have just got back into skiing after a 10 year gap

and am beginning to think about buying some skis. I'm a reasonable intermediate (prob. level 5) but would welcome some advice on what to look for in a new ski. I bought my last skis (Atomic) nearly 20 years ago and everything is different now.

I'm 5' 4 and weigh about 60kgs. what sort of length should I be looking at? I've been using 145s at the dry slope is this about right?

I'm female, not too bothered about going super fast but would like to keep up with my kids when we get to the Ski Welt in January.

Any tips?

ta

Slamb,
Welcome back!
You are so right that skis have changed over the years.

Based on your information , you have many choices.

The Atomic line has great options, however before you do buy may I suggest you answer, to yourself the following questions;
1.How fit am I?
2.How many days will I ski?
3.Do I want to progress to "higher levels" or am happy where I am?
4.How much money do I want to invest?

Here are the reasons for the questions.

1.Higher performance skis require a "fit" skier that will maintain pressure on the ski edges. Lower level skis are more "forgiving" allowing you to relax!

2.If you really are coming back, not because of the children but because you want to ski then think away for ski that might too "performance" oriented NOW but in two years will be perfect!

3. If you plan to really learn the "new" skiing technique , thus take lessons get a ski at intermediate level.

4.Price level
If you buy now you will pay high price since before Christmas and demand is high.
In February prices start to go down.
In March you can great deals.

Notice I did not suggest a brand or model since you must try all ski models.
One will stand out! However since you are returned after several years off, you might not know what to look for ( flex, camber, torsion, etc..) so perhaps for this year you should take lessons. Try all sorts of skis! They really are all good!

Once you have focussed on one model, tell me your cost, I am sure to get better deal! ( I do not own store nor do I sell ski products). I do however test skis and get "special deals"!

Again welcome back!

Thank you for your very prompt response.

I'm fairly fit, walk 6 miles every day and run three times a week, I dry slope ski 2 hours a week too (is that very sad?).

We stopped skiing when I was pregnant with my daughter 10 years ago, and stayed away cos we assumed it would be too expensive. Some friends managed to persuade us into a cheapo holiday to Andorra last January and we were instantly re-hooked, the kids loved it...my son, 7, has been asking every day since we returned when we can go again.

I'm having two trips in 07 - one with the family and one with the 'girls' (look out Morzine). I intend to have at least one day private lessons in Austria and we may have our 'own' ski instructor in Morzine (Yannick if you're reading this there's space on the sofa!).

I've got those happy spending fingers at the moment, but will do as you suggest and look around to try some in January.

Can't wait.

slamb wrote: I dry slope ski 2 hours a week too (is that very sad?).

There is nothing sad about skiing!!!! Id love to be able to do 2 hours a week dry slope, any skiing is good!

bennyboy wrote:There is nothing sad about skiing!!!! Id love to be able to do 2 hours a week dry slope, any skiing is good!

Aldershot have a breakfast club on a Monday morning 1000 through 1200 (but you can ski on for an extra half hour) where you get to ski with instruction and then coffee and a chat afterwards. All this for the princely sum of £12.50 with 10% off if you book for 5 sessions or more. First time I was the only intermediate so had an instructor more or less to myself, last few weeks there have been 3 of us. I have learnt so much it's been fantastic and can't wait to try out my new skill on snow.

Still lusting after my own skis though - but am trying to be sensible and wait..some good deals on ebay right now though.

Roll on next Sunday when we will be winging our way to snowy Austria yee ha!