Over the past 30 years I've been skiing an average of 7 days a season, but this past winter my wife became a snowboarding instructor and got her level 1 cert. Between that, and our toddlers just getting introduced to skiing, we'll be spending a lot more time on the mountain; I estimate 20-30 days a season going forward. I split my days between skiing and snowboarding, the latter of which I picked up 7 yrs ago. Because of the increased mountain time this past season, my skills have improved noticeably.
As far as my level, I'm not sure- my guess would be halfway between type 2 and type 3. I can make it down any type of trail including moderately steep and technical glades but as of today, I won't be one of the aggressive types you'll see. On the more challenging terrain I need to take frequent rest breaks while being aggressive, or I need to go at a casual pace. The latter is more the norm. My goal is to be a solid type III at some point in the future. My technique needs some adjustments, but between a lesson or two and some off mountain physical training it feels attainable.
I've been using the same gear for the past 15 years, Salomon 1080s (I know, not exactly a northeastern ski), and Salomon boots that I guess were considered all mountain type II at the time. These boots have been very comfortable and I haven't had any issues with them. On a recent gondola ride when I mentioned to two other skiers how long I've been using them they looked at each other in disbelief. I guess that my thinking that a comfortable fit is the only real important thing needs to get with the times. I wonder what they'd think about the shell I wear on warmer days that I've been using since before some of the lifties were born.:lol:
So... I'm ready to do a full gear upgrade. My thinking is to do it now, at the end of the season to get a deal on the new 2015 models the manufacturers need to move.
On a demo day, I tried out some of the makers' latest wares. The ones I really enjoyed were the Atomic Redster 3.0 GS 178s, and I decided that day that's what I'm getting.
Since then I noticed that they seem to be marketed to slalom racing types, and are very pricey. I'm ok with spending the money, but will they be wasted on a skier like myself? I have no desire to do any racing at this point in my life, and don't want to appear as someone I'm not. I know the usual advice is "if you like them that's good enough", but are there any any other reasons this would not be a good decision? I haven't been able to find the 178 length available online anywhere except used on Ebay so far.
Also, buying boots after 15 years feels like a real challenge. It's neither practical nor convenient for me to find shops where I can try on all the models from all the different makes. I've just trying to do my research online right now, starting to get a little up to speed. Do most of the internet retailers have good policies about boot returns / exchanges?
Thanks in advance for all advice!
As far as my level, I'm not sure- my guess would be halfway between type 2 and type 3. I can make it down any type of trail including moderately steep and technical glades but as of today, I won't be one of the aggressive types you'll see. On the more challenging terrain I need to take frequent rest breaks while being aggressive, or I need to go at a casual pace. The latter is more the norm. My goal is to be a solid type III at some point in the future. My technique needs some adjustments, but between a lesson or two and some off mountain physical training it feels attainable.
I've been using the same gear for the past 15 years, Salomon 1080s (I know, not exactly a northeastern ski), and Salomon boots that I guess were considered all mountain type II at the time. These boots have been very comfortable and I haven't had any issues with them. On a recent gondola ride when I mentioned to two other skiers how long I've been using them they looked at each other in disbelief. I guess that my thinking that a comfortable fit is the only real important thing needs to get with the times. I wonder what they'd think about the shell I wear on warmer days that I've been using since before some of the lifties were born.:lol:
So... I'm ready to do a full gear upgrade. My thinking is to do it now, at the end of the season to get a deal on the new 2015 models the manufacturers need to move.
On a demo day, I tried out some of the makers' latest wares. The ones I really enjoyed were the Atomic Redster 3.0 GS 178s, and I decided that day that's what I'm getting.
Since then I noticed that they seem to be marketed to slalom racing types, and are very pricey. I'm ok with spending the money, but will they be wasted on a skier like myself? I have no desire to do any racing at this point in my life, and don't want to appear as someone I'm not. I know the usual advice is "if you like them that's good enough", but are there any any other reasons this would not be a good decision? I haven't been able to find the 178 length available online anywhere except used on Ebay so far.
Also, buying boots after 15 years feels like a real challenge. It's neither practical nor convenient for me to find shops where I can try on all the models from all the different makes. I've just trying to do my research online right now, starting to get a little up to speed. Do most of the internet retailers have good policies about boot returns / exchanges?
Thanks in advance for all advice!