Beginner needs

AU5TRALIAHey Everyone! So this winter I decided I am going to learn how to ski. I live in Massachusetts. Last time I went skiing I believe was around 8 years old. Now I am 31. So this weekend I'm planning on making it down to RI to pick up a buddy of mine to go buy some equipment. There is a lot of talk around the inter webs of what to buy and no to buy and this and that.

What Im looking for is just some general direction of what to buy. My budget is around $700 max. I would prefer to keep it below that. Im 6'3" and weigh 195lbs. I would prefer some skis that I can grow into a little bit. I don't want beginner skis that I will grow out of by the end of the season. I'm a pretty quick learner and Ive also booked a couple lessons just to kind of get an understanding of the basics.

In regards to boots, Ive heard from friends oh your just a beginner you don't need to take it so seriously when getting boots.

What are some brands that would be good, prices I should be aiming for and any other general ideas in regards to buying my first equipment

Thanks.

your friends are wrong. Take it VERY seriously when getting boots. Get fitted for boots first, it'll make a world of difference. If they don't fit right, you're gonna have a bad time (much like if you french fry when you're supposed to pizza)

nutz.your friends are wrong. Take it VERY seriously when getting boots. Get fitted for boots first, it'll make a world of difference. If they don't fit right, you're gonna have a bad time (much like if you french fry when you're supposed to pizza)

Yeah thats what I figured. Is it safe to assume that the more you spend on boots the better? There are so many options when it comes to different skis and different boots that it is a little overwhelming. I hare making bad choices. I just want to buy whats good for me and something I wont have buyers remorse over.

Just a thought, but maybe rent for the first few lessons just to make sure it's still something you want to do before you blow a grand on new equipment to take one lesson and give up. If you're positive that you want to ski then all power to you, but maybe just rent before you buy everything anyways. Also GET PROPER FITTING BOOTS! Your feet your shins your legs, just your entire body will thank you!

nutz.your friends are wrong. Take it VERY seriously when getting boots. Get fitted for boots first, it'll make a world of difference. If they don't fit right, you're gonna have a bad time (much like if you french fry when you're supposed to pizza)

This This This

Go to the sticky about buying boots. Your days on the mountain will suck if you don't get something that fits

Skis are not as important because your not going to be good enough (the first weeks atleast) to get all out of the tech that some skis have..

And lastly remember to have fun and not get bummed if you're not progressing as fast as you hoped for :-)

AU5TRALIAYeah thats what I figured. Is it safe to assume that the more you spend on boots the better? There are so many options when it comes to different skis and different boots that it is a little overwhelming. I hare making bad choices. I just want to buy whats good for me and something I wont have buyers remorse over.

High prices does not necessarily guarantee you a good boot:) go see a boot fitter!

lineskis413Just a thought, but maybe rent for the first few lessons just to make sure it's still something you want to do before you blow a grand on new equipment to take one lesson and give up. If you're positive that you want to ski then all power to you, but maybe just rent before you buy everything anyways. Also GET PROPER FITTING BOOTS! Your feet your shins your legs, just your entire body will thank you!

Yeah this is something I deff want to do. I have always wanted to learn. I enjoy the winter out of all months. Enjoy snow. Always wanted a winter activity to do. Im very much an introvert so skiing down a slop by myself is something that seems like such a blast to me. I don't mind spending some money. Getting up early on a saturday morning and driving up to killington or loon is something right up my alley. So i am all in this winter.

WillowShabbyThis This This

Go to the sticky about buying boots. Your days on the mountain will suck if you don't get something that fits

Skis are not as important because your not going to be good enough (the first weeks atleast) to get all out of the tech that some skis have..

And lastly remember to have fun and not get bummed if you're not progressing as fast as you hoped for :-)

Thank you, I will get boots first as I had planned. I understand its going to take a lot of practice and commitment and Im okay with that. i remember as a kid I loved it. I tried snowboarding when I was 14 or 15 and hated it.

AU5TRALIAYeah thats what I figured. Is it safe to assume that the more you spend on boots the better? There are so many options when it comes to different skis and different boots that it is a little overwhelming. I hare making bad choices. I just want to buy whats good for me and something I wont have buyers remorse over.

nooope, more isn't always better. If they fit perfectly then they're the best boot for you regardless of cost

If you tell the boot fitter your budget he should be able to find you a comfy pair, I don't think you'll have to spend too big on boots either, you can always upgrade down the line once you become a better skier.

I'd recommend buying last years model of skis as they are quite often the same as this seasons but with a different top sheet. Go for an all mountain twin tip so you can learn a wide range of skiing.
Tyrolia attack 13 or salomon sth12/ atomic ffg are well made bindings that are very well priced and should suit just fine.

Then buy a helmet, very important. I have a Bell helmet from amazon, only cost $15.
When you buy googles ,look after them, but don't touch the inside or they'll fog up.

You can easily pick up ski poles for $10 or less, it's not really worth spending more than that, you can even pick these up for free (people drop them under the chairlift and quite often leave them)

That should cover the basics and get you off to a start. Hope you have a fun season!

slamdunkIf you tell the boot fitter your budget he should be able to find you a comfy pair, I don't think you'll have to spend too big on boots either, you can always upgrade down the line once you become a better skier.

