your accommodation.

Prices vary by resort. As a guide, smaller resorts do tend to offer lower cost rentals. But then, as a beginner, you might find that going to a smaller resort is beneficial. Why would you pay for a 200km resort, if you are only going to ski 30km in the week?

If you have any other uncertainties, fire away.

I agree with Dave, just answer the questions honestly and go with what you are given for a few goes. You will then start to get an idea of what feels good and what doesn't. When you have an opinion it's time to buy your own skis. :D

snowb4ndit wrote: When you have an opinion it's time to buy your own skis. :D

I'm not sure about that. Two pairs of skis have lasted me 39 years. You have no idea just how much dithering went into those two decisions. :P

Dave Mac wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote: When you have an opinion it's time to buy your own skis. :D

I'm not sure about that. Two pairs of skis have lasted me 39 years. You have no idea just how much dithering went into those two decisions. :P

You obviously chose the right ones. )

snowb4ndit wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote: When you have an opinion it's time to buy your own skis. :D

I'm not sure about that. Two pairs of skis have lasted me 39 years. You have no idea just how much dithering went into those two decisions. :P

You obviously chose the right ones. )

OK, so you want to buy a pair of K2s, 200 long? :shock:

K2's-good, 200 long -taller than me! Lol