If you are a beginner and have never taken up skiing before then you might think that you are stuck with buying the same old ski gear that you have always worn before, but there is actually a lot of good options available on the market right now that will get you started without spending a fortune.
If you look hard enough you can probably find something for under $200 that will suit your needs and helps you learn how to ski without breaking the bank. If you don’t want to spend too much money, you can also look at renting skis. You can choose the rental that suits you best and even then there are plenty of options that you can make use of when you are ready to go out skiing. When you have your own set of skis to use you can be sure that you will be able to do a lot more and have a lot more fun as well.
With such high prices for new ski gear, many skiers don’t have the money to invest in the newest, most popular skis. Searching for cheap skis can feel like a risk, and there are many pitfalls. Here are a few tips for avoiding those traps and tricks to find quality skis at a low price! (Also applicable if you’re looking for a new snowboard.)
1. Make sure the site is reputable before buying new gear
When you come across a site offering cheap skis or cheap ski wear, make sure that they are a reliable business and not a rip-off site. Read reviews, ask other skiers on forums, and double-check the information available. Never buy a pair without a warranty – those $50 skis won’t feel like such a bargain if they break the first time you go out on the slopes and you can’t get your money back. If you can’t confirm a site as reputable, don’t even buy that pair of incredibly cheap ski goggles or cheap ski boots from your favorite brand. Any ski gear you purchase, small or large, could prove to be a waste of money.
2. Ask for pictures of the ski gear
If you’re buying a pair of used skis, look for sellers who have posted photos of the skis. If you find a particularly enticing ski gear offer with no photos up, then ask the seller to provide some. If they refuse then you probably can’t trust them. When you do find a pair of cheap skis with pictures, look at them carefully to make sure there is no obvious damage – don’t just hit “Add to Cart” as soon as you see a photograph.
3. Take a trip to the store before you gear up
When you find a pair of skis that interests you, write down the name, brand, and specifications and head to your local ski shop. If you can find the same pair of skis there, then try them on to make sure you like the feel, look, and weight of them. If they don’t have the same pair, then try the most similar pair you can find.
If they don’t feel good in them, then shop around until you find something that does feel right and go bargain hunting when you get back home. To save time, you might want to try out a few cheap ski jackets while you’re at the store, then hunt for the same jackets online. The same applies to any other kind of ski clothing or winter sports gear.
4. Learn about the different types of skiing
You should take the time to learn about the different types of skiing that there is to learn before you decide what type of equipment to buy. There are various types of skiing such as backcountry (off-piste), cross country skiing, and downhill. It’s important to find out what sort of equipment you need before you start so that you will be in a position to choose the correct type of ski to get you started on your ski holiday.
You should know which is the best resort in your area and also research the slopes where you would like to go on your ski holiday. You should also keep in mind that different resorts and ski slopes have different skiing equipment available to you. Some resorts have a lot of ski equipment available to you to either buy or rent and others do not – enquire before you go!
Shopping for cheap skis has its risks, but if you can find a pair of quality skis for a low price, then it’ll be worth the time and effort. If you follow these tips, you should be able to get ski and snowboard equipment at a price you can afford. Reading what we have discussed in this article you should be able to find some really good options that will get you started and also get you started on a great ski holiday.
Ski gear shopping tips by…
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
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