Snow skiers need advice on n00b setup..........

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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Here is some background......(readers digest version!)

My wife and I are burnt out on CA, wanna cash in on over inflated real estate market and escape before CA becomes mexico. (don't call me a racist, I'm not, I have plenty of hispanic friends.....but I'm real tired of supporting the illegal aliens with my tax dollars!)
Among other reasons to move out of CA, of which there are several, there is just too many damn people here! So we have decided after much discussion and investigation that we are moving to Idaho. (don't knock it till you've tried it.....I will admit it was the 51st state I originally thought of moving too though....!)

This isn't really supposed to be a discussion about the advantages/disadvantages of moving there, but I wanted some advice on buying some ski equipment since I will be able to snowski pretty cheap up there. I have gone snow skiing maybe 3-4 times and had a blast each time. I expect I will be doing downhill skiing not cross country.

Anyway, what brands/type of skis should I buy (gotta be reasonably priced) and please mention any other highly recommended equipment. Also maybe some advice on the best places to buy this stuff.

BTW, any AT people from Idaho wanna PM me with their thoughts about Idaho in general, feel free.

Thanx.........





 

m2kewl

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2001
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here's some advice, get a snowboard :p

sorry i can't help you with skis, i only tried it once.
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
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if you've only gone skiing 3 or 4 times i'd recommend renting until you get good enough to warrant purchasing your own pair.

EDIT: you'll also have a better idea what you like in different types.

barring that, i'd ebay a used pair if you're really set on buying something. keep in mind that the lighter or more novice you are the shorter your skis should be.

there is probably a guide online somewhere that can give you rules of thumb for weight/skill VS. ski length.
 

scorpmatt

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
7,040
97
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idaho is a nice state, been there a few times. heard that the skiing is close to being top notch, hopefully it wont be too crowded for ya!
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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I dunno, I never was very good on skateboards......feel more stable with some poles to prop me up once in awhile.
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
if you've only gone skiing 3 or 4 times i'd recommend renting until you get good enough to warrant purchasing your own pair.

EDIT: you'll also have a better idea what you like in different types.

barring that, i'd ebay a used pair if you're really set on buying something. keep in mind that the lighter or more novice you are the shorter your skis should be.

there is probably a guide online somewhere that can give you rules of thumb for weight/skill VS. ski length.


Hrmmmm....I'm 5'9" and 175lbs.
 

scorpmatt

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2001
7,040
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Originally posted by: faZZter
Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
if you've only gone skiing 3 or 4 times i'd recommend renting until you get good enough to warrant purchasing your own pair.

EDIT: you'll also have a better idea what you like in different types.

barring that, i'd ebay a used pair if you're really set on buying something. keep in mind that the lighter or more novice you are the shorter your skis should be.

there is probably a guide online somewhere that can give you rules of thumb for weight/skill VS. ski length.


Hrmmmm....I'm 5'9" and 175lbs.

you could go down to your local sports shop and get measured for skis
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
some cursory info that i found googling "ski length". there's many other links as well. good luck.

scorpmatt is right, you can also get measured at a local shop and they will have a better idea what you will need. they may even have info on used skis they are selling or last year's models at discount.
 

m2kewl

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2001
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now is the best time to get equipment. most shops start to discount last years models or used equipment and apparel.
 

kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
5,110
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Anywhere from 140-214cm:p

I'm about 5'9" and 145lbs and thats the range of skis that I own and use, it depends greatly on the what you want to ski on and the ski itself.
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: m2kewl
now is the best time to get equipment. most shops start to discount last years models or used equipment and apparel.


Yeah, that's what I was thinking too.....hate to buy before I try but I want the discount....gotta be cheap after quitting my 70K/yr job soon. :)
 

cavemanmoron

Lifer
Mar 13, 2001
13,664
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Topic Title: Snow skiers need advice on n00b setup..........
Topic Summary: Also if you live in Idaho chime in........
Created On: 06/16/2005 12:28 PM

June 16th,you want to go ski??

Hmm,don't come to the northeast,is my best advice.LOL

Breckenridge in Dacember.
 

MechJinx

Senior member
Mar 22, 2004
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Whereabouts in Idaho are you looking? I don't live there. But, my family has a cabin in Island Park since 1972 that my father just loves, so it was like a second home growing up. I really enjoy the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Yellowstone region. Beautiful country
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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We are gonna be living near Boise in Star.........!

Anyone wanna throw us a welcoming BBQ!?!?

:)
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
1,202
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Originally posted by: cavemanmoron
Topic Title: Snow skiers need advice on n00b setup..........
Topic Summary: Also if you live in Idaho chime in........
Created On: 06/16/2005 12:28 PM

June 16th,you want to go ski??

Hmm,don't come to the northeast,is my best advice.LOL

Breckenridge in Dacember.


Yeah I want to ski in June..........

Of course I don't wanna ski in June, I am just trying to get a good deal in the offseason thinking prices would be cheaper.
 

JonTom

Senior member
Oct 10, 2001
311
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rent until you're sure you're going to make it worthwhile. Skiing is an expensive sport.

Skis nowadays are getting so specialized that renting makes even more sense if you find a good shop. Get powder skis for a snow day, cruisers for when you going to be on groomers, etc. $30/day to rent means that you need to ski 20+ times to break even...
 

pkananen

Senior member
Mar 13, 2003
644
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I'd say no bigger than 170, maybe closer to 160 cm. Get shaped skis for sure (they have larger sidecuts, ie, more carved out in the middle looking down on them). Get GOOD boots - they are more important than skis! If you shop well, you can get everything for around 600. Also, DON'T get the best, as it will be beyond your level, like too stiff or to hard to carve in. Also, look for cheap season passes now. You can get good deals in the summer for around 300 some places for all year, maybe a bit less even.

Brands: Most any brand in a ski shop will be good if its somewhat expensive, but get the model suited for your type of skiing.
 

faZZter

Golden Member
Feb 21, 2001
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Yeah.....they will sell you a season pass at Bogus Basin for around 200 dollars if you are a new resident, which I will be. Bogus basin is only about 15 miles outta town too. :)

Any particular brands of boots I should be looking at?
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,419
1,599
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RENT UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF SKIER YOU ARE

or buy cheap but quality used eBay ski's.

I got skiied for about 5 years, took a break, and then came back. As part of my "triumphant" return, I bought a pair of aggro skis, 160's or so, and now I regret that purchase SO MUCH. I'm way more of a downhill skiier and wish I would've gotten 180's or 190's instead.

Brands to look at in no particular order, Rossignol, K2, Dynastar, etc etc etc. IMHO the brand of ski's aren't that important until you're hella pro. BUT do find the best boot you can afford, and MAKE SURE YOU TRY THEM ON.

Skills are way more important than equipment