AKB: sons moving from boarding to skiing, need equipment help

[laKavosiey-st lion]

After a week in Jackson Hole, the sons feel they can do more stuff and see more terrain on skis. So while off season sales are in full swing, what equipment is best (Skis and boots)
stats both boys are 6 2 175 and 200. Both very accomplished snowboarders. 1 rides out west all over and 2 joins him 2 weeks a year. All mountain, bowls, hiking, fresh tracks. No park.
‘Thx! I’m involved cause this will be their Christmas present.
T Rick

 

[Catch1lion]

There sort of is no best for everyone. You should have talked to the JH staff about the sale of year end equipment rentals . Year end sales in stores are coming up . See a reputable ski shop and go from there . Or if you’re near a better east coast resort ask about the year end rental sales . Good luck .
If you’re in around Lancaster , this is a great place to consider a purchase. If you have older boards you want to trade, they often take trades for credit.

Era Pro | Professional Ski & Bike Shop

 

[johnmpsu]

Go to a reputable ski shop. They may be expert boarders but they will be beginner skiers. They are 2 different disciplines. Don't buy equipment designed for expert skiers because they are expert boarders. That would be a big mistake which will probably make the learning curve more difficult. Also, just because they board blacks and blues doesn't mean they can do them on skis. Their learning curve might be shorter because they are used to snow sports and will likely not have the fear most adults start with but they will have a learning curve. A good reputable shop with knowledgeable staff is your best bet. Proper boots are the most important piece of equipment and paying for a proper fit (footbed, etc.) is worth every penny. A beginners boot (less stiff) will be much more forgiving than an experts. Same rules apply to skis but skis are secondary. It's the skier, not the ski. Just always remember they are beginners.

 

[TiogaLion]

Keep in mind that skiing is a lot different from boarding so with this in mind good used equipment for their first year or two skiing is probably the best choice. With their height they'll eventually want a longer ski (>190 cm) but I'd recommend their first pair be around 170cm's which will be much easier to control. Then after they've shed the "bad" habits of boarding they'll be ready for a good set, which with skis, bindings, boots, poles, and mounting will run about $2000 +/- $300.

I made all three of my children learn how to ski before I let them move to a board so when they're older and want to ski they'll know how. My oldest just thanked me for that this winter.

 

[razpsu]

Buy the best boots for each kid. The best. I have rented skis now every time I have gone out west and they have been great. Just get the advanced skis. Used to own my own but with travel check in costs and carrying them everywhere I stopped buying skis.
I have had my same boots for 20 years, Lange, they have been awesome and I hope they hold out for the rest of my skiiing days.

 

[Yogiman71]

I loved my Atomic skis and Salomon boots, rode them for over 20 years. I agrée, go to a good ski shop and talk to them about the type of skiing and mountains they will be going to.

 

[Catch1lion]

I think like Raz said, if you are going out West, really just bring your boots, Nice resorts have good skis and bindings, and they are a pain to schlep around. Buy the best boot as foot comfort is paramount. The Brand depends on your foot shape, and fit preference.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

There sort of is no best for everyone. You should have talked to the JH staff about the sale of year end equipment rentals . Year end sales in stores are coming up . See a reputable ski shop and go from there . Or if you’re near a better east coast resort ask about the year end rental sales . Good luck .
If you’re in around Lancaster , this is a great place to consider a purchase. If you have older boards you want to trade, they often take trades for credit.

Era Pro | Professional Ski & Bike Shop

I will actually be visiting Gma Saturday. Thx for the pro tip. 1 is an avid cyclist too. It’s fate

 

[LafayetteBear]

After a week in Jackson Hole, the sons feel they can do more stuff and see more terrain on skis. So while off season sales are in full swing, what equipment is best (Skis and boots)
stats both boys are 6 2 175 and 200. Both very accomplished snowboarders. 1 rides out west all over and 2 joins him 2 weeks a year. All mountain, bowls, hiking, fresh tracks. No park.
‘Thx! I’m involved cause this will be their Christmas present.
T Rick

