If you are looking for snowboarding gear or ski wear in Ridgefield to prepare for a trip to the slopes, learning the essential elements of a perfect ski outfit will help you stay warm, confident, and comfortable.

Be sure to consider function when building you ski outfit. Your bottom layer should include warm socks, long underwear or tights, and a thermal top to conserve your body heat. Add a second long-sleeved top to stay warmer, preferably one with a turtleneck collar. A ski jacket, ski pants, and waterproof gloves are necessary for keeping wind and moisture from penetrating your clothing. Complete your outfit with a pair of ski goggles to protect your eyes from wind, sun, and debris.

The founders of Ski & Sport of Westport have been providing people with skiing and snowboarding gear for over 38 years. We have locations in Ridgefield and Westport, and supply high-quality equipment and accessories for skiing, snowboarding, and BMX riding. We carry top of the line products from designer brands to meet your outdoor sporting needs.

If you are wondering how to care for your snowboard, there are a few basic steps to follow that will help keep your board in excellent shape between sessions. Your local snowboard shop in Ridgefield will carry the supplies you need to care for your board, and will often provide snowboard maintenance and repair services as well.

Wax Your Snowboard Regularly

A good rule of thumb for keeping your board in good condition and protected from the snow’s moisture is to wax it after every three trips. Using a scraper intended for snowboards, carefully remove the previous coat of wax. Next, take your snowboard wax and use an iron to warm it just enough for it to melt – if it’s smoking, the wax is too hot. Allow the wax to pool on your board and then use the iron to spread it evenly over the base. Finally, use your scraper to gently remove any bumps, and an abrasive pad made for snowboards to smooth the surface.

Store Your Snowboard Properly

After snowboarding, wipe down your board with a cloth to remove any dirt or debris that might be lingering on the surface to prevent it from getting scratched between uses. If you find that your board has been gouged, scrape off the wax and clean the area before melting repair wax into the hold to fill it. Never store your snowboard on cement and instead, hang it on a wall using strong supports.

Sharpen Your Board as Needed

Snowboards can be sharpened at a snowboard shop with a sharpening machine, or with a whetstone and file. First, use your whetstone to smooth out any scratches, snags, or patches of rust, keeping the stone flat against the surface. Next, run your file along the length of the board, keeping it at a 30º angle. The side and base edges require regular sharpening, but how often depends on the softness of the snow it was used on, so check your board for dullness between trips.

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.

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.

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.

Choosing the right ski outfit is about a lot more than looking good; it’s about staying warm, staying comfortable, and staying safe. If you aren’t sure what to wear on the slopes, you can visit a ski store in Westport and talk to an expert about ski gear and apparel. These tips will also help get you started so you can choose the best outfit to make the most out of your day.

Dress in Layers
One of the best things you can do to stay comfortable while skiing is to dress in layers. You want to be able to remove insulating layers as temperatures rise and add layers when it gets colder outside. The three components of a layered ski outfit are the base layer, the mid layer, and the outer layer. It’s important that the base layer (the layer right next to your skin) is made of a wicking material to draw sweat away from your skin to keep you warm and dry.

Wear Bright Colors
Regardless of your talents and abilities, skiing can be a dangerous sport. Accidents do happen, so it’s important that you wear bright colors in case search and rescue crews need to locate you on the mountain. Bright colors will also help you stand out so other skiers and snowboarders can avoid you while speeding downhill.

Wear Ski-Specific Gear
If you wear clothing that isn’t designed to handle the rigors and demands of winter sports, you may find yourself very uncomfortable and wishing the day would be over already. Ski-specific gear is not only well insulated and water resistant but also typically comes with special features that will help you get even more out of your day, including MP3 player storage so you can enjoy your favorite tunes while enjoying your favorite runs.

The ski season is essentially over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy yourself new gear for the following winter season. And with the end of the season approaching, you may be able to find great deals on ski apparel and equipment at your local ski store in Westport. If the time has come to upgrade or replace your old ski jacket, these tips will help you choose the best jacket for your needs and preferences.

Consider Where You Ski
Before you buy a new ski jacket, carefully consider the climate(s) you normally ski in. If you frequently ski in colder climates such as the Canadian Rockies, you will want to buy a jacket with more insulation and wind resistance to keep you warm on the slopes. For more temperate climates, look for a ski jacket with lots of ventilation or a 3-in-1 jacket with removable insulation layers. The moisture and type of snow is also important. If you are skiing in a moist climate, consider getting a jacket with a higher water resistance. Your Westport ski store can also apply a water-resistant finish to your new jacket.

Consider How You Ski
The type of skiing you do is just as important as where you ski, at least when it comes to selecting a new ski jacket. For starters, how you ski will help you choose between a hardshell and insulated jacket. Hardshells are lighter, more versatile, and more technical jackets that are typically used for high-output activities such as backcountry skiing. Insulated jackets, on the other hand, are made specifically for keeping you warm while riding the lifts and shredding downhill. Insulated jackets are typically more popular than hardshells, which is why you can often find these jackets with “user-friendly” features like goggle pockets, pass pockets, and powder skirts.

Whether you are personally into skis or snowboards in Westport , snowy mountains have something for everyone. Winter sports like these can be incredibly exciting and are also a terrific full-body workout. Watch this video clip for a few tips for learning to ski.

If you are a beginner, start by visiting a ski shop in Westport and have a professional determine what type of skis you need and how long they should be. You will also need poles, boots, and bindings. Fortunately, all of these products can be rented. Be sure to dress warm; this includes a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a warm, waterproof jacket. Walk around and get comfortable in your ski gear before tackling the smallest hill you can find. Position your skis perpendicular to the hill when you reach the top, and hit the slope when you are ready.

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.