Snow Ski

[Darkman]

I am looking to start snow skiing this year. Can anyone give me some advice on what boots to get. My wife likes to snow board so need boots for her too.
Am thinking of renting the skis first to see what I like. Where in Wellington is the best place to buy this stuff?

[yungatart]

Rent the boots too, you won't know really if they are "right' or not till you've had a day on the slopes with them on, hire packages with all the gear start at about $35 per day, you can rent them on the mountain or down in the town. Get yourself a lesson too, if you are a beginner! Well worth it, then you'll be ready for a heap of fun!

[Darkman]

Rent the boots too, you won't know really if they are "right' or not till you've had a day on the slopes with them on, hire packages with all the gear start at about $35 per day, you can rent them on the mountain or down in the town. Get yourself a lesson too, if you are a beginner! Well worth it, then you'll be ready for a heap of fun!

I really want to buy some boots so I can get something that fits well and are comfortable. For snow boarding.what is best? hard boots or the soft ones with bindings?Will definitely get lessons!

[yungatart]

I have no idea about snowboard boots - I only ski, but you are really best to 'try" before you buy - as in Hire them, then you'll have a better idea of what type you like. Boots aren't cheap and if they don't fit right, you've done your dough!

[soundbeltfarm]

I really want to buy some boots so I can get something that fits well and are comfortable. For snow boarding.what is best? hard boots or the soft ones with bindings?Will definitely get lessons!

depends what you want to do.

hard boots are more for free riding style boards and the like (down hill slalom)

soft boots are better for free style riding. (stunts and what not)
plus a lot more comfy off your board.

every one i board with have soft boots. but in saying that none of them have straight downhill boards.

i used to ski but tried boarding and have never looked back at the skis.

try both codes first and see what you like.
hire gear dont buy it .
then see what you like.
get a lesson then go on a lift quite high up.
then you have no choice , you have to get down.
how i learned.
but a reccomend a lesson first up.

[Bartman10]

I am looking to start snow skiing this year. Can anyone give me some advice on what boots to get. My wife likes to snow board so need boots for her too.
Am thinking of renting the skis first to see what I like. Where in Wellington is the best place to buy this stuff?

Darkman.

I've been skiing reguralrly for about 15 years and I've tried heaps of different stuff.

Basically you'll want to progress through different stages depending on your skill. Start with a slightly forgiving boot, something a bit softer with a bit of forward and sideways flex. Try on different boots and have a walk around the shop for a while. It's really a matter of personal choice. All the modern big brand boots are pretty good, just like motorbikes!

Most important thing comfort. I've always liked the European boots, especially Nordica. I had a pair of Lange's for a number of years and they were pretty good too. A lot depends on foot shape.

Remeber go for comfort above all else - you'll be wearing them all day and your skis will be hanging off them on the chairlift.

You'll know when you find the right boot, just like when you find the right motorbike helmet.

I agree about lessons. Take them. It will make a huge difference.

I've been to a few of the ski shops in wellington, and they seem OK. There are a few near James Smith market. Often you're better off waiting 'till the end of the season to get the deals.

Good luck. Once you get the skiiing or boarding bug you'll never look back, just like riding bikes.

[sAsLEX]

I agree about lessons. Take them. It will make a huge difference.

I agree even though I am too cheap to pay for them, I dont mind falling over whilst I reteach myself how to Snow board, thats what ACC is for

Though went for a 3 day SB trip to Qtown with the lady a year back and didnt get lessons as we had been before, she ended up getting one early on the last day and thoughroly enjoyed the rest of that day more than the other 2!