T Rick: My three sons learned on skis, then went to snowboards for a number of years, and are now (at ages 27, 27 and 23) back on skis. I agree with the posters who said that ski boots are the most important component of skiing equipment. They should also get some help in picking the right kind and length of ski. My guys are a tad taller and a tad lighter than your guys. I can't recall the precise length of ski they use, but they are a bit shorter than one might expect. I think that is the rule for the newer, parabolic ski. If they are good enough to ski powder and can find a relatively steady diet of powder to ski on, they might want shorter, fatter skis. There are also skis with both ends turned up, which are great for skiers who favor terrain parks, half pipes, etc. I have tried to discourage my guys from skiing terrain parks, as I have seen FAR too many broken bones result from people skiing terrain parks.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

How can 2 sons be the same age? Wtf bro?

 

[LionJim]

How can 2 sons be the same age? Wtf bro?

Twins, or Irish twins. Apply yourself.

 

[johnmpsu]

T Rick: My three sons learned on skis, then went to snowboards for a number of years, and are now (at ages 27, 27 and 23) back on skis. I agree with the posters who said that ski boots are the most important component of skiing equipment. They should also get some help in picking the right kind and length of ski. My guys are a tad taller and a tad lighter than your guys. I can't recall the precise length of ski they use, but they are a bit shorter than one might expect. I think that is the rule for the newer, parabolic ski. If they are good enough to ski powder and can find a relatively steady diet of powder to ski on, they might want shorter, fatter skis. There are also skis with both ends turned up, which are great for skiers who favor terrain parks, half pipes, etc. I have tried to discourage my guys from skiing terrain parks, as I have seen FAR too many broken bones result from people skiing terrain parks.

They're not terrain parks. They're trauma parks.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Truth

 

[cntblvitsbutter]

Any resort will have shops where you can demo multiple different skis in a day. From your description, it sounds like they're more into freeride skiing versus being on groomers. Just some names to keep in mind: Black Crow Atris, Nordica Enforcer 104FR, Liberty Origin 106, Blizzard Zero G 105, definitely something mid-100s, especially for the son who lives out West. I'd agree with everyone else that the right boots are the first priority. Also, a lot of ski shops offer seasonal rentals better than the day rentals you get at the mountain.

 

[johnmpsu]

Any resort will have shops where you can demo multiple different skis in a day. From your description, it sounds like they're more into freeride skiing versus being on groomers. Just some names to keep in mind: Black Crow Atris, Nordica Enforcer 104FR, Liberty Origin 106, Blizzard Zero G 105, definitely something mid-100s, especially for the son who lives out West. I'd agree with everyone else that the right boots are the first priority. Also, a lot of ski shops offer seasonal rentals better than the day rentals you get at the mountain.

They are never ever beginners. Demoing skis is a pretty useless endeavor in this case. They won't be able to tell the difference. They need good beginner boots and skis good for a beginner.

 

[razpsu]

As said above ski resorts have all kinds of rentals for all kinds of skiers. Best part is you can get a pair the first day and if not right you can change them. They have beginner rentals to expert latest and greatest. That is why I stopped buying. Every year they have new models at vail etc.

 

[LafayetteBear]

How can 2 sons be the same age? Wtf bro?

Really? Tell me you're joking. LOL.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

joking.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

So I’m embracing what you’re telling me about trying a bunch of rental skis. I’m seeing boots about $800. I’m going to pay for their fittings and A+ boots and let them try a bunch of skis and buy what they like.
Cheers boys.

soooo, what’s the best boot?

