Is it worth buying my own Equipment?

Hi.

I picked up the ski bug in a massive way this year and intend to ski/board as much as possible next season plus ill use the dry slopes and spend time in the Snowdome through the summer...so the question is to buy or not to buy!

I started out skiing but im going to try boarding before I buy anything, however I think I may end up boarding -) Im not looking at it as being more cost effective as im not sure it would be but are there any other pros to having your own?...I really want too! :D

Thank you!

Whether you decide to snowboard or ski, buy your own boots. Get them fitted properly and they will be the best purchase you will ever make.

I only started skiing a few years ago, and after two years bought my own equipment. I do not regret it in terms of cost or usage. First you need to decide wether you want to ski or board. My first investment would be boots and helmet, both relatively easy to transport and much better than hiring. Although there is a difference in quality of boards and skis and it's best to have your own hiring Is generally no problem especially when relatively new to the sport.
If you buy at the end of the season you can get some great deals. I got my first pair of skis , boots and ski bag for £150.
Only two problems with buying your own, one as you progress you will want to upgrade and ryanair if you use charge £50 one way for sports equipment.

Thanks both.

I bough a hat (just now) im bored and a woman so apparently spendthrift!

I ve sworn to never fly with Ryan Air again but I don't think Easy jet are much cheaper! Can you not stuff all your clothes ect into the bag with your board?..or not. I could not manage a case and a board.

Thanks again :)

Easy jet about £35 each way its recently gone up, Thomson charge £35 return. Never used Ryan Air and never intend to im not gonna give my hard earned cash to the Irish C U Next Tuesday.

Bought my K2 skis for £60 off Ebay got the bindings with them an paid for a service an binding fitment for another £60 so £120 in total. Used them 3 times so far and about to use them again in 2 weeks time in La Rosiere and La Thulle. Pity my knee is all swollen and jeopardising it all but working on the ice and ibuprophen

Yes it is! It will be all worth it! :)

Jimbobilini wrote:Whether you decide to snowboard or ski, buy your own boots. Get them fitted properly and they will be the best purchase you will ever make.

......is the correct answer

Comfy boots are good. I would not worry too much about skis. By renting you can always have the latest gear and swap skis if they do not suit you. And less of a worry if they are nicked.

My first 4-5 years were on a £30 skis + boots + poles + bag setup from Oxfam. I got the bindings checked & adjusted in the ski shop, just to be safe. I upgraded the boots when the linings got hard & I wanted to go touring. So-so skiiers who pretend to be aces secretly laugh at you if you have duff equipment. The locals secretly laugh at tourists who have thousands of quids worth of gear and are duff skiiers. I have friends of both types! When I started I was duff skiier with duff gear, and had loads of fun :-)

Summary: provided you are comfortable in ski boots when they are done up tight, it doesn't make much odds. Just do the arithmetic (remember to add in the cost of a ski service each year)!