Friday 13 June 2008

Tips to Save Money When Buying Downhill Skis And Ski Boots


For all those ski enthusiasts, winter is the time to pack your bags, pick up your skis and head for the mountains. If you are the kind who loves to pit your skill against the snow, here are a few tips for you when it comes to buying what you need to ski. We’ll show you how to spend your money on ski equipment so you get more for what you spend.
The first thing to consider is to shop at the appropriate time and place. The best place to get a good bargain is at the local sporting goods store. A common misconception is that during the Christmas week or Boxing Day there is a good discount to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots similar to the big discounts on other items like clothes and electronics. This is not true, as this time of month is the beginning of the skiing season and hence the prices are at their maximum. Some local stores might not have a comprehensive range of skis or the services of the experienced boot fitters on staff. Then, it would be better to shop at the ski shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter as they have a good range of products along with trained boot fitters who can help in finding ski boots that are a good fit.
The best time to shop is in spring or typically mid-February, which is the closing time of the ski season. At this point of time, ski shops begin dropping their prices and you would be able to find skis or boots that you’d set your heart on since the start of the season at much better prices. The only thing to look for is whether the shops you go to have the skis or boots that you want in stock.
After shopping for the boots of your choice, you have to make sure you care for them. Generally, ski boots are very durable but to ensure a prolonged life they require some care. Usually, people have custom-fitted boots which are comfortable and are expensive. These shoes should not be worn to walk through the parking lots after the snow melts as the rough surfaces lead to the wearing out of the plastic soles and eventually to a point when they will no longer fit into the shoe bindings properly. There are boots available with removable pads on the toe and heel that are replaceable as they wear out. These boots are highly recommended. The point here is that replacing a pair of worn, heel pads can save a lot of money rather than having to buy new ski boots.
After buying the skis, you need to get a lock for them and you need to get one that fits at the time you buy the skis. If you don’t buy a lock, it could lead to a lot of frustration and problems in case your skis are stolen. New skis very often are a target for thieves and they tend to look for new ones without locks. After spending a lot of money for branded skis investing a little extra on a ski lock makes good sense indeed!
For more helpful information on downhill skiing and getting in shape for the ski season visit http://www.downhill-skiing.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Kane

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