 

[Bwifan]

I worked at a ski shop for years part time helping family friends run their business. I would highly suggest get to a demo day at the slopes. Have them talk to the ski reps and demo the ski's they suggest and get dialed in... For riding out west you will want a ski more wide under foot and starting out most likely no metal sheets for stiffness and high performance. (That can come later as their skill level increases) Things to consider are twin tips (for riding switch) and what stiffness in the ski. Also the turn radius. The ski reps at demo day or in a ski shop can help with this. It would take a bit on here to explain it in detail. Same goes for boots. They should seek the balance between performance and comfort. They will need a less stiff boot starting out, as it will flex more and help them initiate the turn. As their skill level increases they will want a stiffer boot for higher performance. Personally I think they are making the right choice, it's much easier out west for traversing and skinning in the backcountry to see so much more than snowboarding. Why ski resort like Alta don't allow snowboarding. Alta requires a lot of traversing on ridge lines and snowboarders were causing huge backups and logjams on the ridgelines because it takes them much longer. Enjoy and glad to see more young ones continue to ski, see you on the slopes.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

I worked at a ski shop for years part time helping family friends run their business. I would highly suggest get to a demo day at the slopes. Have them talk to the ski reps and demo the ski's they suggest and get dialed in... For riding out west you will want a ski more wide under foot and starting out most likely no metal sheets for stiffness and high performance. (That can come later as their skill level increases) Things to consider are twin tips (for riding switch) and what stiffness in the ski. Also the turn radius. The ski reps at demo day or in a ski shop can help with this. It would take a bit on here to explain it in detail. Same goes for boots. They should seek the balance between performance and comfort. They will need a less stiff boot starting out, as it will flex more and help them initiate the turn. As their skill level increases they will want a stiffer boot for higher performance. Personally I think they are making the right choice, it's much easier out west for traversing and skinning in the backcountry to see so much more than snowboarding. Why ski resort like Alta don't allow snowboarding. Alta requires a lot of traversing on ridge lines and snowboarders were causing huge backups and logjams on the ridgelines because it takes them much longer. Enjoy and glad to see more young ones continue to ski, see you on the slopes.

Yeah they hiked lots last week

 

[Bwifan]

Yeah they hiked lots last week

If you can't find a demo by ski companies at the ski resorts then check with ski shops. Many of them will have high performance demo skis and talk to the people at the ski shop about their ability and what type of skiing they are looking to accomplish. They will get them dialed in at the ski shops as well.

 

[johnmpsu]

If you can't find a demo by ski companies at the ski resorts then check with ski shops. Many of them will have high performance demo skis and talk to the people at the ski shop about their ability and what type of skiing they are looking to accomplish. They will get them dialed in at the ski shops as well.

They have never been on skis. They are beginners who have never been on skis. Getting Demo skis is a complete waste of time and money.

Get a pair of skis that are appropriate for a beginner. Let them learn on a pair they can handle easily. The idea of putting them on high performance skis or in high performance boots is a formula for failure.

The type of skiing they are trying to accomplish on day one is staying upright and learning how to turn.

 

[Bwifan]

They have never been on skis. They are beginners who have never been on skis. Getting Demo skis is a complete waste of time and money.

Get a pair of skis that are appropriate for a beginner. Let them learn on a pair they can handle easily. The idea of putting them on high performance skis or in high performance boots is a formula for failure.

The type of skiing they are trying to accomplish on day one is staying upright and learning how to turn.

I didn't see anywhere he said they have never been on ski's. If I did miss it still no big deal. Demo ski's do not cost anything to try at a mountain. I know I have worked the Atomic, Salomon, Volkl, etc tents twisting bindings all day. All you have to do is buy a lift ticket to the mountain. We also carry full line of beginner ski's at a mountain for demo days and in the ski shop for demo's. If you read and understood what I wrote above I said just that... soft flex ski's and boots. It helps initiate the turns and stay away from titanium and all metal sheets it makes ski's to difficult turn for beginners. Yeesh.... read people.

** Note: @laKavosiey-st lion There is no standard in the ski industry. So a 70 flex factor in Atomic boots is not going to be the same flex factor in Lange. Why it's helpful to demo. For example Lange traditionally has a very stiff boot, Salomon and Tecnica are not anywhere near as stiff in the same flex factor. Same goes for ski's Volkl for example are known for a very stiff ski, K2 on the other hand is known for being a softer ski. I recommend to people if they are truly going to invest in skiing and equipment to demo the equipment. The "traditional" rentals are not that good albeit they have gotten a little better the last 10 years I would recommend getting on some demo beginner/intermediate skis depending on their abilities and level. I also tell people be honest in your own skill assessment. Many people love to think they are Glen Plake and Mikaela Shiffrin when they are really "Jerry" on the mountain....

