Buy boots, hire skis
This weekend I am in the Bregenzerwald ski region to the west of Bregenz. I managed to pack every electronic and camera accessory that I required but managed to forget my ski boots. So hire was the only option with my own boots stranded in Innsbruck. I tried on 4 pairs on the hire shop and opted for the last, a pretty reasonable pair of Atomic ski boots. It wasn’t until I clipped them into my bindings and pointed the skis down the piste (whilst adjusting straps and karabiners on my camera harness, putting on my gloves and admiring the scenery) that I realised all was not well. Half way down the slope and with good pace I realised I was completely out of control. I always leave the ski service too long but the snow conditions were superb on piste, this was something different. I managed to snake through some groups and haul the skis to a stop. I stood there for a few seconds and then it dawned on me that I felt no connection between my feet and my skis. The hire boots were my size and a reasonable fit but I had no control at all over my skis. This was how I spent the rest of the day, dashing between photo opportunities and absolutely clinging on to my skis. I have skied very, very many days but still know a limited amount about ski hardware – this was a big lesson. Bad skis are a nightmare but bad boots can cripple or undermine the complete ski technique. I strongly believe that skiers should own boots and rent skis – reasons:
- Skis need regular servicing, boots do not
- Airlines hit customers with invisible charges like ski and snowboard carriage, boots can go in a bag
- Hire skis can be prepared and serviced, hire boots that mould to 20+ different feet can never recover to fit an individuals foot
Alternative – just don’t forget your boots
Very good advice Matt. In fact, have just purchased a new pair, so won’t be bringing the smelly old ones this time which had obviously seen better days & would have been classed as shabby shiek.
John, I can only assume that you have never forgotten your ski boots as they hold your drinking dice? Correct?
I have never forgotten my boots! correct ! as for the golden dice , soon to make an appearance at a pub very near you!. I can’t comment on where they are kept as it may throw potential players off their game, also a security risk as to where they may be hidden.
so I suggest you have to go there once again with your own boots to enjoy the resort more “controlled”
ps: true skiers don’t forget their boots…just kidding!
Hey Kathrin, you are absolutely right – what a total air head to forget my ski boots. The good things is that it taught me how important ski boots are – I was terrible on the slopes, thank god it wasn’t Nordpark or St Anton, I would have been doomed.