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■ Smaller resorts are typically less expensiveand offer rates to attract families andjust learning skiers and boarders. Since theycater to beginners, they have excellent skischools for children - of all ages. Much of theterrain is appropriate for newer participants.■ For novice skiers and boarders, it’s adviseableto rent equipment in the beginning.In the long run, it may be cheaper.Renting vs. BuyingFor children, unless you spend a lot oftime at a resort(s), or you have a large familyand can pass the equipment down to the nextchild, they out-grow the equipment so quickly.Thus, you can rent the equipment for a lot ofskier days for the cost of the purchase - particularlyif there are several children needingequipment.Be weary of borrowing equipment unlessit can be taken to the ski shop to be analyzedor adjusted to the new user’s height, weightand skill level. When equipment is rented, theski shop handles those adjustments for yourspecific needs.It’s also not advisable to pick up equipmentssuch as skis, boots, helmets, etc. off ofCraigslist, eBay, or at a garage sale since youdo not know the history behind this equipment.Is it old and will the plastic crack withthe cold. Was it damaged at some point? Dothe bindings release properly? Does it fit? Canit be adjusted? If the equipment is inferior,your day on the slopes may not be as enjoyableas it should be. It’s simple to rent theequipment before a trip and much of the paperworkcan be done over the internet, so it’sready for pick-up and the adjustments can betweaked or items turned in for a different pairif desired during the course of the stay.Additionally, the extra cost and inconvenienceof shipping equipment on an airplanefor a destination ski trip these days canalso be a deciding factor to rent equipment onyour next ski trip. See the next article in thisinsert on page 9.Another good reason to rent is to test theequipment to see if you want to buy similarequipment later. Rental shops have a varietyof basic to high performance equipment fromnumerous manufacturers and they can tellyou what is best for you based on your individualneeds.If you are fortunate enough to be able tofit numerous ski trips into the winter months,equipment can be leased for the entire season.That way, you don’t have go through therental process or to get used to different equipmenteach time you go to the slopes. At theend of the season, the equipment can be returned,or if desired, many shops can offer abuy-out of the lease.Once you’ve determined what equipmentyou want to purchase, you are probably lookingnorth of $500, perhaps into the thousands.Yes. There are ski packages available.Packages can include coordinated skis, bindings,boots and poles, however, it is not alwaysadvisable to make this purchase based onprice alone.Questions to ask are:■ What kind of skier/boarder are you?Level of ability.■ How often will you be going to usethis equipment?■ Will this equipment be out-grown?A child grows taller and heavier. Anadult’s weight can change. Both a child andadult’s level of skiing can improve or becomemore timid. Don’t forget technology changes.Will there be something you like better if youwait?■ Will this equipment fit my needs?Will I desire different equipment for skiingpowder, glade skiing, cruising or differentsnow conditions?Many skiers have several pairs of skis dependingon conditions, but skiing can be a lifelong sport. Thus, purchasing a good set - orsets - of equipment may be the best choice.Before You GoIf you do have your own gear, get ittuned up at your local ski shop before youtravel to your mountain destination. You don’twant to waste your first morning in the skishop having your equipment adjusted. Getthose boards tuned up. An expert wax, plusedge sharpening, provides more control forturning and stopping. If your poles are bent,they may need replacement and try on lastyear’s boots to see if they are still comfortable.Look at your closet. Do the jackets andpants still fit? This is particularly importantfor growing children. If not, replace them. Itis important to have quality outerware to staywarm and dry. Keep in mind that during along weekend or week of snow riding, you willrun into stormy days, warmer days and justpain cold days. You have to be prepared for allconditions. That means, there may be a necessityfor different weight jackets and layeringfor warmth and comfort.Locate your goggles, your backpack(s) ofchoice - a larger one that carries extra clothing,gear, snacks while on the slopes or a smallfanny pack for the essentials. Below is a listrecommended by Ski Industries America.Brundage gets over 300 inches of snowa year and has 17,000+ acres of backcountryCat Skiing.photo courtesy of Brundage MountainSnow Sports Packing ListEquipment■ Skis/snowboard, boots, bindings, poles,and helmet TIP: Keep a ski/board tool on handfor adjustments.Apparel■ Vacuum sealed travel space saver bagsto conserve space in the suitcase.■ Jacket, pants, base layer, (not cotton!)thin layers – fleece, thermals. You need to staydry so you don’t get chilled on the lift or on thehill. Many manufacturers offer “Base Layers"A Guide to Layering - Don’t bulk upThe temperature and your activity can change as the day goes on, and wearinglayers not only keep your insulation level flexible, they keep you comfortable.■ Base Layer■ First Layer – A light shirt or first layer to wear over the base layer(you can skip this layer)■ Mid Layer – Turtleneck, thin sweater or wool shirt■ Fleece/Soft-Shell Layer – In spring months you can even end the layering here!■ Outer Layer – Jacket and pants. The outer layer comes with breathability, waterproofand windproof layers of different levels. Choose what will best protect you fromweather and temps where you are headed.courtesy of SnowSports Industries America / SIA and Snowlink.com7 Far West Skier’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13