Buyers Guides

Help to understand what you are buying!

ski wear coming soonFor the hardened skier it can be easy to know exactly what you need for your time on the slopes and what equipment and clothing best suits your needs. For someone who hasn’t had much time on the mountains and is at a beginner level but knows they will be pursuing skiing as a yearly hobby, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the best tools for your new sport.

We have come up with a buying guide to make your selection easier. Ask around too, if you meet people on the slopes, ask them what their favourite ski brands are and why, it can narrow down your search.

The basics for skiing, if you intend to get serious and have your own equipment are skis and poles, ski boots, goggles, helmet, ski jacket, ski pants, ski socks, baselayers and a ski board if that’s your sport of choice.

Clothes wise, look at our info on skiwear for women and for men. Looking good on the slopes is definitely a plus but what you really need to look out for are fabrics with fibres that dry well so your clothes are ready to wear day in day out, flexibility – nothing that restricts movement and materials that keep out the cold but don’t allow you to get sweaty and damp. Our favourite brands are listed on the left hands menu. Here we have listed only the best outdoor wear labels. Even if you are not an expert skier, you are likely to recognise names like The North Face and Helly Hansen. These guys bring you top notch detailing and technology, their job is to keep you safe and comfortable on the snow and we trust them.

As far as your equipment is concerned, it is very important that you prioritise comfort because this is what will keep you safe on the slopes. Next pick your budget and try to stick to it, however, we say if you find the perfect ski boots and they are more than you thought you would spend, think hard about buying them, remember these are an investment that you will wear several times a year.

See below for our buyers guide.

 buyers guide to skiing
Buy Ski Clothing online from the following stores:
 

Buying Skis

ski wear coming soon

The right skis depend on the type of skiing for example, racing, downhill or off piste. It also depends on where you predominantly ski and what type of snow, so know the local conditions.

Nowadays, there are skis that will suit all conditions but when you buy think about your ability.

Look at top brand models, they are top for a reason and if you search the top 10 manufacturers, you will find a pair of skis to suit you.

 

Buying Ski Boots

buyers guide

Your height, weight, age, athletic ability, how much and where you skiare important factors when choosing ski boots. These questions help evaluate your aggressiveness, ability and approach to skiing. The boot should be adequate for now and work well as you improve.

Beginners, low intermediates, and non-aggressive skiers need a fairly soft forward flexing boot.

An aggressive or advanced skier needs a stiffer boot that will provide “sensitivity” to movement changes.

Check out Snowinn for a great selection of ski boots
 

Buying Ski Poles

buyers guide

There is lots to think about when buying poles. Length, grip and material are probably the top 3 concerns.

Most poles are made of graphite, fiberglass, aluminum, or composite. Graphite Ski Poles are lightweight and very strong whilst aluminum ski poles are affordable but they can flex or snap when you crash. Composite Ski Poles do not bend when you fall are longer-lasting and are slowly becoming more cost-effective.

Pole Length will determine your stance so you need to make sure you choose the Ski Poles with the correct Pole Length.

 

Buying Ski Goggles

ski buyers guide

Goggles need to protect you from UVA and UVB. Lens wise polycarbonate is a much stronger than glass or plastic and will protect you in falls or if you happen to brush against tree branches.

Frame flexibility also plays a role in protection. The more flexible a frame is, the less likely the lens will be to pop out during a fall.

The inside of the goggle should be padded with quality foam that will offer sufficient protection during a fall. The goggle should not press against your face or cut into your skin when you crash on top of them.

 

Buying Ski Helmets

ski buyers guide

A ski helmet is essential for your protection, it can prevent serious head injuries and even death.

Measure your head in centimeters using a tape measure around your head just above your eyebrows. This will give you an approximate head size and will help your purchase.

Consider whether you will wear goggles and a helmet liner. Your helmet needs to be snug but of course not tight. Make sure the ear pads rest right on top of your ears.
 

Buying Ski Gloves

ski buyers guide

Wind proof and water proof are what you are looking for in a good ski glove. A fabric that is breathable too is a top priority because sweaty palms do not feel good!

Look for insulated gloves with long or short cuffs dependent on your comfort or adjustable if you can find them.

A good grip in the fingers and palm is also important.

Check out Dare2B, Simply Piste, Outdoor Megastore and Wildday for the best selection of ski gloves.
 

Buying SnowBoards

ski buyers guide

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