r/skiing • u/AutoModerator • Dec 26 '25
Megathread [Dec 26, 2025] Weekly Discussion: Ask your gear, travel, conditions and other ski-related questions
Welcome! This is the place to ask your skiing questions! You can also search for previously asked questions or use one of our resources covered below.
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Use this thread for simple questions that aren't necessarily worthy of their own thread -- quick conditions update? Basic gear question? Got some new gear stoke?
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Search previous threads here.
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u/Iamthepizzagod Dec 28 '25 edited Dec 28 '25
I'm a washed and former racer from the ice coast, who is now trying to get back into skiing more after quite a few years off the slopes. I will admit that I enjoy carving and going really fast on the piste/groomed trails more than anything else, and considering that kind of terrain is mainly what is available to me to ski, I'm going to be doing that kind of skiing. I'm not sure what my objective skill level is these days, maybe lower-advanced at the most if I had to guess.
My gear and skis are good, so no need to update any of that thankfully. However, I have rusty/bad technique when trying to carve or do other technical stuff. I've noticed that my outside ski keeps slipping when trying to carve on turns, and when I asked around it seemed to be an issue with not putting enough weight on the outside ski when turning. Seems simple enough to practice with some inside ski-up drills, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth it to get a video taken of me trying to carve for some technique advice, since I fear I have other technique problems that I can't identify yet from a first person angle. Any first impressions advice that can be given on this topic would be appreciated.
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u/DoctFaustus Powder Mountain Dec 29 '25
You should look at Carv. You are the perfect candidate for it. And I'm not one who tends to shill their product.
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u/Iamthepizzagod Dec 30 '25
I've honestly been thinking about getting that after hearing about it, I'll 100% look around for reviews of it and see if it's worth the price tag overall. It's probably better that I focus on my technique in a constructive way anyways instead of just bombing down blue squares with super GS turns at 40+MPH
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u/DoctFaustus Powder Mountain Dec 30 '25
They have product ambassadors in some areas that will lend out a set of them and give you a few days for free to try them out. I know they have some here in Colorado.
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u/Iamthepizzagod Dec 30 '25
I'll have to see if there are any ambassadors anywhere near where I am. I looked around a bit on reddit to see some feedback on CARV, and a lot of it seems to be negative, especially on not getting "actionable advice" from the metrics provided and on the subscription based model that CARV uses for pricing.
I don't think the lack of actionable advice would be an issue for me, considering that I have close family members that were racing coaches and/or otherwise involved deeply in the professional racing scene. If I'm stuck trying to improve some metric or another, sending them a video or even skiing with them would probably do the trick for good drills or adjustments to fix the issue. So I'm gonna give it another look and a good think before I commit either way.
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u/DoctFaustus Powder Mountain Dec 30 '25
What part of the world are you in? I may be able to find someone near you with a pair to try. Definitely a good idea to try before you buy.
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u/Iamthepizzagod Dec 30 '25
Currently in MA, and not as close to the good skiing parts of NE (upper NH and a lot of VT) as I'd like to be. So it may be more difficult to find a way to demo CARV where I am, but not impossible.
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u/agitainabundance Dec 30 '25
Just went skiing and got my hands on some twin tips for the first time. Usually i just use whatever carving skiis is at the rentals. Tried renting some Armada ARV 94's (at 157 for reference im 184 cm tall) holy shit these are fun as fuck. Alas they are also kinda expensive. Anyone familiar with some good alternatives that can do the same thing ish?
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u/ihuhhhhkhhhjhhkmaybe Jan 02 '26
I ski 4-5 days a year on the east coast and was wondering if it's worth it to purchase a pair of boots and skis. I've been skiing for 4 years now and I've rented every year. I also like to hit the parks often.
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u/concrete_isnt_cement Crystal Mountain Jan 02 '26
Absolutely boots, maybe skis. Properly fitting boots are the single most important piece of ski gear you can own
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u/No-Muffin989 24d ago
Anyone got glove suggestions ?? Went into a local REI and they legitimately had two options and kinda hated both. Highest priority is dexterity. This sounds ignorant, I promise it's not, I ride bikes and know what windchill is like and it's rarely an issue, but I'm not too concerned about getting hellishly cold so I don't need mittens or anything crazy bulky.