 

[razpsu]

The guys at the shops these days are very good. Beginner skis compared to the 80’s are night and day. Heck the skis they gave my kids are better than my atomic 205’s that I had.

buying on line in advance is cheaper. They will still fit everything at the store so no worries.

when I see boarders out west walking a 1/4 mile plus I feel bad.

 

[TiogaLion]

The guys at the shops these days are very good. Beginner skis compared to the 80’s are night and day. Heck the skis they gave my kids are better than my atomic 205’s that I had.

buying on line in advance is cheaper. They will still fit everything at the store so no worries.

when I see boarders out west walking a 1/4 mile plus I feel bad.

No, don't buy on-line or you soon won't have anyplace to "fit" everything.

 

[johnmpsu]

I didn't see anywhere he said they have never been on ski's. If I did miss it still no big deal. Demo ski's do not cost anything to try at a mountain. I know I have worked the Atomic, Salomon, Volkl, etc tents twisting bindings all day. All you have to do is buy a lift ticket to the mountain. We also carry full line of beginner ski's at a mountain for demo days and in the ski shop for demo's. If you read and understood what I wrote above I said just that... soft flex ski's and boots. It helps initiate the turns and stay away from titanium and all metal sheets it makes ski's to difficult turn for beginners. Yeesh.... read people.

** Note: @laKavosiey-st lion There is no standard in the ski industry. So a 70 flex factor in Atomic boots is not going to be the same flex factor in Lange. Why it's helpful to demo. For example Lange traditionally has a very stiff boot, Salomon and Tecnica are not anywhere near as stiff in the same flex factor. Same goes for ski's Volkl for example are known for a very stiff ski, K2 on the other hand is known for being a softer ski. I recommend to people if they are truly going to invest in skiing and equipment to demo the equipment. The "traditional" rentals are not that good albeit they have gotten a little better the last 10 years I would recommend getting on some demo beginner/intermediate skis depending on their abilities and level. I also tell people be honest in your own skill assessment. Many people love to think they are Glen Plake and Mikaela Shiffrin when they are really "Jerry" on the mountain....

Don't disagree with anything you say but they are never evers so talk about performance skis or boots doesn't help them. They appear to be expert boarders but skiing is a different discipline. They will benefit from snow sports experience and will not bring the typical fear factor of many adults but they are still beginners. Hopefully they don't bring an ego to the mountain that expects instant results and gets in the way of actual learning. I have taught that type and it's a royal pain. They can't understand why they are having such a hard time because they are a "great athlete". If you read my posts I have simply advocated that they get appropriate equipment for their ski level at a reputable shop with qualified people. I think you would agree with that.

 

[razpsu]

No, don't buy on-line or you soon won't have anyplace to "fit"

I’m taking about renting. So purchase rental in advance. They fit it at the store

 

[LionJim]

joking.

Well, you certainly had us all fooled.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Well, you certainly had us all fooled.

Had to ask Jane (Irish 100%) what Irish twins are

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Talked to 1 a few minutes ago. Told him to grab some demo days. Mammoth is open til June this year he just learned

INSANE dumps this year!

 

[razpsu]

Talked to 1 a few minutes ago. Told him to grab some demo days. Mammoth is open til June this year he just learned

INSANE dumps this year!

Damn year. I had hip replacement and have to wait at least a year to ski. Remind my wife daily.

 

[Bwifan]

Talked to 1 a few minutes ago. Told him to grab some demo days. Mammoth is open til June this year he just learned

INSANE dumps this year!

My friends work at Alta .... It's been unreal and just keeps going. FYI Palisades (formerly known as Squaw) just announced they are now open through July 4th weekend. Yeowzah...

 

[LafayetteBear]

My friends work at Alta .... It's been unreal and just keeps going. FYI Palisades (formerly known as Squaw) just announced they are now open through July 4th weekend. Yeowzah...