I'd recommend buying last years model of skis as they are quite often the same as this seasons but with a different top sheet. Go for an all mountain twin tip so you can learn a wide range of skiing.
Tyrolia attack 13 or salomon sth12/ atomic ffg are well made bindings that are very well priced and should suit just fine.

Then buy a helmet, very important. I have a Bell helmet from amazon, only cost $15.
When you buy googles ,look after them, but don't touch the inside or they'll fog up.

You can easily pick up ski poles for $10 or less, it's not really worth spending more than that, you can even pick these up for free (people drop them under the chairlift and quite often leave them)

That should cover the basics and get you off to a start. Hope you have a fun season!

Thanks man. I appreciate all the help. Most of this was my plan. Im going down tomorrow to RI to get my boots and skis. I figure Ill try and keep everything to a minimum. Your right I can always upgrade down the line. Helmet is a deff.

Whats everyone opinions on lessons? I feel that they would put me in a good spot as far as basics go. I took lessons for golf and they helped tremendously. I know that's apple to oranges. I did sign up for two lessons out west when i go visit my family for xmas break.

I'm just going to keep at it this winter. Just pack everything in the car and a lot of good mountains out here in new england that I can make it to in 2hours.

AU5TRALIAThanks man. I appreciate all the help. Most of this was my plan. Im going down tomorrow to RI to get my boots and skis. I figure Ill try and keep everything to a minimum. Your right I can always upgrade down the line. Helmet is a deff.

Whats everyone opinions on lessons? I feel that they would put me in a good spot as far as basics go. I took lessons for golf and they helped tremendously. I know that's apple to oranges. I did sign up for two lessons out west when i go visit my family for xmas break.

I'm just going to keep at it this winter. Just pack everything in the car and a lot of good mountains out here in new england that I can make it to in 2hours.

The amount you could learn doing two days of lessons could take you 2-3 weeks or so to learn by yourself so yeh absolutely, you'll be glad you took them. Also just skiing with a friend who is a good skier that you can watch is a good way to learn and they'll be able to give you pointers.
As long as you're having fun you're doing it right!

Everyone freaking out about boots probably grew up skiing so they don't remember what learning is like.

I learned to ski as a adult so I remember the process vividly. You are going to wear the wrong boots, and nothing will stop that. I wore boots 2 sizes too big for 2 seasons. No boot fitter could have convinced me I was in the wrong size, because I was a gayper. I didn't know boots aren't suppose to fit like slippers. Comfort was priority number one.

Pretty much everyone I know who learned as an adult went through exactly the same process of skiing boots several sizes too big like I did. Until their skill level gets to the point that their sloppy boot actually starts to inhibit them.

To fork out big bucks as a newbie on boots that will most definitely be wrong is a misuse of funds. A new skier will NOT be happy in a properly fitted ski boot, it will be too tight to them even if it is a proper fit. Spend that money on lessons and rentals. Then by next season be in a position to actually want and need a boot that fits properly.

CyanicenineEveryone freaking out about boots probably grew up skiing so they don't remember what learning is like.

I learned to ski as a adult so I remember the process vividly. You are going to wear the wrong boots, and nothing will stop that. I wore boots 2 sizes too big for 2 seasons. No boot fitter could have convinced me I was in the wrong size, because I was a gayper. I didn't know boots aren't suppose to fit like slippers. Comfort was priority number one.

Pretty much everyone I know who learned as an adult went through exactly the same process of skiing boots several sizes too big like I did. Until their skill level gets to the point that their sloppy boot actually starts to inhibit them.

To fork out big bucks as a newbie on boots that will most definitely be wrong is a misuse of funds. A new skier will NOT be happy in a properly fitted ski boot, it will be too tight to them even if it is a proper fit. Spend that money on lessons and rentals. Then by next season be in a position to actually want and need a boot that fits properly.

dunno about that. If he goes to a good boot fitter and listens to him, why spend the money on a boot that doesn't fit? That's just wasting money imo

CyanicenineEveryone freaking out about boots probably grew up skiing so they don't remember what learning is like.

I learned to ski as a adult so I remember the process vividly. You are going to wear the wrong boots, and nothing will stop that. I wore boots 2 sizes too big for 2 seasons. No boot fitter could have convinced me I was in the wrong size, because I was a gayper. I didn't know boots aren't suppose to fit like slippers. Comfort was priority number one.

Pretty much everyone I know who learned as an adult went through exactly the same process of skiing boots several sizes too big like I did. Until their skill level gets to the point that their sloppy boot actually starts to inhibit them.

To fork out big bucks as a newbie on boots that will most definitely be wrong is a misuse of funds. A new skier will NOT be happy in a properly fitted ski boot, it will be too tight to them even if it is a proper fit. Spend that money on lessons and rentals. Then by next season be in a position to actually want and need a boot that fits properly.

a boot the right size is going to be a million times more comfy than one that is to big, besides if he's skiing a full season he might as well buy a proper boot that will help him progress in the long run..

slamdunkThe amount you could learn doing two days of lessons could take you 2-3 weeks or so to learn by yourself so yeh absolutely, you'll be glad you took them. Also just skiing with a friend who is a good skier that you can watch is a good way to learn and they'll be able to give you pointers.
As long as you're having fun you're doing it right!

