buying the right skis

Question
Hello, I am a reluctant skier and go to keep the family happy. Being reluctant also means I get scared and do not want to race down the slopes. I do not want to rent my ski's, I would prefer to purchase a pair. I shall be going to Tygnes in France in January, the slopes vary from medium to difficult. Problem is though the medium usually cross's into the difficult at some stage on every slope. What I need is a pair of ski's that I know fit me and I haven't a clue how to choose a pair. I am 5'9" weigh 12 and a half stone, female age 56 and this will be my third year of skiing, I am not a beginner but I wouldn't show off about my abilities. Thank you in anticipation. June

Answer
Hi and thanks for the question.

Reluctant can be a mix of many things - fitness, percieved control, equipment and overall enjoyment.

SKIs:
* You want a ski that is about chin to nose in length. This will decrease the effort needed to turn the ski and allow you better control - especially in tight spots like cat-tracks.
* The ski should have a medium turning circle or arc [yes just like a car] - a small arc ski will want to turn more often, a big arc will prefer faster speeds and long turns.
* Moderate flex and camber is preferred - too soft and it will shake under foot when you go a little faster especially if the skiier is a heavier-set. Hard flex/camber and the ski will need more speed and effort to turn it.
* adjustable binding if available - icier conditions you want to be more forward on ski, powder a little frther back [by further i am talking 1-2cm max]

BOOTS:
* they need to be firm over your foot - any movement in the boot means you are not getting the ski to react to your movement making turning far more difficult than it needs to be. Will also increase friction and tension of the foot. With a firm boot you wont find yourself curling up your toes [because you can't] - will also help to ensure you are standing over the ball of your foot and not he arch or worse still your heel [agina making turning difficult]

LESSON:
* if your heading to a new place - take the time to go and have a lesson - your instructor will take you to places best for you to ski and give you ideas of where you can go to ski.
* they will also get you up and running again - esp if you havent skied for a while [like since last season] - and if you're on new equipment they can help you to make the most of it.
- just like a car, each ski needs to be skied a little differently due to its make up or 'gearbox'

REST:
* give yourself the time to sit back and enjoy your day - take a longer lunch, start your day half an hour after the lifts open
* more important stop when you're tired - if you do an extra run or two today - you may be too sore and tired to get out tomorrow [especially when the runs are 10-15mins long]. More accidents and injuries occur in the last 2 runs of the day due to exhaustion.
* and dont forget to eat well - carbs for ongoing energy. And alcohol at altitude is more potent than at sea level.
* at the higher european altitudes - oxygen is depleted. Discuss the trip with your doctor to ensure appropriate medical advise especially if you have any respiratory [asthma, COPD] or cardiac condidtions [angina, hypertension etc] to avoid complications.
* its your holiday too - so on a few days ski in the morning with the family then head back to the lodge in the afternoon for a good book or a look around the village. Do things that you enjoy so you dont become disinterested in the whole ski holiday idea. [im sure you could find a little salon for a facial or manicure] - or perhaps cook up a meal to enjoy with your family to hear their tales of woe.

FITNESS:
* work on your general fitness prior to going. Include balance, strength and cardio fitness in your routine - this will decrease aches and pains and general lethergy as well as injuries. [the question i answered yesterday looked at this topic].
* if you have arthritic pains - make sure you have pain relief and anti-inflammatory meds [again discuss with your doctor for appropriateness for you]

I hope this is helpful - if you have any other questions, feel free to drop me another question

Hope you have a great time and are able to enjoy your trip

lisa