For skiers and snowboarders, few pieces of equipment are as important as their ski jacket. Few things are more miserable – not to mention dangerous – than being outside in freezing temperatures, wet conditions and high winds with inadequate clothing. Still, you might not have the money to spend hundreds of dollars on a professional-quality jacket. Here are some ideas and things to watch for when buying discount ski jackets:

Don’t Settle for a Regular Jacket

It can be tempting for new skiers on a budget to try hitting the slopes in a regular winter jacket designed for walking a couple blocks in the snow. Don’t do this – most winter jackets are not capable of handling the wind speeds you’ll be experiencing, let alone keeping the wet out when you fall in the snow. A cheap winter jacket is not a bargain for a skier. Buy a real, purpose-designed ski jacket that can deal with the conditions you’ll be skiing in.

Educate Yourself (Discount Ski Jackets are worth it)

When you have a lot of money to throw around, you can walk into a store and just say “Give me the best thing you’ve got.” However, hardly anybody needs the highest level of quality in every feature of their ski jacket. When buying discount ski jackets, you may have to sacrifice certain qualities in order to lower the price. That’s all right; just make sure you know which qualities to sacrifice. Learn about water and wind resistance, insulation, and all the little details like powder skirts and pocket types until you know both what you don’t need and what you can’t live without.

Buy Second-Hand

There’s nothing wrong with buying a quality ski jacket that somebody doesn’t want anymore. Many people will upgrade every year, and then sell their lightly-worn gear for a low price. As long as the zippers all work, the seams haven’t burst, and the fabric isn’t torn, a second-hand ski jacket can be a great way to save money.

Go Bargain Hunting

If you’d prefer new discount ski jackets over used, then do a little research and comparison. Find the jacket you want online or in a store – preferably in a store, so you can try it on and make sure you like the look, feel, and warmth – then write down the price and specifications. Now start hunting. Look for the same jacket in different stores, and run some in-depth online searches. You’re almost guaranteed to find somebody offering the same jacket for a fraction of the price offered in the first place you found it. Maybe a competing store has a sale on that particular jacket, or perhaps one website just can’t seem to get rid of it and is willing to offer a drastically reduced price.

If you find the best price online, don’t get too excited right off the bat. Make sure that the seller is reputable and that there are no unpleasant fine-print details attached like a voided warranty, shipping damage or manufacturing mishap. Nothing kills the thrill of finding those cheap ski jackets on your doorstep like opening the box, putting them on and realizing that all the zippers are broken.

Find more tips abput skiing here

Try Lesser-Known Manufacturers

The big names are generally the most trustworthy, it’s true. However, it’s also true that a big name is often the only justification for that extra digit on the price tag, and you might be able to find a much less expensive jacket with the exact same features from a lesser-known manufacturer. In addition to the joy of getting a very high-quality jacket at a low price, you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing that you helped out the little guy.

Once you have everything figured out and find quality discount ski jackets at a price that’s right for you, you have no more reason to hesitate. Buy them and hit the slopes!

New skis are expensive. Every time you walk into a ski shop, you see skis with price tags of well over a thousand dollars. However, you don’t have to shell out a few grand just to be able to hit the slopes. Buy at the right places, from the right people, and at the right time, and you’ll be able to find the cheap skis you can afford with the quality you need.

Watch for Sales of Cheap Skis

Perhaps one of your local ski shops is offering a special Christmas sale, or great deals on last year’s hot model. Discount skis can be just as high-quality as full-price skis, so don’t be shy about giving them a try. Of course, you still have to be careful about these sales, even at well-established ski shops. Sometimes, a store might offer a “big sale,” declaring skis 30% off, when those same skis are usually sold at a price that’s 40% off their theoretical list price. Do some double-checking online and at competitors stores before you buy a supposed bargain.

The best time to buy cheap skis is always during the off season. Your selection might be more limited in summer than it would be in a well-stocked store when the first snowflakes start to fall, but you’ll be able to find high-quality gear for incredibly low prices.