Yeah Im just excited to learn. I just got off the phone to book my lessons. As I said before I live in Boston but and going to seattle to visit my family for xmas. I booked a cabin on lake wenatchee for my brother sister and I. They are both snowboarders. The cabin is 20 miles from Stevens Pass and 60-70miles from Mission Ridge. So we will be spending a day at both and I got a two hour private lesson in the morning for each one.

CyanicenineEveryone freaking out about boots probably grew up skiing so they don't remember what learning is like.

I learned to ski as a adult so I remember the process vividly. You are going to wear the wrong boots, and nothing will stop that. I wore boots 2 sizes too big for 2 seasons. No boot fitter could have convinced me I was in the wrong size, because I was a gayper. I didn't know boots aren't suppose to fit like slippers. Comfort was priority number one.

Pretty much everyone I know who learned as an adult went through exactly the same process of skiing boots several sizes too big like I did. Until their skill level gets to the point that their sloppy boot actually starts to inhibit them.

To fork out big bucks as a newbie on boots that will most definitely be wrong is a misuse of funds. A new skier will NOT be happy in a properly fitted ski boot, it will be too tight to them even if it is a proper fit. Spend that money on lessons and rentals. Then by next season be in a position to actually want and need a boot that fits properly.

I did go down to a ski store in RI today and got fitted for boots. I bought a pair of Head Edge 9. They were really comfortable. I can feel my toes at the end but leaning forward my toes pull slightly back from the end. They didn't feel how it does when you buy a pair of shoes to small and your toes want to retract and it hurts. I can just feel them very slightly touching the end. They fit like a glove. Theres very little give but I figure once I wear them for a while the padding will pack out and Ill be fine. The next size up was too large. These are 30.5. I know they are not anything fancy but they are comfortable and will be more than enough.

I also got a pair of Head Rev 75. Supposedly a pretty good beginner/intermediate ski. I got a good deal on everything. Told them I wasn't paying the price on the sticker. Boots were $199 and the skis were $299 after some bartering. Poles were throw ins.

nutz.dunno about that. If he goes to a good boot fitter and listens to him, why spend the money on a boot that doesn't fit? That's just wasting money imo

No worries...good to go.

WillowShabbya boot the right size is going to be a million times more comfy than one that is to big, besides if he's skiing a full season he might as well buy a proper boot that will help him progress in the long run..

Progression is the plan.

Thanks for everyones advice and help. Looking forward to this winter. If anyone knows where to get some decent gear online. Im in need of pants, jacket, helmet and goggles.

Figure I would wait until back friday/cyber monday for some good deals.

What kind of goggles do I need. All the different lens colors confuse me. Let me know.

AU5TRALIAYeah Im just excited to learn. I just got off the phone to book my lessons. As I said before I live in Boston but and going to seattle to visit my family for xmas. I booked a cabin on lake wenatchee for my brother sister and I. They are both snowboarders. The cabin is 20 miles from Stevens Pass and 60-70miles from Mission Ridge. So we will be spending a day at both and I got a two hour private lesson in the morning for each one.



I did go down to a ski store in RI today and got fitted for boots. I bought a pair of Head Edge 9. They were really comfortable. I can feel my toes at the end but leaning forward my toes pull slightly back from the end. They didn't feel how it does when you buy a pair of shoes to small and your toes want to retract and it hurts. I can just feel them very slightly touching the end. They fit like a glove. Theres very little give but I figure once I wear them for a while the padding will pack out and Ill be fine. The next size up was too large. These are 30.5. I know they are not anything fancy but they are comfortable and will be more than enough.

I also got a pair of Head Rev 75. Supposedly a pretty good beginner/intermediate ski. I got a good deal on everything. Told them I wasn't paying the price on the sticker. Boots were $199 and the skis were $299 after some bartering. Poles were throw ins.



No worries...good to go.



Progression is the plan.

Thanks for everyones advice and help. Looking forward to this winter. If anyone knows where to get some decent gear online. Im in need of pants, jacket, helmet and goggles.

Figure I would wait until back friday/cyber monday for some good deals.

What kind of goggles do I need. All the different lens colors confuse me. Let me know.

The new Oakley Prizm lenses provides the best visibility I have them myself and I'm very impressed by the way they make the shadow appear sharp and contrasted! Evo is probably where you wanna go for something cheap and new.

check the evo outlet or sierra trading post or the clymb for deals. Lots of good stuff to be had for cheap there.

as far as lenses go. Rule of thumb is one clear and one reflective and you should be good for most conditions. If you're really worried about choices and such feel free to message me and I can help ya out a bit! (I've tried a ton of goggles through NS and the b/s/t)

Enjoy the skiing, and have a great season!

Boots will make or break your skiing performance. If they are too big you won't have good control of your turns, if they are too small, your feet will hurt all day.