Help Needed: Do I need to be walked back from the ledge and wait on buying skis?

[Susan L]

I personally wouldn’t buy any skis just because of deals when you are too new to know what you need/want. Don’t rent from the rental shop but get higher end demo skis so you can swap out when you feel like it. Recommendations are personal and only you know what works for you once you improve your skills and can demo the skis. I wouldn’t want to travel with skis and kids during holidays, so not having your own skis will save some headaches.

 

[Sarabeth]

Worth noting, too, that Whistler is one of the sites for the My Epic Gear program. I haven't used it, but my husband signed up because he's headed out there for a week. He's still taking his own skis, but wants to have some options in case his regular east coast skis don't suit the conditions. They will deliver the skis to your lodging if you reserve in advance, so if your primary motivation is to avoid the hassle of rentals, that might be the easiest solution. Whistler rentals are $60/$50 CAD for adult/child skis (more if you need boots as well). They have a decent range of skis, so it might be a convenient way to demo some options, and you could think about buying this time next year.

 

[GabbyNYTX]

No to the Maven and the other Atomic. The Cloud Q11 will be too much right now.

Yes to the Rossi Nova 6.
Not sure about the Flair or the Dynastar. That Dynastar should be a cousin to the Rossi Exp line, so an all mountain ski, not necessarily a groomer ski. But can be used on the groomers.

A lot of Diva's talk about the Flair...so talk away ladies.

Why no to the Maven? What about Maven 86C?

 

[Jilly]

The Maven is an all mountain ski. If that's what looking for, ?? Rocker at both tip and tail, it doesn't hold an edge as well as a true groomer ski.

 

[Magnatude]

If I had to fly or (especially) take a train to ski (as in, if my nearest ski area was so far away that driving was out of the question) I would unquestionably rent, and not buy skis. Boots are a different story.

We live an hour's drive from the nearest ski area, so we do own skis, but despite that, we don't take them to Europe, where we typically travel long-distance by train, and skis are a massive pain to transport. We have taken them to Canada (14 hours flight from NZ) but only because we already have them, the airline baggage handlers do most of the transport-related labour, and it works out cheaper than renting, if you don't factor in the cost of buying them. I doubt it would work out cheaper at all, if we didn't use them at home. Whenever we do travel to Canada (or Japan), we always do the rent vs bring-our-own calculations anew.

As others have noted, advantages of renting, beyond the convenience of not having to lug them around on every stage of your journey, are that you get the latest technology, and if you don't like them, the shop will usually have several other brands/models you can try instead. And they'll service them if needed. Some shops (as ours did on our recent French trip, though to be fair, we were using their guide service too) will bring them to your apartment on the night of your arrival, so you're all ready to go in the morning. Also, more luggage space (or just less to carry).

 

[Jilly]

If I'm going for a week, I'll take my skis. My last trip out west was only going to allow me 1 1/2 days of skiing after a conference. I took my boots, suit etc and rented.

 

[GabbyNYTX]

So I've been doing more research (part of my way of avoiding world reality is to fall down fun rabbit holes) and learning more about skis, and still feeling like buying will be a better option for me just because I know where I have energy to spend and where I want things to be just get up and go. Also, the sales are so appealing right now and I know prices are bound to go up, especially with the world situation I am trying to avoid. ;)

So, learning that a frontside ski that will work in all conditions is probably the best option for me. Looking around 163 cm length.

These are what I'm focusing on:

Atomic Cloud Q11
Rossignol On Piste Nova 6
Volkl Flair 76
Dynastar E-Cross 78

Right now I'm leaning toward the Atomics, but could just be that I'm drawn to the huge discount (normally $900, down to $419, including bindings.

Would love your thoughts about if I'm more on the right track, and if anyone has any thoughts/experience with these and which might be best for me. Also wondering which one is the lightest, since I will be lugging these things with me.

I did get one recommendation for the Head Total Joys, but I'm thinking these might just be too much ski for me right now. What do you think? (They're incredibly discounted, for anyone looking for a good deal.)

