I also took an involuntary break, but I've been back to skiing for 5 years now. As an, ahem, older Diva, I can tell you that it's better than ever. I'm in Saratoga Springs, NY, and if you ever want to get together to ski at Gore (or Killington or Okemo or ???), shoot me a PM and we will get together. BTW, next weekend, some Divas are coming up to Gore for the weekend Women's Clinic. Want to join in the fun?
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Rip van Winkle wakes up and wants to ski
- Thread starter pamdl
- Start date
Thank you! I am truly tempted by the Gore clinic, as I have a rare weekend off. It would take a LOT of effort, though, and I would need to rent equipment. I'm not especially keen to rent boots, I'm afraid, and--judging by other coments--my ancient boots might not withstand the workout.. But, I appreciate the invite. And I would be happy to let you know when I am headed north--it would be a great incentive to have someone to ski with sometimes!
I always appreciate a minority view! You hit the nail on the head: it's the replacement costs that hinder an easy return to the slopes. It's not as though one can just pick up the old gear and head out, although I am very tempted to do just that. But it's helpful to hear how others might prioritize, for sure, so thanks for your input.
If you didn't want to do the Gore clinic, there are 3 of us who will be skiing, but not in the clinic. It will be a great chance to meet some Divas. BTW, I usually ski weekdays and can almost guarantee that I will be skiing somewhere on Wednesday with SnowflakeADK. Just PM when you are ready.
Actually, there's nothing wrong with picking up the old gear and head out to the slopes!
Re-reading your initial post, you still have all working gear. So you might as well head out with your ancient boot and old skis just to shake off the cobwebs while you work on replacing your old gear bit by bit.
With a 20 year boot, it's only a matter of time (probably a very short time) your boot is going to fall apart -- just to give you a data p0int, my 10 year old boot started cracking at the buckles shortly after I started using them again. So you really do need to head down to the boot fitters very soon. I wouldn't worry too much about the ski until you get your boots sorted out. (and just because the binding is out of date, doesn't mean you need to replace the ski -- unless you WANT new skis, that is)
As you might have guessed, once you starts again, you'll find a lot of stuff you might wish to have. But you don't have to buy all of them right now. Go out a few times, it'll become clear what you REALLY need to replace and what you can still make them last one more season...
I love your comments---maybe because they're exactly what I want to hear? Regardless, I have been clomping around the house in my still-snug boots, and I think I can figure out how to make sure my bindings are in working order. The skis still look great: edges sharp and true, don't seem dried out, and maybe in need of a fresh wax, if anything. I hate the thought that everything needs to be new, just to get back into the game. And while new boots and gear would be great, I don't want to let the perfect get in the way of the good, especially if my goal is to just start skiing again (nor do I want to be stupid or reckless, but I'm willing to accept a reasonable degree of risk!) A morning of skiing seems much more attainable, if I I can just grab what I have already and go, to be sure. Thanks for the commonsense!
Probably because I've been in your exact situation before?
Only I didn't get advance warning of the boots falling apart. Plastic gets brittle with time, whether you use them or not. So don't be surprise if it does.
In the mean time, you can get your ski legs back again. Try some new gear, say a helmet? (just bring your goggle when you go helmet shopping, and don't let saleman to talk you into buying goggle only because the shop don't have helmet to work with your goggle)
You can also try to demo a couple of new skis and compare them back to back to your existing one. You may change your mind about keeping your current one, or not.
That's it! This is about skiing, not about accumulating gears! (even though at times it looks like gear is ALL we talk about here, we do actually go skiing, quite often too!
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mustski
Angel Diva
^^^ what she said. Ski a couple of days and have fun. Realize that your boots can go at any time ... but I skied this weekend with a friend who was in 15 yr old boots and she had a blast. If you still love it, you can start planning your purchases and make them at the end of the season when good deals are to be had. My one warning would be this ... if you wear a very small size or a very large size women's shoe ... there will be limited boot choices at the end of the season.
