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First time buying skis (but living away from any snow)

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Chuzza
Posts: 2 - Karma: 11
Hey all, looking into buying my first set of skis, boots, etc. but I'm an aussie who lives far from the snow...

I'm (a male if it matters) 75 kg (165 lbs) and 180 cm (5ft 10/11). In terms of skiing, I'd say I'm of 'intermediate/expert' skiing ability (able to ski all runs, but probably not with the 'highest' finesse at all times on some of the more difficult), and mostly ski piste, but if I see tree lines and some nice powder off the runs I'm there straight away. I'd also love to begin skiing some park...

I've been lucky enough in my '6 years' of skiing life (2 week holidays) that I've skied at Japan (Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen), Canada (Whistler and Sun Peaks) and Australia (Hotham), and I'm heading back to Shiga Kogen, Japan early next year, so hopefully that gives an indication of the terrain I'll be skiing.

I hope that's all the information I needed to provide...

I've been looking at all mountain, multi-directional/twin-tip skis, and so far my favourites are the Atomic Vantage 90 cti, or the same but in the 95. Are these skis good for me being a mostly piste (with as much 'off-run' action as I can find) and hopeful future park skier (so I'm able to do 180's/360's and potentially backflips in and out of the park)?

In terms of boots and poles, I thought I would wait until I head to Japan, and head to the Kanda district to find an experienced boot fitter... Will I be able to find someone of this description who can speak English and expertly find the boot I need?

Finally, I was wondering the amount of care my skis and boots would need, as I can only ski while on holiday. Will not waxing and tuning the skis, significantly impact them? If so any advice on how I could get this done living in South Australia, aka a long way from the Australian ski slopes.

Thank you so very much to anyone who helps in the slightest way.
Aug 4 2016 3:50AM
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CB4TSB
Posts: 428 - Karma: 1,221
The vantage is not really a twin tip. Its kicked up a bit on the tail but I would not want to try any big landing switch on them. The profile chart that I have seen for them makes it look like a twin but if you see them in person you will know what I mean. If you like Atomic and want to stick with them I would be on the look out for last years Panic. Very underrated ski for the price.

Now everyone else can chime in with ON3P, Surface, 4Front, Moment and on and on
Aug 4 2016 5:42PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
First of all, congratulations for being one of the few people to actually ask the what skis question properly.

For you I'd go for a wider all mountain park ski around the 90mm to 105mm waist width. This width would be fine for skiing all conditions (except perhaps super deep pow).

Some ski ideas include:
Armada Edollo/Al Dente
Line Blend
Faction Candide 2.0
Nordica Soul Riders
Dynastar Slicer
ON3P Kartel 98
Icelantic Da'Nollie

All these skis are proper twin tip skis unlike those Atomics and so they'll be better for riding park. At the same time they're all wide enough to take anywhere on the mountain.

For bindings pick either Tyrolia Attack 13's, Salomon/Atomic STH2 13's, or FKS/Pivot 12 or 14. Out of those I'd personally pick the STH2's, I own a pair and they are fantastic. Super reliable and durable.

Boots, I don't know any boot fitters in Japan however I'm sure you'll be able to find a good English speaking fitter. I'd be shocked if you couldn't. Ask some of the locals, patrollers, and instructers for recommendation. Boots are the most important part of your gear so don't skimp on them. Try find a shop that does custom made footbeds because without a good footbed your boots will never truly fit you properly.
Aug 4 2016 7:55PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
Just to answers you last questions as well:
Your boots will not need all that much care, I would highly recommend buying a boot dryer too keep the liners dry. Skiing in wet liners is not pleasant. Your feet will go cold and the liners will start to smell. Even a cheap dryer like this would do the trick just fine: https://www.amazon.com/DryGuy-Travel-Dry-DX/dp/B016P5UYFY/ref=pd_sim_469_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41hD8pNbBML&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=KH0S7BPRG9A3H23E7852

As for waxing, skis come with a factory wax on them, it's not great but it does the trick. I'm not sure about Japan but a lot of ski area rental shops offer hot waxes so it'd be a good idea to just get one of the shops or rental places to give them a wax.
Aug 4 2016 8:00PM
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Chuzza
Posts: 2 - Karma: 11
Thank you so much, in terms of waxing, one before and after the ski season? Or is one before or after each trip fine for the amount of time I'll be skiing (2-3 weeks per season)?
Aug 4 2016 10:09PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
ChuzzaThank you so much, in terms of waxing, one before and after the ski season? Or is one before or after each trip fine for the amount of time I'll be skiing (2-3 weeks per season)?


You could wax every day after skiing if you wanted too and you'd do no harm only good, however that would be excessive for you, high level racers wax their skis after every run. Usually I wax my skis after 2 or 3 days skiing or just whenever they start to feel slow. You'll get away with just one wax before/on the first day of skiing without trouble and if they do start feeling slow then get another wax (should only cost $15 or so (not sure about Japan)).

Remember the old farts get away skiing on skis that probably haven't seen a drop of wax in 20 years.
Aug 5 2016 2:37AM
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