Features and Descriptions of Ski Equipment

Types of Alpine Gear

Bindings (top pic)
  The bindings secure your boots to the skis. Bindings should be installed by a professional, but are adjustable once they are installed. The newer bindings have some increased flex and leverage.

Ski Boots
  Ski boots should have the proper stiffness and fit for better control of your skis, especially if you are a beginner. Beginner skiers should get boots that are softer and more flexible, while more experienced skiers should get a stiffer boot for performance while carving.

Ski Poles
  Ski poles help to assist in turns and going up inclines. They should also be light and flexible so they don't break in a fall or tire your arms out. To find the right pole size, hold your elbow at a 90-degree angle, making a fist with your hand and measure the distance from your thumb to the floor in centimeters. If you are usually skiing in powder, get a pole with a larger basket. If you're skiing on groomed slopes, or hard-pack, get a pole with a smaller basket for better performance.

Clothing
  Some technologies to look for are outer shell features like a HyVent™ coating for waterproof, breathable protection. Dual linings like the Columbia Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable, seam sealed fabrics, or Goretex to take away moisture. Interactive cell phone and portable music technology or iPod controls in snowboarding jackets. Fabrics made from 100% nylon Omni-Tech® Mini Faille HP™ with 100% polyester Ultra-Wick™ Mesh linings.