Advice on buying skis in greater Boston

[large_diver]

Hi all -- new to this board -- some great, helpful info here.

My wife and I recently returned to skiing last year after a 14 year hiatus (living in mid-west, having kids, etc.,etc.). We were excited to find it was just like getting back on a bike.....although our 14-years-older bodies don't recover quite the way they used to...;-)

Now that we've been back at it for 2 seasons, we are thinking about buying gear (skis/boots for us and our 9 year old daughter; snowboard for our 11 year old son). I'd characterize my wife and I as intermediate to advanced skiers. It's been so long since I've bought gear, that I have no clue where to start....

QUESTIONS:

- Where to buy in greater Boston: Does anyone have any good recommendations regarding gear buying locations in greater Boston (we live in metrowest area)? Is a bigger box store like REI or Ski Market the way to go or are there smaller specialty shops that add value? We are likely after all-mountain type skis to give us flexibility, but tend to be on inter/advanced groomed slopes most of the time.

- End-of-season deals: I would expect that there are some decent end-of-season deals available at this time -- any leads on who offers decent deals?

I know I need to just pound the pavement a little bit...but before setting out thought I'd see if folks have any good ideas/recent experiences with particular stores/knowledgable salespeople.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[badskier]

I recently purchased my skis and my g/f's skis and boots at Egon Zimmerman's in Nashua, NH - they have excellent service, and their prices were great. Very satisfied with them. I believe that they also have a shop at Nashoba Valley in Westford, MA. I bought my boots at Ski Market in Nashua, NH, and they were also very helpful and knowledgeable.

 

[riverc0il]

i would recommend against ski market. i have never bought from ski market but that is because i went in there and got a feel for the place and walked straight out. i think you'll hear similar recommendations from other folks on here. ski market bashing is almost a certifiable olympic sport in some circles! :lol:

REI may be a good option since you get the dividend, but their selection will be limited, especially this late in the year when they are trying to change over to spring selections. i find REI is hit or miss with ski gear, i usually miss with them.

ski haus in wilmington and salem, nh carry my highest recommendation. i have been buying from this company for a long time, heck... my parents bought my first beginner package at the salem shop almost 20 years ago! the staff is knowledgable and prices are reasonable, good service.

end of season deals are a bit of a trade off. the longer you wait, the cheaper stuff gets. however, the better gear sells out quicker and never makes it to those deep final discount racks. unless you are planning on using the gear this season, i think you'll find april will have almost all major ski shops dealing big discounts. by may or june, you'll see even better deals but far less selection. ski shops that double as other outdoor suppliers during the non-snowy months might not be as willing to fit boots and mount skis after a certain point. i know bucikas in salem, nh for example stops sharpening skis before the last ski areas even close.

getting the right product and boots that fit are most important part. i'd say it wouldn't be a bad idea to start hitting the pavement now and getting good service and good equipment and good fits instead of going for the best deals later in the season. you'll want at least a 25-33% discount, maybe more if the shops are charging list price.