Thank you again for your guidance!

 

[Jilly]

Any of them would be good. Are you boots "GW, grip walk soles"?

 

[GabbyNYTX]

Any of them would be good. Are you boots "GW, grip walk soles"?

Yes! Thank you!

 

[Sarabeth]

So I've been doing more research (part of my way of avoiding world reality is to fall down fun rabbit holes) and learning more about skis, and still feeling like buying will be a better option for me just because I know where I have energy to spend and where I want things to be just get up and go. Also, the sales are so appealing right now and I know prices are bound to go up, especially with the world situation I am trying to avoid. ;)

So, learning that a frontside ski that will work in all conditions is probably the best option for me. Looking around 163 cm length.

These are what I'm focusing on:

Atomic Cloud Q11
Rossignol On Piste Nova 6
Volkl Flair 76
Dynastar E-Cross 78

Right now I'm leaning toward the Atomics, but could just be that I'm drawn to the huge discount (normally $900, down to $419, including bindings.

Would love your thoughts about if I'm more on the right track, and if anyone has any thoughts/experience with these and which might be best for me. Also wondering which one is the lightest, since I will be lugging these things with me.

I did get one recommendation for the Head Total Joys, but I'm thinking these might just be too much ski for me right now. What do you think? (They're incredibly discounted, for anyone looking for a good deal.)

Thank you again for your guidance!

I don't think the Heads are too much ski for you, per se, but the wider waist involves some trade-offs that may not be worth it to you if you will primarily be on groomed trails. I looked at them for the pair of skis that I just bought (ended up with Volkl Blaze 86s) but I was looking for something to split time between groomers, moguls, and glades.

 

[BlizzardBabe]

So do any of these seem like it would be a good buy just to have something for the next couple of seasons, that will be comparable or slightly better than demo skis (because I know myself and I'm not going to be swapping out my skis on a daily basis)?

https://www.sunandski.com/p/3419005...h-xpress-10-gripwalk-bindings-24?variant=8259

https://www.sunandski.com/p/3419006...-vmotion-10-gripwalk-bindings-24?variant=8259

https://www.sunandski.com/p/3419006...-skis-with-xpress-11-bindings-24?variant=8259

https://www.sunandski.com/p/3419005...s-with-m-10-gripwalk-bindings-24?variant=8259

https://www.evo.com/ski-packages/at...indings-womens#image=254232/1095633/clone.jpg

Do I sense a shopper here? Lol. You are nested in a den of enablers -- be aware.

I know what my favorite instructor would recommend based on your description of your level/likes/location and that would be something narrower v. wider. He maintains that it is best for intermediates to progress with a narrower ski - especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on groomers improving your technique. He would recommend something at or, preferably, below 80 in width. If you happen to hit a day/week with significant precip you could always spot-rent something wider appropriate for the conditions. I head west at least 2-3 weeks per year and I almost NEVER hit a week with a storm, so my eastern skis are usually fine. May Ullr grant you better luck.

 

[GabbyNYTX]

Do I sense a shopper here? Lol. You are nested in a den of enablers -- be aware.

I know what my favorite instructor would recommend based on your description of your level/likes/location and that would be something narrower v. wider. He maintains that it is best for intermediates to progress with a narrower ski - especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on groomers improving your technique. He would recommend something at or, preferably, below 80 in width. If you happen to hit a day/week with significant precip you could always spot-rent something wider appropriate for the conditions. I head west at least 2-3 weeks per year and I almost NEVER hit a week with a storm, so my eastern skis are usually fine. May Ullr grant you better luck.

I LOVE it!

I decided to go with the Atomic Clouds based on my reading of reviews and my skill levels. They're 79 at the waist, so your favorite instructor would approve. These seem like a good fit at focusing on the exact skills I want to hone, and will give me opportunity to grow on them several seasons. Also, who can resist a 53% off deal? (I know, I'm a sucker). But I've got my whole setup - skis, poles, and even a plane carrier for US$673. And I'm hoping to ski enough on these to really get to know them well and improve my skills.

