Boots and ski's

Right, this is my predicament probably sounds dumb to the more experienced but to me its a problem.
We had to decide whether to upgrade our boards and boots, buy X country ski's or ski's and boots or buy snow shoes, unfortunately cant afford all of them. So have decided........keep one board and our boots each, hire snow shoes, last year in Ruka the deal with the cabin was free X country ski's. So remains to buy our own ski's and boots. So these are my questions.

1. Do we buy boots first or ski's first or buy as a package.
2. What type of ski's for first time owners, and relatively inexperienced skiers.
3. We dont have many ski outlets around us only a few that mainly deal in clothes, would it be the sensible option to buy in resort, given that we will be in Finland, notoriously more expensive. But we know that in Ruka there is a different ski manufacturer on the slopes each day, so we will be able to try before we buy, so hopefully avoiding a costly mistake.
4. We always pay for transport of snow boards with flights, will we be able to buy larger bags, take our boards over but if we buy ski's be able to put ski's in with boards, same bag one fee. Dont mind wearing our boarding boots back home on flight, they are actually quite comfy.
5. Because this year we will be staying in two Finland resorts, travelling around with a hired car, should we make arrangements to hire a roof/ski rack or could they safely fit in the car.

These questions probably seem daft but would sooner have some expert advice please.

:DHi,

Try and find the most comfortable and firm but ...but not blood restrictive boots first as you're boots are the most important piece of kit i would say, if they hurt you're feet after an hour it won't matter how great you're ski's or board are...it will be hell all day and all holiday :(.

Most shops at this time of year should be offering some great end of season bargains on equipment,if you have a good ski shop locally or within reach they they should be of help, my local shop "Two Seasons" in Northampton let me take a chosen pair of boots home some years back, for a few days to wear for a bit to get the right feel for them before i paid them (although they did take my card details just in case ).

Go for a good pair of boots first would be my advice, and once you have a nice comfy pair look at ski's later, and also buy equipment you're experience can grow into rather than buy boots and ski's etc for the skier you are now, that in a season or two you may have grown out of experience and ability wise.

Hope i haven't muddied the waters further with my ramblings... :D

jon.

I agree, go for boots and rent the skis. Make sure you get boots properly fitted, an investment now in decent boots will pay off in the long run. Nothing worse than boots that aren't quite right. Folks who complain about ski boots being too cold or not comfy etc just don't have properly fitted boots.

Anyhoo, rent the skis (rentals are generally pretty damn good and replaced new each year, within rentals you get a variety of options) and forget about the snowboarding :wink:

Just kidding, I didn't realise how expensive snow shoes were!!!

Have you two been talking to my OH. He said he would sooner spend out on the boots as he never feels so comfy wearing boots that other people have worn. And I must admit we have always had good rental ski's in Seefeld and Ruka. Although the rental boards and boots in Axamer were diabolical hence why we bought our own. But after renting for five years we really would like our own. Perhaps we will see when we go to Ruka. So maybe still be able to buy snow shoes, really do like them. Dont think we can ditch the boards just yet, much better boarders than skiers :lol:

RoseR wrote:Have you two been talking to my OH. He said he would sooner spend out on the boots as he never feels so comfy wearing boots that other people have worn. And I must admit we have always had good rental ski's in Seefeld and Ruka. Although the rental boards and boots in Axamer were diabolical hence why we bought our own. But after renting for five years we really would like our own. Perhaps we will see when we go to Ruka. So maybe still be able to buy snow shoes, really do like them. Dont think we can ditch the boards just yet, much better boarders than skiers :lol:

I would say renting skis is a good idea, generally you get brand new skis each year, current season so is better than buying your own (especially if you are not doing a whole lot).

Don't just go in to a shop for boots that let you try on your own/don't give you substantial fitting time. If they are not giving you plenty time then they don't have a clue.

:DHi again,

Brain like a seive.....doh!

Forgot to say, once you have decided to get a nice comfy pair of boots, if you hav a trip towards the end of a season and have rented a pair of ski's or board (most are replaced every season or second season) and you have got on great guns with them and they are still in pretty good nick most ski hire shops in resorts will be happy to take an offer on them as does the PolaireStar in BsM for example.

This way you will have had the luxury of trying them for a week before buying , an option not readily available in the UK ,and these should still be ok for three or four seasons. :D

jon.

Oh,and dont forget to get a receipt if you decide to hire/buy for insurance purposes,I think it was mentioned in an earlier thread :wink: :wink:

My OH and I bought our boots in the well known ski area of Cheshire, in June. We had the undivided attention of the boot man, and took four hours, trying, and then keeping them on, moving round.

This gave us ample time to go through the various stages of cost reductions. :twisted:

Boots are the most important.

My view of skis is if you go to different resorts each year, there is a good case for rental. We have had good deals with ski set, and you have the advantage of being able to change the skis, for a different type, or length. You also don't have the hassle and cost of ski transfer.

And then if you do like a particular ski, you can always make an offer for them. Doesn't always work, as some renters are contracted to put the skis in the skip.