Whether you’re new to skiing, have been on the same skis for years, or just tired of shelling out hundreds of dollars each season on ski rentals, you can find the perfect skis at Ski & Sport of Westport. But with so many different skis to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? Take a look at this quick guide for information on the top ski categories, and then visit your local ski equipment supplier for additional help narrowing down your choice.

All-Mountain Skis
Although this category can features skis ranging from slightly modified carving skis to slimmed-down powder skis, most “all-mountain” skis are generally designed for first-time buyers and recreational skiers. Your ability and skiing style, along with your preferred terrain and conditions, will help you determine whether an all-around ski is right for you.

Big-Mountain Skis
For skiers who like to tackle steep, technical terrain, big-mountain skis are designed to be rock-steady at high speed and adaptable to varying snow conditions. If you’re an expert skier looking to take your skiing to the next level, a stiff, burly big-mountain ski will make the entire mountain your winter playground.

Carving Skis
If you spend most of your time on groomed slopes perfecting high-speed arcs, carving skis may be perfect for you. With a pure focus on speed, edge grip, and precision turning, carving skis create an amazing experience on groomed hardpack slopes. The drawback is that these skis typically leave riders wanting more on less-than-perfect trails.

Freestyle Skis
Formerly known as “twin-tips,” freestyle skis are designed to make landing tricks easier. Freestyle skis also feature more symmetrical dimensions to make switch riding easier and better weight distribution for spins and rails. If you want to start exploring freestyle terrain parks, stop by Ski & Sport of Westport and get fitted for a pair of freestyle skis.

Before you ever tear it up on the mountain, you first need to get in your ski boots. Putting on ski boots is one of the most important steps in preparing for a run, as boots that are too loose or too tight can affect your performance, abilities, and even safety. This video demonstrates how to properly put on ski boots and adjust them for the best fit throughout the day.

If you’re still having trouble putting on your ski boots, it’s possible your boots are either too big or too small. To find out, visit a ski store in Westport . Perhaps your ski boots are the right size after all, in which case a ski equipment professional can show you how to clip-in for a day on the slopes.

Whether you are new to skiing and snowboarding or you’ve been hitting the slopes for years, it’s important to outfit yourself with the proper gear. You’ll need the right ski apparel as well as quality boots, goggles, a helmet, and skis or a snowboard. Snow sport fashion has changed a great deal over the years, as the wool and flannel ski trousers of the past have given way to technologically-advanced waterproof and breathable materials. Equipment has also evolved, with boots becoming more flexible and comfortable, offering you better control of your skis or snowboard. Take a look at this infographic from a ski store in Westport to learn more about the evolution of style in clothing and gear on the slopes. Please share with your friends and family, and start planning your next day on the slopes!

Whether you have lost your old ones or simply grown out of them, you may find yourself needing a new set of skis in Westport before you can hit the slopes. Maybe you are completely new to snow sports and have never owned your own ski apparel in the first place. Keep reading to take a look at the steps of purchasing new skis to get exactly what you need to carve the mountains.

Preliminary Research
There are many different resources that you can look towards when you need new skis. You can look in magazines and other print publications, talk to fellow skiers about their preferences, or consult the countless opinions that are waiting to be heard on the Internet. Start by identifying the type of skis you want and looking into a ski gear website. Although websites where you can purchase new skis will be designed to convince you to do just that, they may also have personal reviews from customers who have bought these skis or similar skis in the past. This can help you get an idea of what kind of experience you may have with this particular set of skis.

Think About Ski Length
The length of your skis can impact their performance, and thus varying lengths are appropriate for different conditions. Shorter skis are fit for narrow trails, while longer skis are more suitable for wider, Western trails.

Visit Local Shops
Once you have talked to your friends, looked into magazines, and scoured the Internet to get an idea of what kind of skis you want, head to a local shop. The employees at that establishment should be able to point you in the right direction as well as answer any questions that you may have about the products they sell. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it is their job to answer them, and you can use their expertise to make sure you ultimately make the right decision. Even if you have your heart set on a particular set of skis, an employee may help you understand why a different set would be better for your needs.