I'm seriously concerned about snow load, and in particular the quantity of snow on top of the roof at my place in Tahoe. The quantity of snow there is just insane.

 

[massimoManca II]

Keep in mind that skiing is a lot different from boarding so with this in mind good used equipment for their first year or two skiing is probably the best choice. With their height they'll eventually want a longer ski (>190 cm) but I'd recommend their first pair be around 170cm's which will be much easier to control. Then after they've shed the "bad" habits of boarding they'll be ready for a good set, which with skis, bindings, boots, poles, and mounting will run about $2000 +/- $300.

I made all three of my children learn how to ski before I let them move to a board so when they're older and want to ski they'll know how. My oldest just thanked me for that this winter.

Greater than 190cm ?!?!?!?

don’t forget the Sony Walkman and pleated khakis *

 

[TiogaLion]

Greater than 190cm ?!?!?!?

don’t forget the Sony Walkman and pleated khakis *

Well, it appears you should stick with cars.

Ski Size Chart & Calculator - How to Choose Skis | evo

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, learn how to choose and size your skis with evo's expert ski size chart & buyer's guide.

www.evo.com

​

Skier Height	Ski Length (cm)
ft / in	cm	Beginner	Intermediate	Expert
4'4"	132	120	130	138
4'6"	137	125	135	143
4'8"	142	130	140	148
4'10"	147	135	145	153
5'	152	140	150	158
5'2"	158	145	155	163
5'4"	163	150	160	168
5'6"	168	155	165	173
5'8"	173	160	170	178
5'10"	178	165	175	183
6'	183	170	180	188
6'2"	188	175	185	190+
6'4"	193	180	190	190+

 

[cntblvitsbutter]

Anyone want to guess what conditions would be like at Palisades/Mammoth in mid-April?

 

[massimoManca II]

Well, it appears you should stick with cars.

Ski Size Chart & Calculator - How to Choose Skis | evo

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, learn how to choose and size your skis with evo's expert ski size chart & buyer's guide.

www.evo.com

​

Skier Height	Ski Length (cm)
ft / in	cm	Beginner	Intermediate	Expert
4'4"	132	120	130	138
4'6"	137	125	135	143
4'8"	142	130	140	148
4'10"	147	135	145	153
5'	152	140	150	158
5'2"	158	145	155	163
5'4"	163	150	160	168
5'6"	168	155	165	173
5'8"	173	160	170	178
5'10"	178	165	175	183
6'	183	170	180	188
6'2"	188	175	185	190+
6'4"	193	180	190	190+

I’m a Kastle guy (the longest they offer, purchased new two seasons ago) and they aren’t close to 190 … they do not make’m

This is from someone who , back in my mullet days, ripped 208cm Dynastar Coupe du Monde GS (FIS spec) ….( Actually pulled them out of the attic and ran’m for nostalgia sake late last season OOOOOoooFfff)

update: I’m in my local shop right now looking (lusting) at Stockli and 185cm is the longest on the sexy Montero AR

 

[Bwifan]

I'm seriously concerned about snow load, and in particular the quantity of snow on top of the roof at my place in Tahoe. The quantity of snow there is just insane.

Alta just broke the all time snowfall record today ... They are at 750 inches now. That's averaging 5 inches of snow per day since their first snowfall on October 22. Crazy amounts of snow with a well over 200 inch base. I hope your house is ok in Tahoe maybe have friends or police take a ride by when they get a chance

 

[Bwifan]

I’m a Kastle guy (the longest they offer, purchased new two seasons ago) and they aren’t close to 190 … they do not make’m

This is from someone who , back in my mullet days, ripped 208cm Dynastar Coupe du Monde GS (FIS spec) ….( Actually pulled them out of the attic and ran’m for nostalgia sake late last season OOOOOoooFfff)

update: I’m in my local shop right now looking (lusting) at Stockli and 185cm is the longest on the sexy Montero AR

Nice ... Go score a set of sticks for yourself you deserve and work hard for the money. And yes 185 is about as long as they go now with parabolic skis. No need to go longer with the quick turn radius on those skis