Need some advice--this time from women!

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum. I found it while doing a google search about my question. Forgive me if this is a little long...I'm not known for brevity. :D

I moved to Telluride (yahoo!) this summer. I feel like every year I've been a perpetual beginner when it comes to skiing (just never got enough days in each year, and I picked up the sport in my 30s), so this the year I'm going to seriously improve my skills. I bought a season pass and a limitless lesson pass...the best deal on the mountain...it only costs $129!

Here's my situation. I'm buying equipment, but I'm getting some mixed advice. I already bought boots this summer. Boot Doctors was having a 'Blizzard Sale' so I got fitted by Bob, the guru of boot fitters. So, onto skis...I know there is wisdom in waiting and demoing different models. But, there is also a sale right now at Paragon, and they are selling last year's skis (as well as last year's demos) pretty cheap, so I'm sorely tempted to just go ahead and take the plunge right now. (Also, patience isn't exactly my strong suit.)

But the two different guys I've been talking to at Paragon are giving me different points-of-view and I'd like to ask you guys what you think. When I went in each time and described to each of them what kind of skier I was, as well as what my goals were this year, both of them immediately pointed my towards Lotta Luvs or Burnin Luvs, although Mark (the second guy) immediately stated a preference for Lotta Luvs (for this mountain). Do you guys think it strange that despite the fact there are many skis they could have pointed me towards, both of them picked the K2s? Mark did mention Attivas, only to say that he thinks I might like them in November and December, but I'd be bored with them by January.

Mark then stated that I should be in 153s, not 160s, whereas Dan said I should be in 160s. (I'm 5'7", about 115 lbs.) His rationale for 153s is that our mountain has a lot of bump runs, so I'd be happier with a shorter ski. He also seems to think that anyone in anything longer a 153 is doing it for their ego, so he definitely has a point-of-view. I'm not sure I agree that the 153 is the right length. I'm concerned it won't be stable enough for when I just want to crash down a run. Thoughts?

Ultimately, I just want to make sure I'm not over-buying for the level I'm at, but not under-buying for where I hope to be by the end of this season.

I'd really appreciate your advice.

 

[SnowHot]

Go for the longer of the two. I am a diva who likes a ski a bit longer and I don't think the 160 is too long. In fact I have the BL in a 168. Loved it!

Tcarey will say that my poles are too short and my skis are too long.
love ya Tcarey!

 

[ski diva]

Welcome to the forum! Good to have you here, and glad you're getting back into skiing, too! You're going to have a blast! $129. for a season pass? Wow!

Given the circumstances, I don't think you're wrong buying skis without demoing, if the price is as good as you say. All the same, you could probably pick up last year's model at some point during the season -- also at a good price; maybe not at your local ski shop, but on line there are plenty of good deals. So don't rush unless you really want to. Either way, you'll do okay.

The K2s seem like a good choice. People say good things about the Lotta Luvs. They're a bit wider than the Burnin Luvs, so if I skied Telluride, they'd be my choice. Also, unless you think you're going to be skiing bump runs soon, I'd go for the 160.

As for the Attivas, the AC3 is a nice ski. You might want to check them out, too.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[sleddog]

I would stay with the shorter ski based on your weight, unless you're only using it in powder. Skis only recognize weight, and flex according to how much weight is on the ski. Most adult skis are designed for minimum 110lbs of weight - and someone that light should probably be on a 146ish cm ski. If you can't flex a ski, it'll be harder to get the ski to turn - resulting in more skidding, and errors in your movement patterns as you'll be using force rather than finesse to make your turns. The "Lotta Luv" is quite a bit wider (10mm) than the "Burnin Luv", so will be a better ski for you in soft snow conditions, but just so you're aware, both skis are designed for advanced/expert women, so make sure you're not overbuying a ski that will slow down your progress.

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Just to clarify...the $129 is the cost for the limitless lesson pass. I WISH it were the cost for the season ski pass...that sets us locals back about a grand.

sleddog...I take your point about weight...I was probably a bit on the high side when I said 115 lbs. That's my 'if I eat my carbs' weight, and I don't really eat a lot of carbs. I'm probably closer to 110 most days.