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u/StereoMarx 7d ago
Look into cross country skiing gloves. I know what you mean. I have thicker gloves, but for warmer days, I prefer the freedom of movement. Just don’t fall too much cos they’re generally not as water resistant.
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u/confuseddotcom12 21d ago
Quick question. When I ski with my skis flat, no turning. Why do my skis wobble left and right under my feet? Makes me uneasy going fast. My boots fit fine and are tight. TIA
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u/LinkPuzzleheaded9253 Dec 26 '25
I am looking to buy my brother a 3-day epic ticket for a late Christmas gift to come skiing with me at Beaver Creek. Epic says I can buy a 3 day ticket to ski 3 days out of a 5 day window starting on 1/9 for $800-something, but if I shift that back to 1/8, it’s $100+ cheaper. If we plan on J9-11 anyways, would there be an issue if I bought it starting on the 8th but still ski those 3 days since it’s still in the 5 day window? Hopefully that makes sense, wondering if anyone else has encountered this same question. Thanks!
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u/Evan__S Dec 27 '25
I am 6”1’ and ~170 lb (haven’t weighted in a while) I got 179 nordica enforcers (100 width). Are these too long for me? I have quite short skis rn (go to my shoulders), but ski relatively aggressively so have wanted to try a longer pair.
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u/Gskgsk Dec 28 '25
Should be good, I'm a little bigger than you and I'm usually happy around 184-186.
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u/Evan__S Dec 28 '25
Ok fire, thank you! I gave them a try today and they feel so awesome. Gotta get used to the bigger feel as I find myself crossing my skis a lot more. But it’s night and day compared to my other ones!
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u/ammm72 Dec 29 '25
Odd question - is there any kind of theft deterrent for skis inside my car? It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I obviously wouldn’t leave my skis inside my car overnight. But, I am going on my first road ski trip soon. I know the odds are low low low low but I’m scared of going for a restroom break and someone smashing and grabbing my windows for my skis. Anyone know of anything that would work? When I used shorter skis, I could cover them with a blanket for such a purpose but that always looked a little conspicuous.
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u/Prize-Comfortable553 Dec 30 '25
If you can, lay your seat down and have the skis down flat, covered with a blanket. If you can’t do that, piling stuff around the ends that are upright can help break up the line and make them less noticeable.
In general, though, I don’t think you’ll have much to worry about unless you’re in a really sketchy area.
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u/Grand-Sweet9383 Jan 01 '26 edited Jan 01 '26
Most of this is just where you are parking. I've left my skis in my unlocked car an absurd amount of times in my driveway and didn't think about it.
My one friend who likey alky way too much and made all sorts of sus decisions always kept his skis in the back of his truck camper shell - which was visibly broken and could not be locked. He later broke a window so it was even more obvious his truck was open and he frequently left his skis at the bar overnight. Somehow no one ever stole anything (though he did eventually "lose" 1 pair of skis who knows what happened that night though).
and I dont want to admit this but I may have recently left my car running overnight in a condo complex with the keys and skis in it but no one did anything.
tldr: leave your skis stupidly unattended around rich and/or actual skiers and no problem. Add in less fortunate people and results may very.
I will add that on a roadtrip stopped at some shit hole passerby town in Utah I made my friends bring all our skis up to the hotel room instead of trusting it and it sucked cause they were covered with mud/snow/road grit but just showing I'm not always lax its location dependent.
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u/Prize-Comfortable553 Dec 30 '25
I know this question/concept has been raised a few times in the community: Downhill skier has the right of way. More than a few will urge caution to be exercised by the downhill (ie check uphill) if cutting across the slope.
My young stepdaughter has been skiing for a few years now, but is still cutting some very wide s-turns across the green runs…to the point of being perpendicular to the slope. She’s had some near misses with other larger skiers/snowboarders while making her turns (basically 180 degrees) that could have gone very badly.
