■ 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 <strong>Ski</strong> Industries America.Brundage gets over 300 inches of snowa year and has 17,000+ acres of backcountryCat <strong>Ski</strong>ing.photo courtesy of Brundage MountainSnow Sports Packing ListEquipment■ <strong>Ski</strong>s/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 <strong>Far</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Ski</strong>er’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13
made of polypropylene or other syntheticfibers – that wick away perspiration. Don’twear cotton next to your skin. When it absorbsperspiration, it stays wet.■ <strong>Ski</strong>/snowboard socks - a couple pairsof ski/snowboard socks, or at least some outdoorsocks – preferably wool. These socks areengineered not only to keep your feet dry, butto maintain proper circulation, keep your feetand ankles comfortable in your boots andkeep your feet warm! TIP: A couple of thin layersallow you to make easy adjustments based ontemperature changes.■ Accessories: Gloves/mittens and liners;ski/snowboard socks & liners; hand and toewarmers; hats, neck gaiter, face mask; goggles,and extra goggle lenses; hydration pack; sunscreen;lip balm; and moisturizing lotion TIP:Double your apparel and accessories for any trip5+ days.■ Post-ski and ride accessories:Backpack, sunglasses, after-ski/ “street” gloves/hat/scarf; and after-ski boots.Don’t forget the regular vacation items:camera, bathing suit (hot tub!), favorite jeans,cozy sweaters for sitting in front of the fire,and an off-the slopes jacket. Add toiletries,plus other standard travel items. Any forgottenitems can be purchased at the resort.What’s Hot In the ColdAre you itching to abandon the poofy apparelyou’ve used since the beginning of yourski life? The 2012 fashion trend is sleek - lessbulky and clean, simple lines. Black is still in,with accent colors like lime green, aqua orcerise. But, if you want to go bold, try a brightcolored pant to go with your more subtlejacket. Many jackets have a special pocket forgoggles, etc. and to allow for ear phone connectionsto mobile devices. Or, try the goggleswith a built-in video camera to record your exhilaratingride down that double black piste.Resort websites are filled with an abundantamount of information about their specificmountain(s), ski/ride schools, child care,lodging choices, other activities offered at theresort, and a calendar of special events inwhich you can participate to assist with makingyour decision to visit them. They alsohave driving and flight information on how toget to their resort, other helpful tips specific totheir resort and reservation departments to finalizeyour plans. Periodically, they also havespecial packages to entice you. Check themoften, then book your fabulous mountain adventure!▲▲3 EASY WAYSTO SUPPORT THE USARC...VOLUNTEER to teach people with disabilities how to ski andsnowboard. Their smiles and thanks are a reward unlike any other yourheart will ever experience. Give a little of your time, and create alifelong love of winter for somebody else.PARTICIPATE in the Annual <strong>Ski</strong>-A-Thon, a day-long eventof fun, frivolity, food, festivity and “feel-good” as you help raise importantfunding for the USARC’s amazing programs. Get your friendstogether and join us on Saturday, March 2, 2013.DONATE individually here or through your ski club’s charitablegiving program. The USARC is happy to discuss with you or give apresentation to your fellow club members about how your generositypositively impacts the lives of others.UnitedStatesAdaptiveRecreationCenterP.O. Box 2897Big Bear Lake, CA 92315909.584.0269mail@usarc.orgwww.usarc.orgBill SillimanPhotography10%Discountfor FWSAmembers<strong>Far</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Ski</strong>er’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13 8■ Birds■ Mammals■ Scenics■ Still LifeSee website forselection and sizes.w w w . B i l l S i l l i m a n P h o t o g r a p h y. c o m
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