I'm really torn about the length. Oy...(there's the NYer in me coming out...:D )

 

[Gloria]

I think that volkls and K2's are so different from one another (although I think they are owned by the same co. now ) that you might want to be a little careful before jumping in. I demoed the Lotta Luvs and typically ski volkls. I hated them to the point, I got off them as soon as I could. However that is not to say they are a bad ski. I tend to make more GS style turns especially on groomers, and have spent most of my time skiing at places with both variable terrain and conditions. As a result, I tend to have a more forward aggressive turn. That is not to say I am an aggressive skier, or even pretty to watch, I have just develped "a style". The volkl suits me a little better because it seems to be a little more stable, and a little more livelier. The Lotta Luv's seemed to not want to turn as quick for me or hold an edge as well on hardpack a little sort of dead underfoot. But....Snowhot and alot of other women really really like them. I would be curious to see if they are more slalom types and ski with a little more finesse than my monkey style or what their skier style is and that may help you say I am more this or that and be somewhat helpful.
Paging Snowhot...

 

[Quiver Queen]

The Lotta Luv's certainly sound like the better ski for that particular mountain compared to the Burnin' Luv's. As for the length, the 153s sound much better for your weight, and they'll be more forgiving in bumps, trees, and attempts to advance your skills. If you're purely a high-speed arcing skier only on groomed, the 160's would be better, but even then the Lotta Luvs with their wider waist will still put plenty of ski under you. I have absolutely no clue why Mark said you'd be bored with the Attivas after a couple of months (unless he's on hallucinogens or the only Attivas they had were the low-end ones) as Volkls are terrific skis.

 

[Lori_K]

Hmm. I find the comment about the Attivas odd as well. I have the S5, and it is anything but "boring"! Unless, like QQ said, they only carry the low end Attivas.

Are there any women working at the shops up there? How about women instructors that you could ask? I'd be a little wary of taking advice from other guys regarding skis, especially since they've probably never been on the ski they are trying to sell you. Maybe try a different shop and see what they offer. After all, if they have last year's models now, they'll probably still have them in a week or two.

 

[tradygirl]

I think that volkls and K2's are so different from one another (although I think they are owned by the same co. now ) that you might want to be a little careful before jumping in. I demoed the Lotta Luvs and typically ski volkls. I hated them to the point, I got off them as soon as I could. However that is not to say they are a bad ski. I tend to make more GS style turns especially on groomers, and have spent most of my time skiing at places with both variable terrain and conditions. As a result, I tend to have a more forward aggressive turn. That is not to say I am an aggressive skier, or even pretty to watch, I have just develped "a style". The volkl suits me a little better because it seems to be a little more stable, and a little more livelier. The Lotta Luv's seemed to not want to turn as quick for me or hold an edge as well on hardpack a little sort of dead underfoot. But....Snowhot and alot of other women really really like them. I would be curious to see if they are more slalom types and ski with a little more finesse than my monkey style or what their skier style is and that may help you say I am more this or that and be somewhat helpful.
Paging Snowhot...

Agreed!! K2s seem to be a lifeless ski to me, although lots of ladies seem to like the Phat Luv out here. That being said, I'm tele-ing on Dawn Patrols, so I'm not one to talk.

Don't stress about buying a ski you've never tried...I've pretty much done that my whole life! If you find a really good deal on a ski you think you might like, go for it (unless you're REALLY strapped for cash). And I think a shorter ski might be good for you for the first year or two until you start skiing faster and more aggressively. Then you should upgrade to a longer ski for sure.

Also, I'm SO jealous you're living in one of the most beautiful places in the country. My husband and I come out to Ouray at least once a year to climb and that whole area is unbelievable! I think we're going to bring our ski stuff this year...

 

[IntheClouds]

Hey Telluride ! Welcome & glad you are here with us.

I know you said you feel like you are a perpetual beginner, but really, tell us a little more. How long or how much have you skied, what level are you at, what do you like to ski and what do you want to ski? And congrats on getting the boots first ! What are they ? And the truth is, if you hang out here for anytime at all, you will be buying more than 1 pair of ski's (most probably). So, do tell.

 

[volklgirl]

Telluride:

Welcome to the board!!!
Congrats on the new boots as well!

Here's my $.02: BE PATIENT. Take a bunch of lessons and rent or demo lots of different skis for now. At this point (terminal beginner), purchasing the wrong ski or wrong size ski can seriously hinder your progress and make you very frustrated. Taking bunches of lessons and getting tons of on-snow time will help you to progress fast enough that you will soon out-ski anything you buy that would be appropriate for you now. As you progress and demo, you'll soon learn to tell the difference between skis and can then pick "the right ski for you". The skis you pick for yourself at that point should then last you a couple of years before you out-perform them (and you'll be able to pick up that year's gear dirt cheap at the end of the season).

Good luck this year....keep us updated!

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Hey Telluride ! Welcome & glad you are here with us.

I know you said you feel like you are a perpetual beginner, but really, tell us a little more. How long or how much have you skied, what level are you at, what do you like to ski and what do you want to ski? And congrats on getting the boots first ! What are they ? And the truth is, if you hang out here for anytime at all, you will be buying more than 1 pair of ski's (most probably). So, do tell.

