When my wife started skiing, she bought all her equipment鈥攕kis, boots, poles, clothing鈥攆or less than $300. She鈥檚 now outgrown her straight, old-school skis and manky boots, but they worked well for those early days on groomers. Here are tips to get you into what can seem like an overwhelmingly expensive sport.
Skis and Bindings ($200)
As a beginner, don鈥檛 go for the fat powder boards or high-tech chargers. You鈥檒l want a pair of cheap skis that you鈥檒l grow out of after a season or two. A good general rule of thumb is to stick with skis that are 100 millimeters underfoot or skinner and about nose-height. Start with your desired price point rather than a specific model of ski. You can usually find a pair of used boards with bindings at sites like and the and for less than $200. Pro tip: Visit your local ski shops after the season ends to get a good deal on used rentals.
Boots ($200)
If you go with used boots from Craigslist or Ebay, make sure you can try before you buy. Boots are the one item you want to fit very well right off the bat鈥攐therwise you鈥檒l be miserable on the slopes鈥攁nd it鈥檚 worth spending the money to get the right pair. We recommend the (prices typically range from $95 to $700) for killer deals on new models.
Baselayers ($20)
You want layers made from wool and synthetics. Steer clear of cotton. You don鈥檛 need fancy socks either, but buy a thin pair鈥攖hick socks restrict your circulation, making your feet extremely cold. Start by visiting the , which has great deals on everything from baselayers to hardshells. If you strike out, comb your local thrift stores for synthetic shirts.
Pants and Jacket ($150)
Outerwear is your main defense against wet and cold. And because waterproofing capabilities diminish over time, we suggest avoiding used layers. Look at sale places from the and where鈥攊f you鈥檙e patient and persistent鈥攜ou can buy a setup for less than $150. Many of the leading apparel brands (including 听补苍诲 ) also have discount sections on their websites.
Goggles ($50)
Ditch the sunglasses in favor of goggles, which will give you more protection and keep your face warmer. We like the for its high-quality Spy lens and comfortable, flexible frame.
Helmet ($60)
An inexpensive helmet like the can save you from a potentially expensive hospital visit.
Lift Tickets
Once you鈥檝e got the gear (for a grand total of $680), you鈥檙e going to need lift tickets. is a great place to start鈥攊f you鈥檙e flexible with your dates, you can save a lot of money. And when looking into skiing, check out the local, non-brand-name mountains like .聽These often have cheaper day passes than their big competitors.
For more tips to help you ski on the cheap, read our article on hacking lift tickets, travel, and lodging.