Questions for the Retailer

BUYING NEW SKI EQUIPMENT

The more questions you answer, the better

Before you walk into a ski shop to buy your gear, we recommend you read up, like you’ve been doing by visiting our web site. Familiarize yourself with the basics. But when it comes down to the shopping and fitting, you can trust a good snow sports specialty retailer to know their products and how to find the right ones for you.

They’re going to ask you some questions you’ve thought about, and some you probably haven’t. But in the end, each answer will help better select the length, width, flex, and tech specs that are best suited to make your days on the mountain the best they can be.

Questions you will/ should hear

• Do you own any equipment now? What is it? How old is it?
• What is your skill level? How often have you skied before?
• Note: Do. Not. Lie. You don’t need to impress the salesperson. Equipment that’s too advanced will only hamper your development and progression. Be honest.
• Where do you plan on skiing? East coast, west coast? Which resorts?
• How often do you ski each year?
• What terrain do you prefer? What types of trails? What do you aspire to ski?

Note: Are you a blue square kind of person? Not everyone likes ungroomed trails and moguls. But if you want to try them, or want to try your luck in the terrain park or in the pipe, make sure to let the salesperson know. It might change what they recommend to you.

Time to head to the shop

Do your research, but don’t try to memorize it. Just familiarize yourself with important questions and be ready to answer them. An important thing to think about: whether the shop is the new spot in town or a long-time business, if you’re not being asked any questions, you might want to go someplace else.

Boot questions are super important

• Have you outgrown a pair of boots—why are you replacing them?
• How did they fit?
• What brand were they?

Note: Some manufacturers fit wider, narrower, shorter, etc. than others. A boot that fits great can help the salesperson know what brands you can go with this time around.

Do you have any special foot conditions, history of surgery, breaks, protrusions?

Note: Boot fitters can make any boot more comfortable for you, accomodating idiosyncrocies like a second toe that’s longer than the first, a heel spur or a bunion. Not a time to be embarrassed. Your feet will thank you all season long

Content courtesy of SnowSports Industries America | SIA and Snowlink.com