Whether you’re a serious skier or a casual winter sports enthusiast, keeping your skis in top condition is a must. One of the most important things you can do to enhance your experience on the slopes is to keep your skis waxed. There is no such thing as waxing your skis too much, or too often. However, all the wax in the world won’t make much difference if your bases are gouged and your edges are dull. To get the best performance out of your ski, drop them off at a ski shop in Westport for professional tuning and waxing. Here are a few reasons why.

Skis Dry Out
If you didn’t put storage wax on your skis at the end of last season, the bases have probably dried out by now. How do you know if your skies have dried out? Besides dragging down the mountain, look for bases that are discolored, white, or chalky looking. Dried out skis will run poorly, so bring them in for a hot scrape and wax to get your season started off right.

Edges Can Rust
Wax keeps your skis moist, but they also protect the edges from moisture. Excess moisture can cause the edges to rust, which can cause all sorts of performance and ride problems on the slopes. Rusty edges are also more prone to ding and chip, which can cause your skis to catch awkwardly or skid unexpectedly. Keep your skis well waxed so you’ll always be ready to speed down the mountain.

Waxed Skis are More Fun
More than anything, well-tuned and properly waxed skis are just more fun! Wax makes your skis hydrophobic, or water resistant. The more hydrophobic your skis, the faster they will be down the slopes. Keeping your skis waxed will also make them easier to make smoother turns.

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a new snowboard, especially if you are new to the sport. No matter what your skill level is, a ski and snowboard shop in Westport can help you pick out the best new board to get the most out of the season. Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a new snowboard include:

Ability Level
For starters, consider your riding ability. Even if you’re a beginner, consider a higher spec board since you’ll be improving on a daily basis. Snowboards aimed at intermediate riders tend to be a little stiffer to cope with more aggressive riding, while advanced snowboards are constructed to give ultimate response, pop, and performance.

Riding Style
After you determine your riding ability, identify the kind of riding you’ll be doing most. Freeride boards are directional in shape and flex, more often with an oversized nose and shorter, stiffer tail to enhance float. If you are an advanced rider and enjoy jumping, spinning, and sliding, look for a freestyle board with true twin shape and flex to ensure the same ride regular or switch.

Length and Width
Snowboard manufacturers provide suggested weight ranges for their lengths; ideally, you should be somewhere around the middle to get the best out of your new board. Experts recommend your toes and heels overhand the edge by approximately 1.5 centimeters—more than this and you’ll get toe and/or heel drag, and much less and you won’t get the edge control you need.

Board Shape
The ideal board shape is largely determined by your riding style. Twin boards have a symmetrical shape and core, making them ideal for trick riding and freestyle artists. Directional boards have a longer nose and a shorter tail for great performance in a variety of different terrains and riding styles. A tapered shape means the board’s nose is wider than its tail. Tapered boards are great for speedy downhill snowboarding.

There comes a time when you start to ski so much that you might start to wonder if you should continue using ski rentals or if you should just buy your equipment. Use this guide to help you figure out whether now is the time to buy or if you should continue renting:

Ski Boots
As soon as you know that you want to start skiing regularly, you should invest in a quality pair of your own ski boots. This ensures that your boots fit your foot well and that they give you the level of comfort and support that you need to feel confident on the slopes. If you do not have the right ski boots, it will be almost impossible to find the right skis. Visit a reputable shop that can help you buy the perfect ski boots for your foot. While you are shopping for your ski boots in Westport, you can pick up some other apparel that helps you stay warm on the slopes.

Skis
Some people prefer to buy their skis while others are comfortable renting them throughout the winter season. Deciding whether or not to buy skis is a personal decision. If you spend a majority of your time on the slopes during the cold months, you might want to invest in a pair of skis. When you go skiing often, it is much more cost effective to buy your own skis. If you tend to go skiing a few times during the year, though, it might be better to rent them. This allows you to choose different skis for different conditions without having to buy multiple sets.

Ski Poles
You might want to consider investing in ski poles. Just like your ski boots, it is important to find poles that feel comfortable for you. When you find the right sized poles, it helps you have better control on the slopes. Check out a quality equipment shop to find poles that feel comfortable for you. When you have the right poles, you can improve the way you ski.