Buy Used Skis from Sellers with Good a Reputation

The cliché of the untrustworthy used-car salesman exists for a reason: many people buying complicated and expensive equipment just don’t know how to tell when something’s wrong with the thing they’re looking to buy. That makes it all too easy for a seller to rip off an uneducated buyer. This goes for used-ski salesmen too; make sure you know you can trust the person you’re buying from. Many websites have rating systems that you can use to double-check the reliability of the seller, based on others’ experiences of buying from them. In this case, it’s simple: if the seller has a worrying number of negative reviews, just don’t buy from him, even if the price on those cheap skis is mind-bogglingly low.

If you’re buying directly from a company website instead of an individual, look for third-party reviews. See what other buyers have said about the company’s shipping, warranties and quality on ski forums and other websites. Customer testimonials on the company’s site can be nice, but it’s also possible that the company just paid their employees to write them. Similarly, when buying from a retail outlet in person, you can always trust the word of fellow customers the most.

Find more tips on how to improve your skiing skills here

Know what you Want

Whatever you do, make sure you research the type of ski you want and the features that appeal to you before you start shopping. Otherwise, you might buy a pair of skis that you hate just because you thought the price sounded good, or you might buy something way more expensive than you needed because you didn’t realize that a cheaper pair had all the qualities you wanted. Either pair of skis is going to be a waste of money. Go into the store armed with knowledge about what you’re looking to buy, and you won’t waste money or sacrifice quality.

As long as you buy from reliable, honest people, have an eye for opportunities, and take the time to do the research, your next pair of cheap skis might just what you had been looking for.

Any sale can be a major temptation, especially when it comes to expensive ski and snowboard gear. Buying a new pair of goggles during ski goggles sales can be a great way to save money. Here are a few tips for ways to find sales, save money, and buy the goggles you need.

Ski Goggles Sales Tip 1 - Look for Used or Outdated Gear

Oftentimes, people will upgrade to a new set of goggles and start looking for a way to get rid of the perfectly-good pair they don’t want anymore. Keep an eye out online or in your local paper’s classified section for someone looking to make used ski goggles sales. Whatever you do when buying a pair of used goggles, make sure you see them before paying for them. Look for photos that show the goggles at different angles and in different lighting or, even better, pick them up and turn them to the light if you’re buying in person – a little glare should light up all the scratches. That’s exactly what you don’t want to have happen to you on the slopes. Imagine going downhill (learn more about alpine skiing here), then catching a little sunlight and having your field of vision turn into a blur of random lines – not fun, and very dangerous. Also make sure that the goggles aren’t cracked or otherwise damaged.

Another choice is outdated gear. Sometimes, a company will upgrade to a new model of their top-notch equipment, and last year’s dream gear will be this year’s most expensive dust collector. Retailers will be desperate to get rid of it. The thing is, that pair of cheap ski goggles is still just as incredible as they were the year before, but people will overlook them just because some slight improvements have been made. If you want quality and a bargain, don’t be the shopper who does that.

Wait for Season-End Sales

It’s easy to forget about buying your gear until just before the ski and snowboard season begins. If you plan ahead, though, you can buy it all for a very low price. Try shopping for your skiing gear in the spring right after the slopes close, and you should find excellent ski goggles sales. If those prices aren’t low enough for you, wait until summer, or even early fall – the longer you wait, the lower the prices will be. Of course, the ski shops may all be sold out of what you were looking for by that point, so if you have a particular model in mind then you’ll definitely want to jump on it as soon as the spring sales start.

Don’t get Carried Away

You might find some top-shelf goggles at a fraction of their normal price at a ski goggles sale and feel the urge to just buy them as fast as possible. Don’t do that! You might regret buying that pair of big-brand amber-tinted ski goggles if all you do is ski in bright daylight; likewise, you’ll have thrown away a lot of money if you can’t wear it with your helmet or prescription lenses. Take the time and think everything through carefully. Is it the right tint for the time of day I plan to be skiing in? Does it offer UV protection? Was it damaged in transit? Does it fit? Does it fog up? Do I like the way it looks? Be careful to consult a buyer’s guide and make a checklist of the qualities you want before you start shopping.

Remember, a pair of cheap ski goggles isn’t a bargain if you get something useless, broken, or poorly suited to what you want to do. Keep an eye out for ski goggles sales and make sure you buy the pair that’s right for you.

