Let’s face it: skiing is an expensive hobby. Whether you’re a new skier or an old salt, the outrageous prices of some gear can discourage even the most avid skiers from hitting the slopes. With the 2016-2017 season coming to a close, retailers across the northern hemisphere are offering some of the best deals to clear their inventory and get you back on the slopes as soon as they’re blanketed in fresh powder next year. That being the case, here’s a list of quality gear from UtahSkis that will get you skiing without breaking your bank!
Skis: K2 Press Skis
Available for just over two-hundred dollars, the K2 press ski is a perfect all-mountain ski for beginner to intermediate skiers who prefer free-styling and rocking the terrain park. With a capped construction, this ski will maintain its edge at low to medium speeds, and remain relatively stable at higher speeds, too. Its twin tips will give you twice as much freedom on any slope you want to ski! If you have a somewhat higher budget, make sure to check out our Demo skis. We rent them throughout the year and then clean and tune them at the end of the season. They’re used, but they are quality skis for a fantastic price.
Boots: Dalbello Voodoo Men’s Ski Boots
If you’re looking for a boot that is comfortable and versatile, look no further than the Dalbello Voodoo Men’s ski boots. Built with a three-piece shell, this boot offers progressive flexing, which reduces shin hits and makes any type of skiing a possibility. Adding to the comfort of this boot are the shock absorbers that are found in the boot boards. Its three buckles makes getting in and out of the boots a breeze, and Dalbello’s super comfort liner will make the pair more inviting every time you’re ready to hit the slopes. To top everything off, this boot is equipped with a pre-wired heating system that will keep your feet warm if you so choose. A steal is an understatement of what you’d be getting buy purchasing this boot!
Poles: K2 Power 8 Ski Poles
The K2 Power 8 is a durable pole that will serve you well in both terrain parks and on piste. Built with 7075 aluminum, this pole offers great swing weight, and its rubber Overmold Grips attached to adjustable Velcro straps accommodate any glove size.
Jacket: Armada Carson Insulated Men’s Jacket
Here’s a little known fact about jackets: spending hundreds of dollars on one will not make you a better skier. Our solution? The Armada Carson Insulated Men’s Jacket. It isn’t easy to find a jacket that is 100% seam sealed and insulated for such a bargain. The hood allows easy movement whether you’re wearing a helmet (which you should be!) or not, and overall, this coat offers excellent wind protection. Because of its longer fit, it would behoove you to go one size up so that it doesn’t restrict movement. The jacket’s mesh lined pit zips will keep you comfortably cool on warmer days, and the powder skirt will keep you dry.
Pants: 686 Parklan Shadow
Equipped with infiDRY technology and a 10k waterproof rating, this pant does a great job at blocking moisture, keeping you on the mountain for longer while looking great at the same time. The fit is slightly tailored, but still leaves plenty of room for freestyling. Its large cargo pockets allow plenty of storage space for almost anything. Available in black and tan, these pants are versatile and will go well with almost any jacket!
Gloves: Burton Approach Mittens
The Burton Approach Mittens are some of the best mittens you can buy on a budget. The feature that stands out most in today’s world is the synthetic leather palm that allows you to use your mobile device without taking anything off. Functionality is important too; there’s nothing worse than having cold and wet hands when you’re trying to enjoy a day of skiing. These mittens come with a two-layer fleece liner that will keep your hands nice and toasty while you ski. Additionally, these mittens feature a soft chamois goggle wipe. If you’re looking for more dexterity, the Burton Approach mittens are available in glove form as well, but remember that mittens do keep your hands significantly warmer than gloves!
Goggles: Dragon DSX Goggle with Ionized Lens
One of the most annoying things about some goggles is their inability to stay fog-free. Finding such a pair of goggles at a low price can be a nightmare. The Dragon DSX goggles are the perfect solution. There are plenty of vents to allow enough airflow to keep the lens clear, and the dual layer foam padding with micro fleece provides a great level of comfort. More importantly, the lens is UV protected and shields your eyes from the sun. Better yet, these goggles are available in two colors!
Helmet: Smith Gage Men’s Helmet
With removable ear pieces and 12 vents, the Smith Gage Men’s Helmet will keep you comfortable and safe. Weighing in at just over a pound, this helmet is lightweight yet still certified in both snow and bike standards. The Smith Gage also features a removable goggle lock.
Being able to buy all the essential gear you need for under $1000 is no small feat. Retailers aren’t going to be clearing their inventory for much longer, so make sure you buy your gear before supplies run out! Needless to say, the end of the season is the best time to buy gear.
