Getting Back Into Skiing

brad1138 · 08-05-08, 12:31 AM

I have skied since I was 3 years old and was very good through high school and into my early 20's. Since then I have only skied about a half a dozen times

The last time I skied was 2000. I am 41 years old now and I have decided to get a seasons pass at White Pass in Washington State for 2008/9 and really get back into skiing

I really can't wait.

But I will need all new equipment, everything I have is 15+ years old. The last time I skied no one had the "new" hour glass shaped skis, my boots might be ok but they are black, hot pink and lime green (hey it was the style at the time) and after my kids laughed at them for about 5 min straight... I am going to need new ones. Of course there are bindings also. The rest I cant imagine have changed much, polls and clothes etc.

I am hoping to find the best deals I can, maybe buy online. I wouldn't buy boots online, need to check for fit of course, but skis & bindings I would think would be fine.

I am going to be looking for a good "all around" set of skies/bindings, I am getting to old to do any real extreme skiing anymore (plus I have a problem with both my shoulders dislocating rather easily) I can't afford (at least now) to have multiple sets of skis for different conditions, I do still have my old "Head" skis and will keep those for rock skiing.

My last set of skis were 180's, I am 5'10" & about 170 lbs. I hear most people are going with shorter skis now, actually I always wondered why they weren't shorter, thought it would be more maneuverable, but everyone said "about your height" so I went along.

Anyway, I was hoping for advise on what and where to buy.

Thanks,
Brad

Michael · 10-05-08, 12:48 PM

I don't think theres a real need to get new ski boots, unless your current ones are uncomfortable. If you were to buy ski boots I probably wouldn't advise you to buy online however it might be possible to pick up better deals. The reason being is that you would want the boot to fit perfectly before you buy it.

You'll prob want to buy yourself some carving skis, skis have changed a lot in the past 15 years. I think your old stuff would be fine if your used to skiing on it.

yarddog313 · 21-05-08, 10:22 PM

I went straight to all mountain skis when I started back up. I got a pair of Volkl 5 Stars and had a blast with them. They are great for groomers and cutting through crud, however they are a bit of a pain when it comes to powder being mid fats and all. I would really recommend going for all mountain skis just because of the versatility. As far as size goes, I started on 165's just so I could work on the basics again and get used to how the newer skis handle, and I have no complaints about them. I never had a problem with chatter, which I though would be my biggest problem skiing on the east coast and all, and they were great for me to learn on(though I was bitching a bit at the beginning of the season while scoring at least a few good double ejects a day).

brad1138 · 22-05-08, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarddog313

however they are a bit of a pain when it comes to powder being mid fats and all.

Any new ski is going to be a lot "fatter" than anything I have ever used, so I don't think that will be a problem. Also aside from last year we don't usually have much good powder in WA.

Thanks for the info,
Brad

brad1138 · 03-06-08, 03:23 AM

I have heard these colors are coming back into style so I am considering using my old Raichle Flexon Equipe's , here is a picture of a very similar model (almost identical). Be honest, would you wear these today, will they stick out like a sore thumb? Aside from that whats your opinion of the boots quality if you happen to remember them?

SkiBumminIt · 08-06-08, 11:49 PM

Brad~ It's all about the fit and if they give you proper alignment. Personally, I would get myself to a great bootfitter (don't go to the big box stores) and spend the time to get a properly fitting boot. If you want information on a proper bootfitting you can go to my site linked at the bottom of this message.

I would also buy new clothes. Why? The technology has changed so MUCH that you will be amazed with how light and less bulky everything is......Good luck!

jrullo177 · 15-08-08, 12:29 AM

ya those boots are awsom colors but um i think that i found a new pair of skis for you. they are the K2 Apache Stryer M1 12. i know some people who have them and they just love them because they are perfect for all mountain skiing, not to mention they look awsome. here is a site that i found with great pics and prices.

