Skiing is one of the most popular hobbies there is, and for good reason, as there are few activities that can give you that much adrenaline and fun, as you gracefully sail down a mountain, the wind whipping against your goggles and your skis cutting through the thin snow. People go on ski holidays sometimes, traveling to other countries just to ski, to find that perfect slow, the ultimate descent.
However, it is also no secret that skiing is one of the more expensive hobbies you can cultivate, as there is a lot of gear, which certainly is not cheap, but you also can not really do without as your safety gets affected in the end. So, how to go about buying the right ski gear without spending a fortune? This little guide should help you out.
Hard and Soft
Starting from the basics, you should know that ski gear is divided into two categories, hard and soft. Comprehensive stores like Sun and Ski Sports will feature everything you can think of, from hard gear like skis, bindings, ski poles, and boots, to soft apparel like goggles, helmets, gloves, and ski clothes like jackets and pants, socks, and other accessories. In addition to all this, there are also plenty of other accessories and extra gear you can load up on, like backpacks, hydration packs, and extra aesthetic stuff, perhaps not absolutely vital but still fun to have if you are already getting started.
New?Â
Ski gear can be quite costly, although waiting for sales is always an option too of course, so it is a popular course of action to just buy used gear. This is certainly an option and not the worst one either, but it does require considerably more thought and careful decision-making than just buying new gear.
With new gear, you might want to research a little into brands, which are best for their price, and which you might want to stay away from a bit, but generally speaking, you can walk into a store or order from an online platform and get good, quality gear without much thought.
Or Used?
Used ski gear is a whole other story though, and you have two major paths to go down. You can either go to a store that sells used gear, in which case it is more likely that you are still getting quality gear that has not been damaged or the like and is only slightly used. But if you consider buying from a private seller, or a listing on eBay, then you need to consider a lot more before you hand over your money.
Make sure you get plenty of pictures of the gear, from multiple angles to check for any overt damage, and ask the seller plenty of questions, so you can try and ascertain how honest they are, whether they are actually selling something worth it, or if they are just trying to pull the rug out from under you, as there are many people of that sort online.
This is the inherent risk with all used products and private sellers, and one you need to be aware of. Often you have to think less about the actual thing they are selling, and more about the person selling it, how trustworthy they are, whether they may just be trying to scam you or not, and properly establishing that takes time and experience, knowing which details can be red or green flags.Â
Key Features
Once you have started the process of looking for ski apparel and gear, you will quickly notice that there is no shortage of options to check out, and it can be almost overwhelming at first glance. A good method of narrowing these options down a bit is to look at the possible features, and then decide what you want. Consider which features are priorities, ones you can not do without.
For example, if you already own ski boots, with GripWalk soles, and want to purchase new bindings, it naturally becomes a priority that your new bindings are GripWalk compatible. Or perhaps you are in the market for a new ski jacket and tend to ski in the coldest time of the year like December or January, in which case insulation quality and warmth will be your priority.
Set a Budget
Ski gear in general definitely leans towards the more expensive side, but you can find most apparel within a pretty broad price range, so before you head out to buy them, it is a good idea to know how much everything costs in general, so you do not get overcharged or buy something much too expensive thinking that is the normal price.
If you want to determine a realistic budget and stick to it, it is best if you just do a bit of research into both the lower and upper ranges. Quality matters greatly here of course, and if you want excellent gear that lasts for a long time and is made with premium materials, you are simply going to have to pay more too, so consider the apparel you want to be of higher quality, and the gear you do not need the best of.
Deals?
It is certainly worth it to wait for sales and deals, and there are plenty of store- or brand-wide sales at different times of the year. Seasonal sales, and special discounts, are a fantastic way to save money while still getting the gear you wanted. A little patience and foresight are all that is required, knowing when to wait a little and when to buy, which seasons have the best deals, which store has what sales, and when; it all helps to make a decision when it comes to making a purchase and getting ready for sailing down the slopes.
Skiing is not the cheapest hobby there is, but certainly one of the most fun, and with a little forethought and research, you can get the gear you want and need without forking over a fortune, while still getting quality apparel.
