Gear Up for Ski Season! Tips for Buying Ski Equipment
It is not only a privilege to be able to help my clients not only find their dream homes but in to create lasting relationships with them. I feel so lucky to become a touch point for new families in the community, helping them get settled and sharing my local insights. For many of these clients, it’s guiding them through the process of joining a private ski club and navigating the process of gearing up for their first season on the slopes.
I know these challenges firsthand because I was once the new family getting ready for our first ski season here in Southern Ontario. I have three boys who ski and snowboard and I understand how overwhelming the beginning of each new ski season can feel. Over the years we’ve had some great successes and some misses but I’ve learned a lot along the way and I’m here to share some of my experience.
Insider Tips!
Check the classifieds.
Most private ski clubs offer a classified page for their members. You can log onto the ski club classifieds even if you are not a member This is an excellent place to start looking for equipment for your ever-growing kids. Local Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark are equally excellent platforms to purchase second-hand as well.
Shop Local.
In my experience, our local ski shops are the best place to find the right equipment for the type of conditions we have here in Ontario. Also, when it comes to lost or faulty equipment buying local means you can have it serviced much faster and easier than having to take it back to the city. We are so lucky to have a vast network of skilled and knowledgeable experts in our area that no matter what shop you choose to buy from you can’t go wrong.
Popular local ski shops include:
Half Back Programs.
If you choose to buy new equipment for your kids I highly recommend looking into the half-back programs offered by most of the area’s ski shops. Each year when you purchase new you can return your child’s equipment from the previous year and receive 50% of the purchase price back as a credit towards their new hard goods. This program typically includes boards, skis, bindings and boots. A few great recommendations would be Squire John’s, Skis and bikes, Corbets and Sporting Life.
Know When to Buy.
There are two key times to buy pre-season in the area, July 1st and Thanksgiving long weekend. Tent Sale weekends are the best time to buy and save on gloves, base layers, neck warmers, socks and outerwear. With prices typically, 50% off this is the time to buy. Advice from a veteran be sure to account for growth if you are buying for your kids, I’ve purchased before only to have one of my sons hit a growth spurt before they’ve worn new gear. For kids, I find it best to wait until the Turkey Tent Sale, which is always on Thanksgiving. Be prepared, it can be very busy but totally worth it.
Congratulations on taking up skiing! To get started on the right foot, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment. There are several things you’ll need to consider when buying ski equipment, such as what type of skis and boots you’ll need, as well as other items like gloves, hats, and goggles. It’s best to visit a local ski shop to get personalized advice from an expert who can help you choose the right gear for your ability level, body type, and terrain you plan to ski. Additionally, you can also do research online to get a better understanding of the types of skis, boots, and other gear available. Best of luck and happy skiing!
If you want to talk more about the local real estate market or skiing in The Blue Mountains and Collingwood reach out, otherwise I’ll see you on the slopes!
