Too confident?

I have been skiing once last year in Canada (first time) and once this year ( in Dubai, yes I know sacrilege, but couldn't resist, was actually good fun!)

I think I am getting on very well and we are going to COurchevel in April next year. The next trip should get me to do parallel turns properly. I think I am getting on very well and want to buy my own ski boots.

Should I go with beginners, early intermediate, later intermediate not sure and want help! Don't want to buy boots that are going to be too basec very soon. Also do not want to delay my improvement by getting boots that are too advanced for me.

I absolutely love the sport, totally hooked.

Any advice?

Hey Geez...I confess, I got my boots after only 2 trips and it was the best thing I ever did, got skis as well at same time as I knew I was hooked. I went to Ellis Brigham ski shop and spent an hour with 1 of their specialists going through where I was at, what I wanted to do, what I was struggling with etc and they recommended I went straight to an intermediate combination. Once I had my own gear, I had another private lesson, and advanced beyond anything I`d done before....you will never get more of a buzz than carving your first proper turn!! I have stuck on my "intermediate" boots now for 5 years although the skis have progressed...I genuinely believe with boots, if you are never going to be a full blown expert, then it is more how they feel and your ability to control the ski which can only be gained from trying boots out..and probably lots of them!!

However, if you are at a stage where you are not doing parallel turns in full confidence yet, I would wait and hire a couple of different types of boot on your next trip so you can get a feel for what you like and what feels comfortable. Ultimately, there is no comparison once you have your own moulded boots to those that you hire, but to avoid any mistakes, I really would just use your next trip to try out boots and then buy for your trip after that when you will fully be able to enjoy your gear...Hope this helps somewhat pal!

J

Buying your own boots is one of the best investments you can make IF YOU BUY THE RIGHT BOOTS!

I spent many a week wearing my old boots with painful feet at the end of the day and after tough conditions they were even worse. Then last season, when I was skiing virtually every day for the whole season. I went to see Armando (see link) who is orthopaedically trained. Bingo!-looked at my feet, fitted me with new boots and told me to ski on em for 2-3 days before returning for adjustments. They were great from day one, and even better once I had the custom footbed. Unlike nearly everyone I know, I never loosen on lifts, for lunch or whenever I get the chance. Best advice I can give is:
1. Buy them on the first or second day of a holiday-you CANNOT tell if they really fit by marching round the lounge for a couple of hours before you leave on holiday.
2. A good fitter will make you wear them unadjusted for a couple of days and then tell you to come back.
3. Ask in resort who is the local "boot man"-who do the instructors go to? Don't just visit the smart shop on the high street in Courchevel.
4. If you do go to Courchevel and can make the trip-get over to see Armando. He's a bit tucked away, looks like Lurch from the Addams family and wears a white coat, but everyone I know who went to him last season was utterly delighted.
(And-no- I'm not on commission!)

http://armandopodo.com/EN/

The comments given by the above skiers are excellent.
May I ask for more precision.
Am I to understand that you are going to ski in April and you want to buy boots IN APRIL!!
Poor move!

Let me try to explain the importance of boots by using the analogy of marriage! You will quickly understand why you must NOT wait until April to buy boots at ski resort!

First vital question in marriage and buying boots is, " I am committed for life in this lifestyle"
If yes....why wait! Do it now!!!

Second question.
How much is this marriage or boots going to cost me?
I have never met a couple that thinks of the cost of marriage ( initially) once thy have decided to live together. Later they will!
So you should not consider the cost of the boots. You get for what you pay. Buy cheaper you get cheap!
Your questions were very relevant when you focussed on the "level" and not cost!
Do you know the difference between a beginner vs expert boot!

Third question
Will boots give me pleasure, like marriage is giving me pleasure. I am not talking about erotic pleasure here but "karma" pleasure!
The first skier spoke of it.
It is that togetherness, that blending of you and the boot feeling!

Fourth and last question
Will boots like my wife make rise to the occassion. Am I a better man or skier because of the boots!

Keeping in mind the above questions, let us look at some aspects of the boots you should know!
Like in marriage, buying boots is often a "emotional" issue so you do not research the subject. Here are some facts!

1. Shell mold
Not all boots are born equally. The are various molds and you must first try all types of boots to find mold that fits you! Like in your pre-marriage days!!!!

2. Get to know different types of boots, like in your pre-marriage days! Find out what makes a shell flex more or less! Find out which boots are more "forgiving" just like a women!

3.Find out if boot will last at least 10 years. Hopefully your goal for marriage is a lifetime!
The question is how do you do this!

Here is an short form course called boot fitting 101. The above last reply mentionned an excellent boot fitter, but you must know something about your needs before you go see your boot fitter! Like in marriage you must know what you want in a wife so that the pressure points, the flex adjustments, the lateral tensions, and finally the feeling you get while undertaking your activity will be "pleasurable".

Boot Facts
The more proficient you become the more you want boot to "hold you", thus shell has high flex index! ( race boots typically have flex index of 150-160)
*very important value this flex index

The more proficient a skier you are the less "padding" you want. Typically beginner boots have lots of foam with thick linners. Racing boots have very little foam and very little shell thickness! Do not buy racing boots because of this!!!

The more proficient you are in skiing the more feedback you want from boots about ski, snow and your ski position. That means you want "real time interface" ie your boots tell you exactly how you are skiing!
This means orthotics
This means special ski socks
This means "perhaps modified boots"

What must you do?

1. Read all ski /boots tests
2.Visit all ski shops in area and try on all boots. Cheap to racing ( even if you do not buy them). Quickly you will see difference. (Like marriage)
3.Slowly eliminate boots due to; price, poor fit etc...
4.Pick two models
5. Visit internet and locate best price!
6. Ski on them BEFORE your holiday
7. Make changes BEFORE your holiday


Please allow me a final comment!
I would never buy a boot while on holiday! Like in marriage it takes some time to "fit" into a new sitaution! You are in effect "gambling" that all will work out. That you will find that magic boot at the XYZ shop!!
Also you will not be an effective skier for at least 3-4 days after you try on boots. Let us accept that the boots are great, fit you well, you still have to "allow" you brain time to get comfortable with the new feedback the boots are giving! You need time alone with the boots. Find out its limits!
I have found that men do not perform very well under pressure! Give yourself time to get to know your boots in all conditions!

Besides marriage, the purchase of your new boots might very well be the most important decision you will make. Take time!

I promise you, if you take the time, you will have heaven on earth! They will take you to places you have no idea existed!
They will give you pleasures that will last a lifetime.
That is why take your time!!!!

Pav...ever thought of writing a book.....Skiing, the art of marriage! Think it could be a winner! Great advice again from the maestro!