Snow is nothing more than a huge incovenience–something to be endured–for people who have to drive through it or shovel it out of the way; but for ski buffs, it’s nothing short of their reason for being.
Despite unseasonable temperatures that are playing more to the Rollerblade crowd than the cross-country crew, there’s a world of winter right around the corner. So, if you’ve decided to add skiing to your recreational repertoire, here’s a shopping guide to help you make some informed choices.
Bob Olson, owner of Viking Ski Shop Inc. in Chicago, has some unorthodox advice (at least from a retailer’s point of view) for newcomers to the sport: “Contrary to what you might hear, we recommend that if you’re a new skier, you rent your skis, bindings, boots and poles from someone else before buying anything,” he said. “You’re better renting for a while, whether you ski two times or 10, and then go to a place that specializes in ski equipment so you’ll be fitted properly.”
Rich Evers, owner and general manager of Two Seasons Cycle and Ski in Hanover Park, agrees that a dedicated store offers many advantages.
“Whenever you buy used equipment or go to a place that sells an entire line of sports gear, you might not have an expert available to explain everything or fit you for it properly,” Evers said. “At our store, either I or someone from our staff will go to Colorado and tests skis, including those we don’t even sell. Consequently, we can either confirm or deny anything the trade magazines say about a product or what someone else might have told a customer.”
Evers adds that skiing is a performance sport, and that having the wrong gear can impede your progress.
Both Olson and Evers agree that the most important element to skiing successfully is to have boots that fit properly.
“Having ski boots that fit correctly is the biggest bang for the buck,” Olson said. “For years, articles in ski magazines have stated that too many people buy too large of a boot.”
“Ski boots aren’t normal footwear,” Evers said. “You can’t expect them to offer a gym shoe level of comfort. You’re going down a mountain at 30 miles per hour on a six-foot double-edge razor blade. There’s a control factor, and boots are sized in millimeters, not normal shoe sizes. Boots need to match your style of skiing.”
Skis are sold according to your height and weight, and usually range from 140 to 200 centimeters in length. Before a skier buys a pair, Evers says retailers should take the time to examine the skier’s personal profile.
“We spend time talking to people. We need to know where they are athletically,” Evers said. “Are they timid? Aggressive? Haven’t participated before? Skis are available for all personalities.”
Olson says shape skis have become the style of choice in today’s market. These skis are wider in the tip and the tail, and about 10 to 15 centimeters shorter than older, so-called traditional models.
“You can buy skis for groomed prepared runs like we have throughout the Midwest,” Evers said. “There also are skis made for what’s called `the backside,’ where the slope is rough and not groomed. You can also buy skis with a soft flex for new learners and a stiffer flex for racing slopes.”
Skis normally cost between $79 and $600, depending on the model. Models introduced last year are usually good buys, said Olson. “We have shape skis that retailed at $700 (last year, when they first came out) for $219 that aren’t any different from last year’s model except for the color,” Olson said.
Retailers typically offer ski packages that include skis, bindings, poles and boots. Evers says a “learner’s package” should cost a minimum of $400; a “midlevel,” which he says should work for “any mountain in the Midwest,” would cost between $600 and $1,000; and the top-of-the-line gear would probably run from $1,500 to $2,000.
Prices for individual components vary, but retailers say to expect boots to start at $100 up to $300, with poles between $20 and $40.
Evers said current gear would not be obsolete for three to five years. “As far as upgrading is concerned, technology in the sport continues as it does with everything else,” Evers said. “A lot of people don’t know there are performance guarantees offered with most skis. Companies offer a three- to five-day minimum after purchase to test shape, feel and performance. You can return the ski and swap them for another model in that company’s line.”
For cross-country enthusiasts, the game changes.
“Cross-country skiers are looking for more of an aerobic workout. The equipment is different and the costs are lower,” said Bill Dosek, manager of Bikes Plus in Arlington Heights.
Dosek believes that, as with downhill skiing, finding cross-country gear that fits properly is critical to enjoying the sport. Beginning with skis, Dosek says three or four categories are available.
“There’s a popular light touring category for skiing golf courses, resorts and groomed areas,” Dosek said. “Next, there’s a touring or back-country model that’s wider and more heavy-duty. And then there’s racing skis, either in a classic style where you ski with parallel strides or a skating style ski that’s more performance-oriented.”
Always look for package deals to maximize your savings. Dosek said a light touring package, including skis, boots, poles and bindings should cost $200 to $300; the more rugged touring package about $300 to $400; and the racing class $500 and up.
Individual components are estimated at $100 to $300 for skis, $70 to $200 for boots, $40 to $50 for bindings and $25 to $50 for poles.
Dosek said to avoid so-called “bargain” 75-millimeter bindings, which have been discontinued, and look instead for Salomon Pro Fit or NNNII bindings. He also suggested buying skis with a “sintered” base, which allows wax to absorb better into the ski.
Experts say getting the most out of your equipment requires maintaining it. Your checklist and costs for cross-country gear include:
– Getting your skis cleaned and hot-waxed at least once a season. The process includes stripping the base and machine sanding. The cost is about $20. Your bindings are maintenance free.
– Taking a lesson first. Dosek says about two hours’ worth should teach most people the basics. The cost is about $15 for a two-hour group lesson.
For downhill skiers, recommendations include:
– Having your skis sharpened, which involves stone grounding (to get rid of chips) and also beveling. The cost is about $35-$45. You should also wax skis each time you use them.
– Checking bindings at least once a year with a torque test machine (about $20).
– Taking lessons before you go. Groups of four or more cost about $12 an hour, with private lessons about $30 per hour.
SCHUSS THESE SITES FROM THE WARMTH OF YOUR HOME
People who are looking for practical information about skiing have no shortage of on-line choices. For example, www.skimaps.com features hundreds of trail maps (though many are slightly unfocused), and www.skicentral.com, perhaps the most complete links directory, offers access to hundreds of resorts’ Web sites.
Here are some other sites to visit:
– www.skinet.com. In addition to original ski news, travel articles and resort information, it offers on-line versions of the sport’s two most popular magazines, Ski and Skiing. Overall, the site is probably the most comprehensive ski destination on-line.
– www.complete-skier.com. This site is home to one of the best ski instruction sites on-line. It also includes news, instructional articles and a search engine for looking up resort information. A particularly welcome feature is a section for intermediate skiers, who do not get much attention on the Internet. Overall, the site is a good stop for people who are looking for coaching but are unwilling to sign up for ski lessons.
– www.hyperski.com. Hyperski, a monthly on-line magazine, offers articles geared toward accomplished skiers and their less experienced admirers. For consumers, the site offers an archive of mostly useful articles about ski equipment. And people who are looking for information to help them decide which ski resort to visit may find that the resort section is more convenient than most.
– www.goski.com. This site has built its reputation by providing a timely inventory of ski conditions at nearly 2,000 resorts around the world. But after browsing through the weather and snow-depth reports, visitors will find a large quantity of news and information on resorts and gear that is difficult to find elsewhere. Much of that information comes from readers, who send in reviews about ski equipment and travel destinations. These comments, which seem generally well informed, are among the few critical opinions on line about the ski industry.
— New York Times News Service.