I guess I feel like a perpetual beginner because I didn't pick up the sport until I was in my 30s, so it's just not ingrained in me like it is with people who have been doing it for years and years. And, while I used to live in New York, the only skiing I really did was out here in Telluride when I came out for two to three weeks each year, so I just never got that many days in each year. So, I just always felt like I was starting over. I just don't feel comfortable on blacks...at least not on Telluride blacks.

As for what I want to ski, that's a bit more difficult question to answer as I think I need to become a better skier to know what I like and what I don't like. I've not skied that many bumps because I've never been that comfortable on them. I've pretty much stayed on groomed because that's my comfort level right now. I want to explore more of the mountain and feel comfortable on it so I can confidently say I "like this" and/or "I don't like that."

As for my boots, I got Technica Attiva V8s. They feel like slippers on my feet. :D I'm very happy with them.

An update to my situation...per suggestions yesterday, I went to Boot Doctors and spent some time with one of the women who works at the shop there. She was really helpful, and much like you guys, sort of cocked her head sideways at Mark's comment about Attivas. In fact, she tested all of the female-specific skis for the shop last year, and found she liked the Attivas best. She recommended I come back today (Saturday) and talk with another one of the women (Bob's daughter, and one heck of a ski tech from what she said) to get another perspective. So, I'm going to do just that. btw...they don't carry K2s, and when I asked her about that, she said they (Boot Doctors) just don't feel they are up to the quality standards they like. (That is of course their opinion.)

Net, net, I'm still on the fence as to what to do, but all of you are giving me great advice, so at least I know I'm not going to do anything stupid.

And, yes, I know I'm going to end up owning at least two pairs of skis by the end of this season. :D

 

[Little Lightning]

When I moved to Colorado I was in the same situation as you. I had skied Summit Cty a lot but was comfortable on the groomers but not so comfortable in powder, steeps, bumps et.

Because I was used to eastern ice the first pair of skis I bought were the K2 Fat Luvs thinking I needed them for powder. Then I bought Volkl womens Supersport 5, for runner of the Attiva's. I loved the skis because I was more comfortable on the groomed.

However, my horizons were expanding and I was skiing more bumps, powder, etc. and the Volkl's didn't fit the bill for me.

Last year I took lessons. I got free demos on K2 skis so I demoed the Lotta Luv.

I wrote a review of them for this forum but didn't post it. Here is my review as I had written it. BTW, I demoed this ski at Copper Mtn. Conditions were good but as I remember not anything outstanding. I also had only the Volkls to compare them to.

Short turns, 3 - I was used to the "turny" Volkl
Med-Long, 5
Stability-5
Forgiveness-5
Grip-4
Powder 4
Ice N/A
Overall impression - Very responsive, smooth in bumps, turns easily-just turn the tip and go, performed nicely in skied off condition, fast, stable on cruisers.

I skied a 154, I'm 5'1" and 103 lbs and thought the flex felt just right and thought they felt balanced.

My final comments were: We skied bumps, powder, a crusty bowl, trees, these skis went every where. Not as quick turning as the Volkls but they were really stable in long turns.

I demoed these skis on a lesson day and took them in some places I would have not gone on my own. I bought them in early March and found them perfect for the spring conditions and did not ski the Volkl the rest of the season. I remember thinking how well they 'snaked throught the bumps" While I plan to ski the Volkl in the Jan-Feb hardpack right now these skis are my ski of choice. I did not like them on the spring corduroy, they chattered, but you only get 1 or 2 runs of that stuff.

At the time I bought the Lotta Luvs my skiing was in transition. I was morphing into a "ski the fast line slow" type of skier and the Lotta Luvs performed beautifully. If I fell back into my old style of sking. "hitting the brakes at the end of every turn" they didn't feel as solid.

I hope this helps. If you can buy the skis flat and chose your own binding do so. It helps to reduce the weight of the K2. Outdoor Divas sells these skis. They do not sell a woman's product if they think it is bad. Food for thought, they said last year at the Vail Clinic, women demo new skis for the next year, that one of the Head skis consistantly came in as the favorite ski.

Lessons will help you to become comfortable with the terrain.

 

[Little Lightning]

One of the disadvantages about waiting is that by the end of the season, when they go on sale, the popular women's skis in short lengths are gone. I bought my Lotta Luvs in early March. By the 3rd week in March a friend started looking for the 154's and couldn't find them. The demos she was going to buy had delaminated. I'm not sure she found them at all last year. This area is a much larger market than Telluride.