 

[GabbyNYTX]

I decided to go with the Atomic Clouds based on my reading of reviews and my skill levels. These seem like a good fit at focusing on the exact skills I want to hone, and will give me opportunity to grow on them several seasons. I'm hoping they stand up to various weather. Also, who can resist a 53% off deal? (I know, I'm a sucker). But I've got my whole setup - skis, bindings, poles, and even a plane carrier for US$673. And I'm hoping to ski enough on these to really get to know them well and improve my skills.

Thank you to everyone for your input.

For now these will go into storage and I'll update you in 8 months. Yikes!

 

[Briski]

Of course you should buy skis. But the best thing about owning your own gear is boots that fit! Boots are the most important piece of equipment.

 

[GabbyNYTX]

Of course you should buy skis. But the best thing about owning your own gear is boots that fit! Boots are the most important piece of equipment.

That was the first thing I did! This was Part 2 of the rabbit hole!

 

[floatingyardsale]

There are always deals. Splurge on the boots and other gear, demo all the skis, and buy when you know what you want. (Plus, if there are continued tariffs next year, there will be a recession, so lots of end of season deals. And if no tariffs, then usually deals.)

 

[diymom]

There are always deals. Splurge on the boots and other gear, demo all the skis, and buy when you know what you want. (Plus, if there are continued tariffs next year, there will be a recession, so lots of end of season deals. And if no tariffs, then usually deals.)

I'm not sure about the tariff part. I'm a little concerned that if the cost of new goods will be higher coming in, then there will be less incentive to mark existing stock down as much.

 

[Ms Mia]

A lot of Diva's talk about the Flair...so talk away ladies

Looks like you've already purchased the Atomic Clouds, so I'm too late to the party. But I'll still take the opportunity to rave about my Volkl Flair 79s! I'm a solid intermediate, keen on progressing, and buying these skis was the best choice I could make. They are light but stable, they want to carve, are forgiving of my mistakes but respond so much better when I'm acing technique. They weren't at all on my radar: they were the last of four skis I demoed and I fell in love.

Why am I bothering to tell you this? Because demoing taught me so much about what I do and don't like, and each time I took a pair back to the shop and discussed with the ski technician, he would explain more to me about the build of the skis, the materials, the rocker/camber comparison etc.

Congrats on your purchase, I hope you love them. And if you don't, it's ok, it's a journey of figuring things out and you may be able to re-sell them.

On travelling with gear and kids: I agree with everyone here who has said renting is better. Although if you reckon you will ski more often and at more locations, maybe you could rent for the season?

 

[GabbyNYTX]

Looks like you've already purchased the Atomic Clouds, so I'm too late to the party. But I'll still take the opportunity to rave about my Volkl Flair 79s! I'm a solid intermediate, keen on progressing, and buying these skis was the best choice I could make. They are light but stable, they want to carve, are forgiving of my mistakes but respond so much better when I'm acing technique. They weren't at all on my radar: they were the last of four skis I demoed and I fell in love.

Why am I bothering to tell you this? Because demoing taught me so much about what I do and don't like, and each time I took a pair back to the shop and discussed with the ski technician, he would explain more to me about the build of the skis, the materials, the rocker/camber comparison etc.

Congrats on your purchase, I hope you love them. And if you don't, it's ok, it's a journey of figuring things out and you may be able to re-sell them.

On travelling with gear and kids: I agree with everyone here who has said renting is better. Although if you reckon you will ski more often and at more locations, maybe you could rent for the season?

Thanks for this detailed reply. We'll see how it goes...

 

[skinnyfootskis]

The Maven is an all mountain ski. If that's what looking for, ?? Rocker at both tip and tail, it doesn't hold an edge as well as a true groomer ski.

I didn’t love the maven 93, sorry @nopoleskier