Out of season gear
Aug 27, 2007 · 08:42 AM · permalink
It’s hard to think about snow sports when you’re picking bugs out of your teeth from your latest ride in triple digit weather. Maybe it’s been the recent cool nights, or the rapidly approaching cyclocross season, but I’ve thought about my equipment needs for the winter season and I need some suggestions.
I need to get a new helmet this year. I have one already, but I don’t wear it frequently because it’s not really comfortable. I’m looking for a lightweight helmet this year that isn’t going to break the bank and is comfortable enough that I’ll actually want to wear it. I’m no fashoinista, so I can live with something ugly. Comfort is key. I like adjustable venting for variable weather. Soft, removable ear pieces are also nice.
Last fall I pulled my 5 year old mittens out of my ski box and thought for sure they wouldn’t make it through the season. Well they did, but I’d rather not try to make that miracle happen again. I really liked mittens for snowboarding, but I may like the extra dexterity of gloves for skiing. I don’t suffer from really icy fingers, but I don’t have really hot hands either. I need something warm, but probably not Ed Viesturs warm. Here is what I liked about my old Burton mitts:
- Wrist straps - makes it easy to take them off on the lift without worrying about dropping them on an unsuspecting skier.
- Removable Liner - Most days I didn’t need the liner, but I was sure happy I had it on the really cold days.
- Snot rag - Disgusting, but having a nice soft spot of the glove that was designed for dabbing a snotty nose is priceless
- Goggle squeegie - not super useful all the time, but there were plenty of times where it helped out.
I’m considering trying to learn telemark this year. (Free your heel free your mind, right?) I’m open to suggestions for affordable tele gear or any buying tips.
posted by: Ryan
not sure where i found your blog, but anyway first comment…
Any suggestions gear-wise for new transplants from the midwest that want to get into snow sports for the first time (but already have invested in other sports with a full garage to tell the story). Snowshoes, crosscountry skis, downhill skis, pass, other gear, sure sounds like it adds up quick to aquire all in one season..!
Welcome to Colorado and welcome to Snowhugger. I too moved to Colorado from the midwest and I can certainly empathise with the expense of equipping yourself for all of Colorado’s many fun outdoor activities. (Heck, I’ve purchased two new bikes this year alone.) Trying to acquire all that new gear in one season may be a bit much for the wallet, but there are savings to be found. Especially in the fall.
There’s an annual sale coming up at the Sports Authority (formerly Gart Sports) called Sniagrab. (sale flyer) It’s a madhouse, but you may find some good deals on equipment and clothing from last season (mostly downhill skiing gear). If you need some help from a salesperson to figure out what gear you need, it may be frustrating because most of them are overburdoned undertrained. REI typically has a sale in the fall too, but I can’t remember exactly when. I actually got my Burton snowboarding boots for $25 there a few years ago.
The major ski resort reps will also be out soon at places like Sniagrab and REI. A season pass is a great deal if you’re going to get out to the resorts a lot. The two biggies are the Colorado Pass (good at A-Basion, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, and Beaver Creek) and the Rocky Mountain Pass (good at Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Steamboat). Winter Park and Copper Mountain sell 4-passes that are also a great deal. Typically the 4-packs cost around the same as 2 days of regularly priced lift tickets. Aspen had 4-passes last year, but they didn’t make as many front range appearances to sell them. Last year we bought an “e” Book from King Soopers and it had some good ski coupons. I think we saved $80 in just Loveland tickets. Any other lift deals that we find will be posted on Snow Hugger.
Instead of buying gear, you might also consider renting some things this season. As a newcomer to snow sports, it will save you some money in the short term and also gives you a chance to try out some gear to see what features you like/dislike. You may also decide that there are certain sports where you’re willing to spend some money and others that turn out to not be fun.
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