While I agree that demoing is the best way to go, it can also be a very expensive proposition. Most shops reimburse you part of your demo cost but if you have to demo from 2-3 shops then you're going to lose money from the shops you didn't buy from. Add that to the cost of new skis.

Is Telluride going to have any free demo days? There are some scheduled here in Nov. and Dec. Outdoor Divas is having one at Loveland on Dec. 5. They will have a variety of skis. In Nov. they are doing a Head demo day at Copper.

I started like you. Comfortable on groomed. At the beginning of the season last year I was a carver, Volkl girl. But my lessons changed me and I'm happy on my Lotta Luvs. I also think some skis are better for lighter weight skiers than others. But, I haven't tested that theory in a long time. I plan to demo more skis this year just out of curiosity. Will I "outgrow" the Lotta Luvs? Probably but skis change every couple of years so I will be ready for something new in a year or 2. Will I go back to a carving ski like the Volkls? Not sure.

When the guy said you'd be bored with the Volkls it sounds like he meant, when the snow is good enough to go into bumps, powder, etc., they wouldn't be as much fun. I've skied my Volkls in bumps and powder but the Lotta Luvs just seemed better suited to those conditions than the Volkls.

 

[abc]

You bought your boots from Boot Doctor, right? Ask if they'll let you demo some skis! Let them know you don't have a ton of money to throw around (even if you actually do ). A good shop want to build a relationship with its customers. They might even offer a couple of free demo to you. (but don't insist, I think it's bad form)

Keep in mind almost all shops allow you to apply demo fees towards the price of the ski if you end up buying ANY ski from their shop. So you're really not "paying" for the demos. And if you find another one from a different shop for less, it all work out the same, right?

A fast progressing intermediate tend to out grow her skis for the first or even second season. So don't sweat it too much. Get the first pair that feels good and hopefully get it with a decent discount. When you grow out of it by the end of the season, sell it on eBay (or here) and get something else that suits your new ability.

 

[ski now work later]

I prefer Volkls to K2 skis. I have the Attiva AC3s and they are a great ski for hardpack, groomer, and icy conditions, but I found them too stiff and unforgiving in softer, Western snow, so I picked up 2 pr. of skis to bring out West this winter, the Attiva AC2s and a pair of powder skis, Solomon Scarlets. The AC2s are a 72 width and should be good on softer snow and in the bumps (I haven't tried them yet but read great reviews on them and since I love the AC3s, I can tell it will be the same ride, more flexible, maybe not as fast on groomers, but still a great all mountain ski).

I'm also 5' 7", but weigh about 140-145 lbs. I ski a 156 ski and it works well for me. At your weight, I would not go longer than a 156 ski as you want to be able to flex the ski. The new Volkl Attivas have different names but if you look for the 72 width, you should find this year's version of the AC2.

Have fun shopping! And I just picked up last year's Technica Attiva Flame boots from a Vermont bootfitter and can't wait to ski in them as they feel super comfortable.

 

[Shellski]

I'd go for the 153's, you are very light.

I have both Burnin's and Lotta's in a 160. I love the Burnin's to death, I bought the Lotta's without demoing them and I hate them.

I've skied all over Telluride on the Burnin's and they were great, even in 2' of fresh snow down Genevieve. If you think you will end up with another pair anyway, maybe something wider, my recommendation would be the Burnin's, they are a fantastic ski and absolutely no-risk.

My Burnin's and I will be back in Telluride in February, so hopefully we have a great season!

 

[sibhusky]

Basically I think you are either a Volkl skier or a K2 skier. I've never heard of anyone who liked both. I am a K2 skier. I like damp skis. I like stuff that drives through crud as if it's nothing. I weigh in the 155-170 range most years. I am in my mid-50's.

My daughter on the other hand is 115 pounds, just turned 20, has been skiing since she was 3 years old and raced for the last nine years. She likes a ski with pop that bites in and holds. She also likes a "lively" ski. She HATES K2's!

FWIW, I was told yesterday that I was too "big" for a K2 woman's ski as they were geared towards smaller women. I was also told that the Aura is not a "girly" ski. I was actually talking to the shop about a ski for my daughter and commented that normally I hate womens' skis and gave a few examples of attempts I've made on women's skis.

 

[SnowHot]

Actually I like Volkl and K2 but for completely different skiing conditions and purposes!

Volkl is energy and POP.
K2 is for cruising and dampness

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

Actually I like Volkl and K2 but for completely different skiing conditions and purposes!

Volkl is energy and POP.
K2 is for cruising and dampness

The more I read, the more I get this sense. I think you just captured it in a nutshell. I can actually see myself liking both of them too.

SnowHot, can you tell me which applications you like each of them for? I think I can guess, but I'd like to hear.