Buying top-notch ladies ski jackets can be a tedious process. You want to be warm but not overheated, stylish but not impractical, and insulated without looking like a puffball. Fortunately, while these may seem like challenging goals, you can get everything you want if you just have the necessary knowledge. This guide will help you make the right decisions so you can both stay warm and look good on the slopes.

Choosing ladies ski jackets – Shell or Insulated? That is the question.

Nobody wants to waddle around in an overstuffed jacket that makes you look and feel like a toasted marshmallow, but freezing to death is not an option either. When you’re choosing a ladies ski jacket, one of the most important choices you can make will be whether you buy a shell jacket or an insulated jacket. A shell jacket is the right choice if you tend to feel too warm when you wear a lot of dense clothing; it has no built-in insulation. This will also allow you the greatest degree of customization. Wear whatever layers it takes to keep you warm underneath; under most conditions, you should wear a base layer (thermal underwear) and a mid layer (sweaters or fleeces) underneath a shell jacket. The other benefit of choosing a shell jacket is that it will have minimal bulkiness, giving you a sleeker look.

However, that isn’t to say that insulated jackets are bad in any way. With their built-in insulation, you won’t need to put another layer of clothes between your base layer and your jacket nearly as often. Also, plenty of insulated ski jackets are built with fashion in mind, and you can always choose a jacket with a lower amount of insulation if the really dense ones are too awkward-feeling. When you want to be able to get to skiing or boarding without putting on a thousand pieces of clothing first, an insulated jacket will be your best choice.

Seams and their Importance

When buying ladies ski jackets, one important thing to keep in mind is the type of seams the jacket has: welded, fully taped, or critically taped. The highest-quality choice is a welded seam; these have none of the small holes present in regular needle-stitched seams, which make them more water-resistant and sleek-looking. The next best choice is to buy something with fully taped seams. The manufacturer glues tape to all of the seams, on both the inside and the outside of the jacket, making sure that water won’t seep into the cloth.

If you’re buying on a budget garment, though, you may want to opt for the cheaper critically taped seams. With these ladies ski jackets, only the most important areas will have taped seams, while the ones less likely to get exposed to moisture are not taped. When you make your choice, keep the look, function, and price in mind, and choose what works best for you.

Water Resistance

Of course, if you get one with the great welded seams and get soaked the first time you fall in the snow anyway, it’s not going to be worth it. You have to pick out ladies ski jackets with a high degree of waterproofing if you don’t want to get wet after a couple of falls. Jackets that claim to be “waterproof” are nearly always just water resistant. The most common measurement of water resistance is in millimeters, based on a pressure test. It’s a complex system and many companies skew their results, but as a general rule, you should look for ski jackets with at least 5,000 mm of water resistance. These should keep you dry when you fall or sit on a damp ski lift, and are usually impervious to rain.

To learn about ski suits in wikipedia click here

Picking out ladies ski jackets is all about who you are and what you want. There’s a gigantic range of options out there – go find what works for you in order to have fun in the mountain!

When looking at the prices for ski clothes, many shoppers will start to feel a little shell-shocked as they imagine their pockets getting lighter and lighter. Given today’s economy, many people can’t afford to buy brand-new top-notch clothing and gear.

A ski instructor or informational website going on and on about how price should be no obstacle to someone who loves skiing has probably never been afraid of having their utilities shut off. Let’s face it, while the expensive ski jacket might help you deal with the heat being off, it’s not going to do much to help you endure a cold shower. Here are a few tips for buying discount ski clothes so you can be warm on the slopes and at home.

Set your Limits when Buying Ski Clothes

While looking for cheap ski clothes, don’t just settle for the cheapest things available. Do a little research and find out what’s right for you first. Do you want an insulated ski jacket or a shell? Bib ski pants, regular ski pants, or stretch? If you go in without knowing the terms and definitions, odds are you’ll end up buying something you don’t like. If that happens, then even the best bargain will be meaningless because you’ll just have to spend the money all over again to get what you really need.

