How to Choose Ski Equipment: Boots, Skis, Poles, Helmet and Goggles

You do not need to buy equipment for your first ski holiday: renting is cheaper and more sensible. But rental gear still has to be chosen well. Boots in the wrong size or skis that are too long can make your first days hard, even with the best instructor. In this guide we explain what to look out for at the rental shop.

Ski boots: the most important part

Boots transfer your movements to the skis, which makes them the most important piece of equipment. The right boot is snug but not painful.

• Standing upright, your toes should lightly touch the front of the boot and pull back when you bend your knees.
• Your heel should not lift inside the boot.
• Wear a single pair of thin ski socks; thick cotton socks or two pairs make your feet cold and cause pressure points.
• Do not tuck your trousers into the boots; the inner gaiter of your ski trousers goes over the boot.
• Walk around in the boots for a few minutes before you click in. If anything pinches or goes numb, ask for another pair.

Soft boots are more comfortable for beginners and forgive mistakes; stiff boots are for advanced skiers.

Ski length

As a rough guide, beginners should choose skis that reach somewhere between the chin and the nose. Shorter skis turn more easily and are easier to control. As you improve, you move up to skis between nose and forehead height. Your weight and skiing style count too, so tell the shop staff your height, weight and level honestly.

Bindings and their settings

Bindings protect your knees by releasing the boot when you fall. The release setting is adjusted in the shop according to your weight, height, age, boot sole length and level. Never change it yourself, and do not under- or overstate your weight or level: a setting that is too tight will not protect your knees in a fall, while one that is too loose lets the ski come off on its own.

Poles

To find the right pole length, turn the pole upside down and hold it just below the basket. Your elbow should be bent at about 90 degrees, with your forearm parallel to the ground. Beginners often spend the first hours without poles; your instructor will tell you when to start using them.

Helmet and goggles

A helmet should fit snugly and not move when you shake your head. Goggles should match the helmet, with no exposed gap between your forehead and the goggles. Dark lenses suit sunny days, while yellow, orange or rose lenses give better vision when it is snowing or cloudy.

Snowboard gear in brief

For beginners, a snowboard should reach roughly between the chin and the nose, again taking your weight into account. Boots should fit snugly, just like ski boots. Bindings are set up for your stance; if you do not know whether you ride regular or goofy, read our snowboard stance guide.

If you would rather not think about equipment

Our Erciyes packages include ski or snowboard equipment, a helmet, goggles, a ski jacket, ski trousers and gloves in the price; we explain everything that is included in our guide to Erciyes ski holiday prices. For what to bring yourself, see our ski holiday packing list.

• Ski equipment
• Ski rental
• Beginners
• Ski boots