can anyone tell me which skis to buy?

[jaspen]

This is how much I know - I didn't realise there were "women's skis LOL. Mine were definitely unisex - basically the guy indicated that given my ability a mid level ski was all that was necessary (I know they were unisex cause he sold a pair to a guy after me - and being mid level they don't go as fast as hubbies) and to tell you the truth I don't remember too many that were women's skis (if any - other than by colour choice) on the floor at all and he certainly didn't head me to a womans section to look at any - as it was I needed a guys boot cause I have huge feet so width wise a womans probably wouldn't have worked anyway cause I imagine they would be slightly narrower. There were definitely womens boots and maybe some plank styles are better for women cause they run better with a lower weight and height distribution than others but I certianly got the impression your ability and what you wanted to do (eg tricks, speed etc) played the biggest part - but as I said I'm not real up with it Just know that the friends we were with ensured us what we were getting was worthwhile and anything was going to be better than hire (cause sharper smoother etc) . If you want to know what brands we bought just let me know and I can go look in the bag (hubby got different ones to me). To tell y ou the truth it is the boots that I have found most important cause they can take so long to get comfortable and right so make sure you have plenty of after sales service so you can go back as often as you like to get these played with so you don't suffer too much pain during that expensive week away.

ETA - I'll ask DH some questions when he gets home to see whether I can get some helpful information for you LOL

[bushmanpat]

Hey Dachlostar, I haven't been skiing for years, but I spent most of my formative years there. My knowledge may be a bit old, but I could probably have a look for ya.

[Phteven]

Thanks for your offer Pat
I think I've pretty much made up my mind. One of the shops has offered me a great deal - 40% off the skis and a pair of of boots and stocks thrown in for an extra $100 so I think I'll go with that.
The skis are a few CM's shorter than my ideal but I think can live with that.

[jaspen]

sounds like a great deal (especially for Australia) - shorter just means they'll be faster won't it???

[AngelPunks]

I used to instruct (when I was in my late teens).

The most important thing is a pair of boots & bindings that suit the boots, these were things that I replaced every few years (Dad had me skiing as soon as I could walk - once I'd stopped growing I got "real" boots, I've not skied since double reconstructions on my knees - still have my custom made boots in the cupboard).

Some boots/bindings aren't suited to some skis. Also you will need to look at the type of snow you'll primarily be skiing on as each type of snow (slushy, powder etc) can "require" a different ski (not really but for fresh powder I always have to go for quite long skis & slush I've got shorter ones on, x-country 1 set etc - I used to have 5 different sets of skis).

If you're buying boots, get them mid season - as your calves change shape, they're not as toned at the start of the season & toned at the end, so mid-season always worked for me.

[Phteven]

Thanks schaz, I have to admit that when it comes to boots my primary concern is comfort. $1000 racing boots just aren't for me - something nicely padded with adjustable fasteners is all I ask for.

jaspen, if they're shorter they go a bit slower but it's only a matter of cm's and I'm not about to be invited to join a racing squd so it's not really important...

[krisp]

We've considered buying skiis but decided against it as you can get the new season and shape (they seem to outdate so quickly) each year with rentals.