Hi I'm living in Basel and new to skiing, I've been once before about 3 years ago and I want to go a few times this year before the season ends. But looking at the cost of renting skis, I'm thinking buying a decent second-hand set would probably be equivalent to renting a set for 2 or 3 weekends (?).

So if this is the case then I'd appreciate some tips about buying skis and boots. I've searched the forum and not come up with much except where to buy across the border and online. I'd rather not buy a new set as I probably won't be here next year so it's only from now till the end of the season that I'll get to use them.

- What are the different types and what type should I be going for (slalom, carver, freeski ??)
- I'm 6' 2" so what size should I get?
- How much would I be looking at paying for a decent second hand set?
- How much on average are skis to rent (I've seen 50 chf per day on Intersport website)?
- Is it worthwhile buying a set if I only go 2 or 3 times this year?
- Will all ski boots fit any skis or are there different types, bindings etc?
- Any locations in Basel or online where I can get good 2nd hand ones?


Thanks in advance.

to be honest, I don't think it is worthwile buying anything if it is only for a few days, esp. as you have no clue as to what you might need. Ski equipment a is very personal matter, everybody has their own preferences and it is hard to give a general advice. My tip would be to rent various things, and decide based on that, but if it is only for 2-3 times it is not worth it anyway.

If rental prices in resorts are too high, check out your local sportshop. They often have rental deals which are much cheaper than in resorts, and you can also rent for the whole season. You could also ask for 'older' material from the previous season, which is usually cheaper than the latest models.

I have just sent you a PB in case you are interested in a pair of skis I have that are available. Can makle some photos and send if you are interested

A lot of people, me included, rent skis for the season (12 months rental period) from Karrer Sport in Laufen.

I've got some very decent Volkl RaceTigers for CHF240 (for the whole season)

You can pay down to CHF120 for older skis.
All the skis have been checked, serviced etc.
Take your boots and they will fit them and adjust the bindings.

You can get a train to Laufen and walk 10 mins to the shop.

Take them back sometime next year over summer, or call and re-rent them over the phone, or you can buy them also without having to return.

I really wouldn't advise a beginner to buy. If you take to the sport, the kind of ski you'll need/enjoy, will change very rapidly. Rent or buy second hand, but only if you have a very experienced friend who can guide you.

I'd rent boots too- but I'd say that if you take to skiing, buying your own boots as soon as you can makes sense. Skiing with poorly fitted boots will really hinder you and ...HURT. Again, get somebody you can trust you can advise you properly.

As a beginner at 6ft2, you should start on modern carvers about 1m70- but it also depends on your weight, fitness, etc.

http://www.englishforum.ch/sale-want...ults-sale.html Check this for someone who is selling skis cheaply on EF

Aaah, you are in Basel, yes? In that case come round. I have spare skis that you can borrow for the rest of the season - maybe even keep. But I don't have any boots to go with them, so you would still have to get those from soewhere. (unless you have little feet -41 - for someone of your height. :-)

Karrer also rent brand new boots, and if you like them you can buy them with the rental you paid taken off the final price, makes a lot of sense.

Obviously it's cheaper to rent last seasons.

I would refer you to this excellent set of videos. I found them really useful for understanding the ins and outs of ski and boots subtleties, from my beginner point of view.
I also found REI's summary useful.

Good luck!

As 17clarence said, most people in your position find a season rental from Karrer much better value and sense.

All skis these days are carvers. As you're new to the sport just ask in the rental shop for something suitable. They'll give you a decent all-round piste ski, and also deal with your questions about size and type. At 6'2" you'll probably end up with a 170cm or so, but honestly the shop's in a much better position to judge than I.

Boots and skis are interchangeable - rental bindings adjust to any size, whereas if you buy 2nd hand you may end up having to get the bindings remounted if they've been set up for someone with much smaller or larger boots.

What else? Well, depending on your build and athleticism, make sure that the boots aren't too stiff. I've had several learners this year who are physically unable to flex their boots forward, which you should be able to do if you lean forwards with all your weight. Again, a decent shop like Karrer should make sure you get the right thing, but try this out just in case. I'd recommend trying a few sessions first, then perhaps buying your own boots for best fit and comfort, but if you buy them first you _will_ end up regretting it

Oh, the last, but most important thing: Lessons! There have been quite a few threads about this recently, so I suggest you do a good search before deciding to book lessons with us in Engelberg