How to Buy Good Gear Cheap

The ski swap

The cheapest way to get good equipment is at the local ski swap. Usually in the fall, equipment is gathered from ski clubs local enthusiasts and local junior racing programs and sold inexpensively. A portion of the money goes toward a charity like the local junior racing program. Just go to your local ski area in October and ask about a ski swap. Chances are somebody will have the information. It is amazing at some of the deals you can find. It's normal to find last year's skis with bindings for less than 1/5 of their original cost. Along with hard goods like skis, boots and bindings, you will find soft goods like jackets, gloves and accessories.

Year-end sales

The year end sales in the spring are another good way to purchase gear. Shop owners are forced to sell their remaining stock at cost: no consumer will buy last years stock for full price. Often you will find brand new gear at up to fifty percent off the retail. This spring and summer pricing is a good bet, but remember it is last year's stuff with last year's graphics, colors and technology. For all goods, these tent sales, liquidations and closeouts are the best deal. Always try to get there on the first day. The merchandise is limited and the common sizes sell out fast.

Buying the ski pro's gear

Ski teachers and ski patrol get their gear for half price, so if you know somebody, they will always sell last year's gear for cheap in order to get the latest model. Be forewarned, this group only buys the high end ski which is pricey to start and often very stiff in their flex pattern (not the best beginner ski).

Alpine Skiing School section in english version of WWW.SKI.BG is based on
"A Guide To Becoming An Expert: From First Time To A Lifetime"
by John Mukavitz Copyright © 1998