| Before you go ahead and book your bargain ski | | | | the skis or boots that you had your eye on earlier in |
| holidays there are a number of points to take into | | | | the season. |
| consideration about keeping you skiing equipment | | | | Take Care of your Boots |
| safe that you might find very useful! | | | | Ski boots are very durable, but they are also |
| If you want to ski every weekend or every other | | | | expensive, so you want to extend their life, |
| weekend it's to your advantage to get the most out | | | | especially if you have custom-fitted boots that fit |
| of your skiing dollar. You know the slopes, now it's | | | | comfortably and perform well. Avoid walking through |
| time to learn the ropes. Here are three tips to help | | | | parking lots after the snow has melted away. Rough |
| you save money so you can ski more often this | | | | surfaces will eventually wear the plastic soles to the |
| winter. | | | | point that they will no longer fit in your bindings |
| Shop at the Right Time and Place | | | | properly, which brings us to the next tip. |
| You might think that the Christmas week starting | | | | Many boots now come with removable pads on the |
| with Boxing Day would be a good time to pick up a | | | | toe and heel, which can be replaced before they |
| bargain on a new pair of skis or boots. Think again! | | | | wear down beyond the safe limits. If you are in the |
| It's true that during this time of the year, you can | | | | market for a new pair of ski boots, make sure you |
| find big discounts on items like clothes and electronics. | | | | buy boots that have replaceable pads, especially on |
| But ski equipment and accessories are different. | | | | the heels. Replacing a pair of worn, heel pads will |
| Why? Because this is not the end, but the beginning | | | | save you a ton of cash versus buying new, ski |
| of the ski season, and most retailers will not put their | | | | boots. |
| ski gear on sale this early. That being said, you might | | | | Get a Lock for your Skis |
| find some bargains if you venture over to your local | | | | When you buy new skis and if you do not already |
| Sporting Goods store. However, most of these | | | | own a lock or your old lock will not fit your new skis, |
| places do not have a complete range of skis nor do | | | | buy one before you leave the shop. Why?Because, |
| they have experienced boot fitters on staff. It's best | | | | you may forget to get one before you lay the first |
| to visit the Ski Shops that specialize in ski gear and | | | | tracks with your new boards. You will definitely be |
| accessories in the winter. They also have trained | | | | putting your skis in jeopardy of being stolen when |
| boot fitters so you can get a customized fit if you | | | | you prop them up in a ski rack and head into the |
| need ski boots. You can always get a deal in the | | | | lodge for lunch. New skis are an easy prey. It's better |
| spring at most Ski Shops providing they still have the | | | | to be safe than sorry. Spend a few extra bucks up |
| type of skis or boots that you are after in stock. | | | | front for a ski lock to protect your initial investment |
| However, begin your search in mid-February, since | | | | for skis and bindings. It would be very painful to head |
| most of the shops begin dropping their prices around | | | | back to the shop to replace a pair of skis that have |
| this time of the year, which is closer to the end of | | | | been pilfered. Ouch! |
| the ski season. In addition, you are more likely to find | | | | |