Waste Not

If you already have some good thermal underwear and warm sweaters, you can probably save money by buying a shell ski jacket instead of a ski jacket with expensive built-in insulation. If you have old ski clothes that you don’t want or that don’t fit anymore, then sell them as discount ski clothes to other skiers. Just be honest about the condition the clothes are in, and make sure to upload photos showing their condition in good lighting, with particular attention to frequently damaged locations like seams and zippers.

Buy Used

The same principles that apply to selling used ski clothes apply to buying them. Only buy online if you can see pictures, and if you get the chance to look at them in-person, make sure to look carefully for damage.

Sales

One of the most obvious things you can do is go to a retail store offering low prices on discount ski clothes. Whether they’re trying to get rid of overstock or outbid their competitors for Christmas shoppers, there’s almost always somebody willing to let quality goods go at a low price. If you have the time, shop around and compare the prices offered by local businesses before deciding who you’ll buy your ski clothes from. Just don’t wait too long if you go this route – that 60% off deal might be here today and gone tomorrow.

You can almost always find some good sales during the off seasons, as few people want to buy ski jackets when it’s eighty degrees out. Of course, it might already be too late for you to do that this season, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Remember, it’s always the off season somewhere – a Canadian skier may be able to get some high-quality ski clothes shipped from Australia at midsummer prices right when his or her own season begins. Remember, though, that overseas shipping can be very, very expensive, and warranties aren’t always international, so be careful.

Learn more about skiing here: Origins of skiing

Make sure that you know what you want and need, and don’t get too carried away by low prices. That said, hunting for discount ski clothes can be a lot of fun, and you’ll feel good about getting what you wanted for a lower price. When you come home from the slopes, take off your intelligently purchased big-brand ski jacket, and realize that the heat is still on, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Comparison of K2 Super Burnin 2012 and K2 Burnin Luv Skis

As the owner of K2 Burnin Luv skis for the past three years and One Luv skis before that I was excited to purchase the new K2 Super Burnin skis this year. Being in Australia I have had the chance to use these skis well before 2012. Here are my opinions and some photos.

Visit the official K2 site if you want to check out the stats and dimensions. The photos in this post are of my own and the opinions are mine based on skiing at Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia.

My Experience with the K2 T9 Womens Specific Skis

K2 One Luv

After having skied on many different brands and models of skis over the years I got my first pair of women’s specific skis six years ago. They were the K2 One Luv (160 cm)and it was ‘luv at first run’. I was an intermediate skier at the time and these skis were just perfect. They turned beautifully, were forgiving and, over the course of two seasons helped me to progress to higher levels.

K2 Burnin Luv

As my skiing improved I found that I needed a higher performance ski that handled a variety of terrain at speed. I demoed a variety of skis from other brands but couldn’t find one that I loved. I was reluctant at the time to demo the K2 Burnin Luv ski model as they were nearly 50% more than all the others that I had tried. In the end I gave in and after two runs I was sold despite the price difference. Unfortunately K2 didn’t have them available in 160cm that year so I had to choose between 156cm or 164cm. I decided on the 156cm and adored them.

They were fantastic. They had all the positive characteristics of the One Luvs plus they had a vice like hold on ice (which we get a lot of in Australia) and ploughed through crud with ease. They also handled speed well and were so responsive that I barely had to think ‘turn’ before they complied. I skied them happily for two seasons before deciding to upgrade to the latest model.

K2 Super Burnin

Once I started looking for Burnin Luv 2012 models I realized that K2 had re branded their Luv range and were now calling them the K2 Super Models. The Burnin Luv turned into the Super Burnin, the Free Luv turned into the Super Free, the Sweet Luv turned into the Super Sweet. You get the picture.

So, ahead I went and got a pair of Super Burnins. Fortunately K2 changed their sizing again so I got the 160 cm.

My Verdict

To be honest I don’t notice much difference. I have skied them in all conditions and at all speeds and I still love them as much as always. I just don’t think that there is a lot of difference.

Supposedly they are lighter but I couldn’t tell, maybe because of the length difference. I don’t like the graphics as much but that is a personal thing. I have had many people comment on how much they like the look of them. And, let’s face it, we don’t buy our skis for their looks, do we? The bottom line is that they are fantastic, just as the Burnin Luvs are.

