Skiing Equipment
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As in most sports, only recently has progress been made
in designing equipment for women. Today, women's skis offer
better mounting positions and more responsive flex. New
boot designs for women provide better fit. The right fit
ensures comfort and improves the transfer of movement from
your feet to the skis, which provides quicker and better
control.
Invest in good quality equipment and it will last you
a long time. You don't need new equipment every year to
enjoy the sport. However, you do need good equipment that
functions properly.
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Bindings
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Marker
Web site: www.markeri.com.
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Rossignol
Web site: www.rossignol.com.
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Salomon
Web site: www.salomonsports.com.
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Tyrolia
9189 Red Branch Road
Columbia MO 21045 USA
Web site: www.tyrolia.com.
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Boots
Ski boots should hold your foot snugly and keep your
heel in place. As in most boots, you don't want too much
room for your toes, and you don't want your toes up against
the front of the boot. Advanced ski boots are stiffer
and less flexible, providing better transfer of energy
and movement to the skis. Flexible boots might be more
comfortable, but once you improve you'll want a more responsive
boot. Buy ski boots that will take you to the next ski
level.
In general, women have a harder time holding the right
ski position, knees bent and weight forward over the front
of the skis. Boots are designed to keep you in the correct
position. If you find you're having a hard time holding
the right position, there are wedges available. The wedges
are placed inside your boot to slightly lift your heel,
giving you better position.
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Lange
P.O. Box 25
Colchester, Vermont 05446, USA
Tel. 1-802-655-2431
Web site: www.langeusa.com
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Salomon
Web site: www.salomonsports.com.
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Tecnica
West Lebanon, New Hampshire 03784 USA
Web site: www.technicausa.com
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Clothing
The ski slopes can be like a fashion show with styles
changing every year. In the past, if you looked great
on the slopes it was a sign you weren't a great skier.
But that's not the case anymore. Everyone is in the fashion
game now. Whatever fashion statement is being made, grunge
to boutique, you can bet they paid big money for it.
Functionally, a shell jacket works the best, because
it allows you to layer your clothing. It will take you
from extreme cold to spring skiing and can be used for
other sports. The jacket should be waterproof and breathable.
A sign of top quality is when the seams are taped for
added strength and real waterproof protection. On the
other hand, there are plenty styling ski jackets and suits
available. Less cross sport functionality, but you'll
look great. It comes down to personal preference.
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Bogner
Consistently the nicest stuff on the slopes with the price
tag to prove it.
Web site: www.bogner.com
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Bombshell
The Gerry Group
2955 80th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Tel. 1-800-934-3779
Web site: www.amerexgroup.com/brand.asp?id=Bombshell
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Columbia
Tel. 1-800-MA BOYLE
Web site: www.columbia.com
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Fila
Tel. 1-800-763-3719.
Web site: www.fila.com.
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Helly Hansen
Tel. 1-425-883-8823
Web site: www.hellyhansen.com
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Marker Outerwear
Web site: www.markeri.com
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Patagonia
Tel. 1-800-patagonia
Web site: www.patagonia.com
Cool in every scene and good cross sport functionality.
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Gloves
The two choices with ski glove styles are mittens or
gloves. Mittens will keep your fingers warmer, but they
offer less movement. You can also get glove liners. Liners
are thinner gloves that you wear under your ski gloves.
Liners work quite well if you have problems with cold
hands. Another option is hand warmer packets. For a couple
of dollars you can buy little plastic envelopes that once
opened produce heat for 3 or 4 hours. All ski shops carry
them and you can get them for your feet as well as your
hands. Gloves should be waterproof otherwise they'll absorb
moisture. Incase your gloves get wet, an extra pair can
be handy.
Goggles
Eye protection against UV rays is mandatory, and winter
is the worst time with the added reflection off the snow
and the direct sun light. There are days when sunglasses
just aren't enough. Goggles also protect from the wind
and snow. Look for anti-fogging goggles. They also have
tinted lenses that give you better definition of the snow
and bumps.
Bolle, Tel. 1-800-22-bolle
Web site: www.bolle.com
Briko, Tel. 1-800-go-briko
Oakley, Tel. 1-800-403-7449
Web site: www.oakley.com
Revo, Tel. 1-800-733-7386
Web site: www.revo.com
Smith, Tel. 1-800-654-6428
Web site: www.smithsport.com
Skis
Most ski manufacturers use similar materials and to
a degree produce like products. Ski shapes very greatly.
The ski shape you want depends on your level and style
of skiing. Some of the characteristics to look for include
length, flexibility, hourglass shape, and width. Longer
skis provide more stability with greater speed. Greater
flexibility in a ski is more forgiving, which also means
they are less responsive. The new hourglass shape promotes
easier turns. Wider skis are for powder skiing and keep
the ski on top of the snow instead of getting buried.
Most ski shops offer demo or new skis to rent. Try out
as many styles as possible before you buy.
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Atomic
Call a local ski shop for more information.
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Blizzard
Call a local ski shop for more information.
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BLIZZARD
SKIS
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Dynastar
Skis Dynastar Inc.
P.O. Box 25
Colchester, Vermont 05446, USA
Tel. 1-802-655-2431
Web site: www.club-dynastar.com/default2.asp
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Elan
Web site: www.elanskis.com
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Fischer
Tel. 1-800-431-2204 x321
Web site: www.fischerskis.com/eng/index.asp
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Head
9189 Red Branch Road
Columbia, MD 21045 USA
Web site:www.head.com
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K2
Tel. 1-800-972-4063
Web site:www.k2skis.com
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Kastle
Call a local ski shop for more information.
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Olin
Call a local ski shop for more information.
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Rossignol
Web site: www.rossignol.com.
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Salomon
Web site: www.salomonsports.com.
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Volkl
West Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
Web site:www.volkl.com
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Please send your suggestions and
comments to gearadvice@shegear.com.
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