brad1138 · 18-09-08, 01:49 PM

Well I finally decided on ski's, went with http://www.volkl.com/ski_06/supersport_s5_titanium.html I think they will be very good for me. Just ordered them

yarddog313 · 23-09-08, 06:20 PM

Hah, I have those

08-05-08, 12:31 AM	#1
brad1138 I haven't picked a title Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8	Getting Back Into Skiing I have skied since I was 3 years old and was very good through high school and into my early 20's. Since then I have only skied about a half a dozen times The last time I skied was 2000. I am 41 years old now and I have decided to get a seasons pass at White Pass in Washington State for 2008/9 and really get back into skiing I really can't wait. But I will need all new equipment, everything I have is 15+ years old. The last time I skied no one had the "new" hour glass shaped skis, my boots might be ok but they are black, hot pink and lime green (hey it was the style at the time) and after my kids laughed at them for about 5 min straight... I am going to need new ones. Of course there are bindings also. The rest I cant imagine have changed much, polls and clothes etc. I am hoping to find the best deals I can, maybe buy online. I wouldn't buy boots online, need to check for fit of course, but skis & bindings I would think would be fine. I am going to be looking for a good "all around" set of skies/bindings, I am getting to old to do any real extreme skiing anymore (plus I have a problem with both my shoulders dislocating rather easily) I can't afford (at least now) to have multiple sets of skis for different conditions, I do still have my old "Head" skis and will keep those for rock skiing. My last set of skis were 180's, I am 5'10" & about 170 lbs. I hear most people are going with shorter skis now, actually I always wondered why they weren't shorter, thought it would be more maneuverable, but everyone said "about your height" so I went along. Anyway, I was hoping for advise on what and where to buy. Thanks, Brad __________________

10-05-08, 12:48 PM	#2
Michael I haven't picked a title Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 391	I don't think theres a real need to get new ski boots, unless your current ones are uncomfortable. If you were to buy ski boots I probably wouldn't advise you to buy online however it might be possible to pick up better deals. The reason being is that you would want the boot to fit perfectly before you buy it. You'll prob want to buy yourself some carving skis, skis have changed a lot in the past 15 years. I think your old stuff would be fine if your used to skiing on it. __________________

08-06-08, 11:49 PM	#6
SkiBumminIt I haven't picked a title Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	Brad~ It's all about the fit and if they give you proper alignment. Personally, I would get myself to a great bootfitter (don't go to the big box stores) and spend the time to get a properly fitting boot. If you want information on a proper bootfitting you can go to my site linked at the bottom of this message. I would also buy new clothes. Why? The technology has changed so MUCH that you will be amazed with how light and less bulky everything is......Good luck! __________________ www.PeaceLoveSki.com

23-09-08, 06:20 PM	#9
yarddog313 Face plant master Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lake Placid NY Posts: 72	Hah, I have those __________________

21-05-08, 10:22 PM	#3
yarddog313 Face plant master Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lake Placid NY Posts: 72	I went straight to all mountain skis when I started back up. I got a pair of Volkl 5 Stars and had a blast with them. They are great for groomers and cutting through crud, however they are a bit of a pain when it comes to powder being mid fats and all. I would really recommend going for all mountain skis just because of the versatility. As far as size goes, I started on 165's just so I could work on the basics again and get used to how the newer skis handle, and I have no complaints about them. I never had a problem with chatter, which I though would be my biggest problem skiing on the east coast and all, and they were great for me to learn on(though I was bitching a bit at the beginning of the season while scoring at least a few good double ejects a day).

03-06-08, 03:23 AM	#5
brad1138 I haven't picked a title Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8	I have heard these colors are coming back into style so I am considering using my old Raichle Flexon Equipe's , here is a picture of a very similar model (almost identical). Be honest, would you wear these today, will they stick out like a sore thumb? Aside from that whats your opinion of the boots quality if you happen to remember them?

15-08-08, 12:29 AM	#7
jrullo177 I haven't picked a title Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 34	ya those boots are awsom colors but um i think that i found a new pair of skis for you. they are the K2 Apache Stryer M1 12. i know some people who have them and they just love them because they are perfect for all mountain skiing, not to mention they look awsome. here is a site that i found with great pics and prices.

18-09-08, 01:49 PM	#8
brad1138 I haven't picked a title Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 8	Well I finally decided on ski's, went with http://www.volkl.com/ski_06/supersport_s5_titanium.html I think they will be very good for me. Just ordered them