The One Thing That I Don’t Like About the Super Burnin 2012

I know it is minor but it is very annoying. The brakes don’t hold them together! K2 skis are heavy as anyone who has owned them knows. You want to be able to easily throw them over your shoulder if you have to carry them any distance. The Brakes on the K2 Burnin Luv models hold the skis tightly locked together for carrying. I have found with the K2 Super Burnin 2012 skis that when I carry them I only go a few steps and the brakes loosen and the skis splay sideways. As I said, minor but annoying.

The bottom line is that whether you go for the Burnin Luv K2 skis or the newer Super Burnin K2 skis you will have an awesome ride.

Skis.com have some great discounts on both these skis at the moment. If you are after the
Super Burnins

they are 20% of the latest model and they also have a whopping 44% off the Burnin Luvs
but only in 146cm and you’ll need to be quick. Backcountry.com also have the Super Burnins for $899 but they appear to have sold out of the Burnin Luvs.

We were lucky enough to have some glorious weather for the great Style Wars boarding competition at Falls Creek. This year is particularly memorable as it is the tenth anniversary of this, Australia’s premier boarding event. Style Wars has a reputation for attracting all the top international riders and with Slopestyle now being an Olympic event the quality of competition only gets stronger.

We are on day two and have had glorious sunny days. We could have done with some more snow but the park crew have done an amazing job with what snow we have by building some incredible features that inspire the riders and thrill the spectators.

Sunday started with practice runs and the heats started Monday. We were treated to some great action today and tomorrow will be another clear sunny day for the finals.

Check back tomorrow for more news of the finals tomorrow. In the meantime enjoy these shots I took today.

If you want more info or to check out the riders list visit the Style Wars site.

Ski clothing is one of the most important items of ski gear that you should get in order to enjoy long hours of fun-filled skiing. The use of specialized ski clothes, as opposed to just, winter wear, is highly recommended to keep the body at a normal temperature and to remain comfortable when doing energetic skiing or snowboarding.  The majority of the reported accidents in a snow sports point to the lack of appropriate gear including the use of the right ski clothes. When you plan to do activities out in the snow, the use of the correct ski clothes that fit you well can save you from serious complications such as hypothermia or frostbite.

Effective ski clothing is actually multiple layers of clothing designed exclusively for snow use. The inner 2 layers are designed to keep your body warm and allow it to breathe, while the outer layer is made up of special kind of fabric to withstand the extreme cold temperature. The initial layer of ski clothes makes use of thermals to retain warmth to the body while the second layer is the winter-type of fabric that also protects the body from cold. While these 2 layers secure the warmth of the body, the outermost layer which is made up of synthetic materials to ensure that wind and water can’t pass through.

All layers are light in weight so there’s no need to worry about any inconvenience as you move in the snow as modern ski clothes are designed in a way that you can comfortably move your body.  They also have several compartments and pockets so you have enough space for your water bottle and some other personal stuff that you can use during the day.

The head also requires the same protection and warmth as the other parts of the body when skiing as you lose most of your body heat through your head. The most effective way you can protect your head from the danger of falling or a sudden slip is to wear a suitable helmet which is also very effective in keeping the head warm. For the eyes, reliable and high-quality goggles are also a must to protect from the sunlight and cold wind. To keep your feet well-protected when not skiing, high shoes made from all-natural leather with sufficient inner padding are recommended. Gloves made from woollen or leather are perfect to keep your hands warm and safe the entire time of skiing. Modern fabrics such as Gore-Tex are excellent for warmth and weather proofing.

Ski clothing gives you the much need protection to survive extreme winds and cold while skiing. If you plan your wardrobe carefully you will enjoy many days of fun filled activity comfortably and safely. In summary, the key points to remember are to dress in layers and to ensure that you use proper ski clothing instead of merely warm winter clothes. If need be you can economise by borrowing gear or buying during sales.

Are you looking for nice winter boots for women?

There are several factors to consider apart from their stylish appearance and brand. One of the most important features are their ability to withstand the elements during the winter. If you search the web, you can find many online stores that will give you ideas and valuable information to help you find the most suitable pair.

