Before you embark on your ski vacation, you need to determine whether you want to purchase your ski gear, or opt for ski rentals in Ridgefield. Each option has its pros and cons, and the choice often comes down to what you feel most comfortable with personally and financially. Here is a guide to figuring out whether buying or renting ski gear from a ski shop is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Ski Rentals

If you’re a beginning or intermediate skier, a ski rental is the best choice for you. When you rent ski gear, you spend less money for newer and better equipment. You also can try out different brands and types of ski gear to figure out which one you like best. Because skis are available in different lengths, you’ll need to actually ski on different skis to determine which length works best for your skill level. You can also upgrade your ski rental every year as you become a more skillful skier.

Benefits of Purchasing Ski Gear at a Ski Shop

There are certain situations in which you should purchase ski gear at a ski shop. For instance, it is much better to purchase ski boots than rent them. If your boots are too small or uncomfortable, you risk injury, and won’t feel like skiing at all. Ski boots are durable and have a long lifespan, so purchasing a high quality pair is a worthwhile investment. You can also take your ski boots back to the ski shop for adjustments as needed. Many people find that they would also rather buy ski goggles and a ski helmet than purchase them.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

High quality ski gear lasts for about 10 weeks of use, so if you’re not going to go skiing often enough to justify the purchase, you’re better off saving your money and choosing ski rentals. If you ski often, or would feel safer using new equipment than renting ski gear, you should purchase gear from a ski shop.

At Ski and Sport of Westport, we offer a variety of ski services that will make your ski vacation more convenient and enjoyable. Our ski shop in Westport has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, and we’re proud to provide amazing customer service to each and every customer. Our commitment to quality and detail in everything we do makes us the best ski shop in the area.

We offer high-quality ski gear and ski rentals, as well as affordable ski clothing and skis for sale. Our incredibly knowledgeable staff can assist you in picking out the best ski gear for your level, budget, and needs. We also offer personal shopping services for those who want to have their ski gear ready for them when they arrive.

Our qualified ski shop technicians can perform ski gear repairs to ensure your safety and comfort on the slopes. We also provide ski boot and ski clothing customization. Our staff offers customized shell stretching for ski jackets and ski boot modifications that will make your boots the most comfortable ones that you’ve ever worn.

When you begin looking for a ski jacket near Westport , you’ll quickly discover that you have hundreds of options to choose from. There are a few key qualities that you should look for in order to ensure that you find the best ski clothing for your needs. Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect ski jacket at a ski shop near you.

Understand What Types of Ski Jackets are Available

Ski jackets are available in five different major styles: shell, insulated, technical, softshell, and three-in-one. Shell ski jackets are incredibly popular due to their versatility. They are waterproof, breathable, and typically constructed to allow for layering underneath the jacket. Insulated jackets have a light outer shell and a thick layer of built-in insulation. If you’re skiing in very cold conditions, an insulated ski jacket is a must. Technical shell ski jackets are lightweight, breathable, and minimalistic. They rarely have extra features. Softshell ski jackets are made of soft, stretch fabric, and are less water resistant and have fewer features than hardshell jackets. Three-in-one jackets have an outer shell with a removable inner insulation.

Investigate Each Jacket’s Features

The features that each ski jacket offers will vary considerably from jacket to jacket. Common features include venting, pockets, a hood, a powder skirt, cuffs, waterproof zippers, and a lining. Some ski jackets have a RECCO reflector sewn into the jacket. A RECCO reflector works with the RECCO transponders used by ski resorts and search and rescue operations.

Determine What Fit You Want Your Ski Jacket to Have

Much like other ski clothing, ski jackets are available in several different fits. You want a jacket that is comfortable and flattering, but that also provides a wide range of motion. Trim fit ski jackets fit close to the body and are tighter and more restrictive than other styles. Athletic fit jackets are slightly wider and more flexible than trim fit, but are still relatively snug. Expedition fit and relaxed fit jackets provide better range of motion and allow more room for layering under the jacket.

Before you ski or snowboard, you should visit the ski shop to purchase a pair of ski goggles for yourself. Watch this video to learn more about how to choose which pair of ski or snowboard goggles near Westport would be best for you.

While you will need to decide which type of lens you want with your ski goggles—reflective, amber, and clear are the three main types—the thing you should be most concerned with when picking out a pair of goggles is how they fit. You want your goggles to fit comfortably after you walk out of the ski shop and put them on. Find a pair that you can wear with your helmet, and you will be ready to hit the slopes.

If you love winter sports, the last thing you want is to get left out in the cold by a slope injury. Make sure your skiing and snowboarding season lasts all winter long by remembering to observe slope safety. Staying safe on the slopes starts in the ski shop. Stock up on the snowboarding gear and ski equipment you need, from ski helmets to snow pants. Next, make sure you know what to eat before, during, and after your day on the slopes to give your body the fuel it needs. Learn more about slope safety in this infographic from Ski and Sport of Westport and Ridgefield. Our snowboard and ski shops near Westport, CT have everything you need for enjoying the outdoors this winter, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with our help, and rally your friends and family for a trip to the slopes by sharing this information.