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| Q. | How can I avoid damaging my skis if there is a shortage of snow ? | | A. | Firstly, keep your speed down and focus on the terrain ahead. Be very careful skiing just after a snowfall as new snow will lightly cover any rocks that were visible before. This applies both on and off-piste. If you can't avoid hitting a stone, take it down the length of the ski, rather than across it. This will help prevent an edge being blown out. But don't worry too much about it - skis are meant to be skied on and enjoyed."   |
| Q. | How long should my poles be and how important is pole length ? | | A. | Standing tall, in your street shoes (other clothing optional) with your elbow at a 90 degree angle, your forearm parallel to the ground, the grip comfortably in your hand and the tip of the pole on the floor.
Very! Many entry-level skiers use too-long poles (many accomplished skiers, also). A properly sized pole will encourage proper hand and forearm position, hence good balance. Too long will often rotate the skier into the "back seat" and too short puts the skier out of balance, forward.   |
| Q. | Are there any exceptions to this measurement process ? | | A. | Always! There are some skiers who ski mostly steeps and will often prefer longer poles to accommodate a longer downhill reach. Bump (mogul) skiers often like shorter poles to compensate for their more active hands when pole planting. Entry level (beginner) skiers often like longer poles so they can push themselves along in the snow (this is not a good choice).   |
| Q. | Is there much difference between regular poles and "thin" poles ? | | A. | You may not notice the difference between them until you switch back to "regular" poles, but thin poles offer less resistance to the air, particularly the faster you ski. The "swing weight" is usually better too and most are made with strong, exotic fibers.   |
| Q. | What length of skies should I buy ? | | A. | Because of the new construction techniques and materials, shaped skis can be shorter than the long-planked straight skis. With such a versatile ski, manufacturers also don't have to produce as many lengths of ski. It's not one size fits all, but it's close. Shaped skis now come in only four or five lengths from about 160 to just under 200 centimeters. Here is a good rule of thumb: If you're a beginner to intermediate skier go from head height minus 10 to 15 centimeters. If you're already an accomplished skier go from 5 to 10 centimeters under head height.
If you are in doubt about the exact size for you versus your ability, go for the small end of the range for your weight. Children's skis should not generally be sized above their eyes. It's better to have a pair of skis that are a little too small the second year of ski ownership, than too big the first year.   |
| Q. | How do I know if my bindings are set properly ? | | A. | Have bindings set at the beginning and middle of each season by a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL. Basically, you should be able to twist and kick out of your skis while standing still. If you can't, get 'em checked!   |
| Q. | How should I Store my Skis ? | | A. | Wipe your skis down after skiing. This will help prevent the edges from rusting. Store your skis in a dry area. Do not lean them against hot pipes or on concrete floors. For summer storage, it is best to use a light coating of oil on the edges of skis to prevent rust.   |
| Q. | Why buy Women's skis and boots ? | | A. | As a result, women tend to develop a skiing style based more on finesse than raw power. Women also have physical differences from men that affect ski and ski boot performance, and ski boot fit   |
| Q. | What are Shaped Skis and whats the difference ? | | A. | In general, alpine skis are made of a wooden core wrapped in fiberglass and coated in a fiberglass or plastic cap with metal edges. "Shaped skis" are the newest type of skis available. They have narrow "waists" and wide "tips" and "tails." These skis are designed for use in shorter lengths than traditional models and make it easier to carve turns and stop.   |
| Q. | How do I determine my Helmet size ? | | A. |   |
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