Buying Skis
 

Hi there,

I'm a very experienced skier, and have just passed a qualification that lets me instruct in Canada. I'll be starting this winter. However, I'm British and have never skiied a full season before. The only skis I bought prior to this were some old ones that I hired before, and they were dirt cheap.

Now I'm looking for a new pair that compliments my style without inhibiting my teaching ability - read: no race or freestyle skis.

I have very little experience or knowledge in skiing hardware, so I need some advice as to what I should buy. I don't want to spend more than £400, which includes bindings, any less is a bonus. I can ski pretty much any run, but as an instructor I will be predominately on the piste, rather that trekking off-piste.

It would be handy if anyone could give me some recommended models. I would prefer it if I could buy them in the UK now, instead of relying on buying them out there at the peak season.

Please ask some more questions if you need more information about my skiing.

Thanks!
Mo0k.

What brand type of skis are you on now? What do you like, not like about them? I'll be honest. I'm a snowboarder who decided last season to pick up a pair of skis and get back into it. Snagged a pair of Rossignol Scratches and they served me well. Do you want twin-tips or no? Salomon 1080's seem like nice skis, and I would have considered them, but they are a little more expensive. As far as bindings go I'm at a loss. Definitely find deals at a ski shop nearby during the summer on a pair of last year's skis.

Again, I'm not nearly as knowledgable when it comes to skis as I am snowboards so I'm probably of no help.

What resort are you going to teach at?

I'm teaching at Sunshine Village in Banff, AB - I've actually got my interview for it next week, so the deal isn't as done as I'm making it out to be.

I've got some crappy Rossignol something-or-others from about four or five seasons ago. They're the old style longer skis, and they're simply old, nothing inherently wrong with them.

I saw the Salomon 1080's, and quite liked the look of them. It's quite hard to tell without actually being on the mountain, so which is why I've asked here.

I also saw Salomon X-Wing 8's which, from their description, sound as if they're good for an instructor, but I'd need someone with some real knowledge to help me out.

look for demo's or a ski swap. You can get older skis that are kick ass for dirt cheap money, and boots, and poles. I got a great set of skis for $45 including bindings poles were $15 and i had boots. Just keep your eyes open and go to ski shops and ask about demo skis, they don't always display them.

Thanks, SaltPork - that's a great tip! I may well take your advice.