ski hire packages....whats the difference

Ok so I have been to skiworld.com to price my ski hire for next year.

They give me 3 options. bronze, silver and gold. Do you think that the bronze level will be fine for what we want. Out of the 5 of us we have 3 complete beginners (1 adult and 2 kids) and 1 teen who has 1 week experience and then there is me lol about 15 years ago I went skiing and probably have (if I put it in "weeks" terms) about 6 weeks skiing.

I would haev classed myself as a recreational skier, I just liked cruising down the easy runs, watching the world go by, I did not like going down steep runs, much preferreing to stay on the greens, blues and very easy reds, so I don't really need speed. (add to the fact that it has been a long long time since I have skied).

I also remember I bought these skis and I think they were 185's and were far too long for me, but my ex boyfriend told me I would "grow" into them, but they always felt too long. I understand nowadays they are much shorter than in those days and also not pointed at the top like they used to be.

Do you think bronze would be ok for all of us?

Karen

Karen, it does not matter whether the skis are this years model or top of the line. What does matter is that the skis are easy to use. That means that they are 140cm to 160cm in length for adults and that they have a reasonable side cut radius. The sidecut radius is the curve that narrows toward the waist on each side of the ski. 11 to 14 metres would work well. The kids skis should have a smaller sidecut radius, say 7 or 8 metres on a 120cm ski.

Try to find out what make and model is offered and then web search to look up the specs

I would say that this is more important than the quality of the boots. Boots need to fit and that is a matter of insisting that you need to try another boot if it doesn't feel right. Be especially vigilent with the kid's boots. they often end up in boots several sizes too big. You may end up with older rear entry boots on a cheap package, but that's not as bad as a ski with too little sidecut.

Trencher

Karen, it's a sad fact that a lot of tour ops tend to bulk buy low quality hire contracts for their customers, and as you have paid out in advance, you then have no choice. You have time to research more options. Check out http://www.skiset.co.uk/j2ski/ for ideas, or alternatively http://www.snowrental.net/ for a comparison.

Unlike Trencher, I think that comfy boots are crucial for your group. If your beginners get horrible old sloppy boots, all they will remember of their first ski trip is the pain, whilst they wait for their big toenail to drop off. As they are in a no-knowledge situation, it's really important to get them clued up on how the boots are meant to feel, and when something is wrong with the fit.
So, a package which allows unnlimmited swapping of equipment would be my tip.

For me, boot fit is crucial to the whole thing.

Yes, make sure you get the right type of ski too, but I can't emphasise enough the importance of getting the boots right. If this means the techie gets fed up with you asking to try different pairs, until you are happy, then so-be-it. Having said that, he can only be expected to do his job properly if he's given the right feed-back, so its very much a two-way thing.

If it is anything like skiset gold, silver, bronze - the bronze package is definitely most suited for all of your needs. As others have said withn the bronze package there will be a selection of skis boots so try a few. But the bronze is definitely the one to go for as the skis are more suitable for your needs.

Not trying to hijack the thread. But how much can a person insist in the boots department, I too have booked a ski package, is it ok to try two three pairs of boots? Will i be acting like a jackass if I say that my boots aren't confortable?

What number should i get? The same as my trainers?

davidmpires wrote:Not trying to hijack the thread. But how much can a person insist in the boots department, I too have booked a ski package, is it ok to try two three pairs of boots? Will i be acting like a jackass if I say that my boots aren't confortable?

What number should i get? The same as my trainers?

They will measure your feet. Make sure you have your ski socks with you.
Advice will be given as to how the boot should feel undone and with clips lightly tightened. If you are happy with them then take them, but if the next day they hurt, rub or feel too big/small go back and at least discuss it.

You're perfectly entitled to do so because you can't ski properly with ill-fitting boots and YOU ARE PAYING FOR THEM AND THE SERVICE THAT GOES WITH THEM.

(Not shouting - just emphasising my point :-))

davidmpires wrote:Not trying to hijack the thread. But how much can a person insist in the boots department, I too have booked a ski package, is it ok to try two three pairs of boots? Will i be acting like a jackass if I say that my boots aren't confortable?

What number should i get? The same as my trainers?

Being too British is such a handicap )

Trencher