When it comes to shopping for winter boots for women online, picking the right size is one of the most important considerations in order to ensure comfort. Winter boots should fit snugly on your feet but don’t forget to leave at least half inch of allowance. This is to allow your feet breathe and also some room for movement.  Always make sure that you order or buy your winter boots from a reliable store, especially if you are shopping online. Look for online shops that display big and clear photos of the item and should also include detailed descriptions like the materials they are made from, price, shipping and return policy.

There are a lot of types of winter boots that you can choose from. Read on for some tips to help you find the perfect pair.

•    Go for comfort first before style.

•    Sheepskin boots are the perfect footwear for women in winter but they are not always waterproof so check this out before going out in wet conditions.

•    Pick a pair with a casual laid back design and style that will go with different outfits.

•    Good quality winter boots are created with a dual faced wool liner to keep the feet warm and comfortable.

•    Good quality winter boots will be made using the latest insulation materials.

•    Look for a pair of boots that are made with a material that gives a nice feminine touch in addition to insulation effectiveness.

•    Buy winter boots that can keep your feet warm and comfortable all day long without making your feet sweaty.

•    Choose the type that’s versatile and can be matched with any wardrobe color to avoid the need to buy several pairs. Neutral colors are best.

•    Since these types of shoes are not cheap, you might as well go for the over-the-knee or knee-high type of boots so you can still keep yourself warm even if you pair them with short skirts.

•    It is also best to go for waterproof winter boots as they can help keep your feet dry especially when you are walking through mud and slush. Check the label for the waterproofing qualities

•    Check if they have rubber heels and insulated mid-sole

As there are many desirable winter boots for women on the market, making a decision on a pair that’s perfect can be quite a challenge. Make sure that you spend your hard earned money for something that’s both functional and trendy.

Also, when buying winter boots, make sure to try them on wearing heavy socks in order to get the right size. It is also highly recommended to buy those that are made of real leather and natural materials because they allow your feet to breathe. You can also find many fashionable boots that are nice and perfect for chic and stylish women.

K2 Burnin Luv skis have been my skis of choice for the past two years. I love them. I have skied on many brands over the years but became a bit of a K2 fan once I found the One Luv, one of the intermediate skis in the K2 Tnine range of womens specific skis. This was my favorite ski for several years and it took me confidently from a low intermediate skier through to advanced intermediate. They were great for me at the time but, as my skiing improved, I grew out them.

Enter K2 Burnin Luv Skis Extraordinaire

I was looking for a ski that could handle speed with stability and with zippy turning qualities. I wanted an all-round ski that could handle most terrains. I realize that it is very difficult to find a ski that will excel in all terrains perfectly but I was looking for the best all rounder I could find. I demoed several brands including the K2 Burnin Luv and for me it was a no contest. Although I enjoyed the other skis that I demoed I found the K2 burn love excelled in all the areas that were important to me.
During the winter in the Southern Hemisphere we live at Falls Creek Creek Ski Resort in Victoria, Australia and I ski daily for about three months. Australia gets a lot of hard pack and icy conditions. There is occasionally powder and we also get a lot of chopped up snow after the powder has packed down.
My preferred style of skiing is fast on steep groomed runs. I find these skis responsive, and they give me the confidence to handle nearly all conditions I encounter. They hold well on ice and they handle chopped crud with ease. They are stable at speed and turn like lightning with very little effort needed from me. They aren’t that great in powder but that is not what they were designed for a. However I find these are the best all-round skis for me. With the amount of power we get I find them adequate, however if I was skiing regularly in an area that had a lot of it I would get another pair of powder specific skis.
Is there anything I don’t like about the K2 Burnin Luv? The graphics, but this is a totally personal opinion. I have never liked the graphics of the K2 womens specific ski range. I find them a bit gaudy. I had a pair of the 2009 Burn Luvs and I found them particularly ugly. The 2010-2011 ones are marginally better. I particularly don’t like the decorated bindings. I think that plain white or black would be a great improvement. Having said that, I love these skis so much and they are so much fun to ski on, my personal dislike of the graphics is not even a consideration. Many others that I know think the graphics are fabulous. All I know is that these skis take me to heaven on a daily basis in all conditions.