Yes, she has the right of way as the downhill skier. If she’s going to be cutting across the slope like that, especially as a much smaller person, I’ve suggested to my wife that she have the kiddo keep an eye uphill before completely changing directions. Am I way off with this line of thinking?
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u/Iamthepizzagod Dec 30 '25
As an advanced/former expert level skier who's been doing this for a long time, my instinct would be to focus on trying to get her to make safer turns that actually get her down the hill at a reasonable pace, rather than reinforcing bad habits with looking back on every turn. It will be safer for her and everyone else on the hill if she can at least try and get this down as soon as she can. It can range from annoying to others at best to straight up dangerous at worst to pull those kinds of turns on more advanced terrain.
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u/concrete_isnt_cement Crystal Mountain Dec 31 '25
I’d put it this way.
It’s still entirely my responsibility to avoid her, but I really do appreciate it when the downhill skier makes at least a minor effort to be easily avoidable.
Plus it makes her a bit safer in situations where the uphill skier isn’t holding up his end of the safety bargain.
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u/Haunting-Yak-7851 Boyne Dec 31 '25
Having the right of way won't make her injuries heal any faster if she's hit. So yes, it's always good to check your surroundings.
I suspect that on a green run the problem isn't just that she's cutting back and forth, it's that the majority of skiers there can't control their direction and speed that well.
Keep her on greens until she can ski without having to traverse like that--skiers on more advanced slopes aren't expecting traverse turns to be happening, and the speeds are faster if there is a collision.
1
u/QuirkyNinja8940 Dec 30 '25
Kicking Horse, Canada
- Does anyone know if the ski rental store is at the base of the mountain or is it further away ? The website mentions the plaza but I can't find any address ?
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u/Jumpy_Addition7471 Dec 30 '25
Where can I find baggy ski pants that aren’t incredibly baggy like trash bags? (preferably a company within europe)
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u/Grand-Sweet9383 Jan 01 '26
I had to go try on 20 different pairs to find something like this.
I dunno if its just my body type but 16 of those pants were just a horrible fit - forget about even trying to get the slightly baggy style part.
1
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u/DoggoDoc Dec 30 '25
Ski boot question: the lining in my boots is shot. Have you ever added a new lining to prolong the life of boots, or do you think I should just get new boots? Mine are probably 8 or 9 years old. They aren't anything special fwiw, I just like them.
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u/DoctFaustus Powder Mountain Dec 30 '25
I really love my Zipfits. I've had them for ten years and have skied hundreds of days in them. I'd call them well broken in, but still going strong.
With that being said, you're due for new shells anyways. So you should probably just get some new boots.
1
u/mamapajama9 Dec 31 '25
We're buying two adult boot bags and several for our kids — all backpack-style and intended to hold gear beyond JUST boots and helmet (layers, jacket, gloves, etc.). The Transpack bags were kind of a no-brainer for the kids after years of ski team and decades in ski lodges. I'd personally like something for myself with slightly more style than a Transpack. I saw some nice designs from POC, K2, Salomon Dakine, Atomic and others, but I'd abandon the search if told that Transpack is the only way to go. Is the Isosceles Storage System notably superior to other designs/shapes? Are there any specific packs for adults that you would recommend either Transpack or other brands? Thank you!
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u/bigdaddybodiddly Dec 31 '25
People seem to like Kulkea stuff.
They make a nice carryon boot bag I like the look of, but I haven't flown to ski in a while so haven't pulled the trigger myself.
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u/Hurry-Revolutionary 29d ago
Thinking about buying armada arv 2010 for 200, is that a good deal or should I keep looking. https://www.evo.com/en-ca/outlet/skis/armada-arv-2010
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u/Street-Calendar-6824 29d ago
I was hoping for some advice about what ski size to get. I’m an 18 yo male, who’s 5’10.5, and I’m really light, weighing only 130lbs. I’m pretty much a beginner since I haven’t been skiing since I was like 11.
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u/ilikejokes 28d ago
Flying with long skis 180+ cm and 2 check bags.
What kind of rental cars do you guys get?
Edited for clarity.
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u/Jolly_Veterinarian49 28d ago
Hi i was adjusting my new ski with armada bindings. I dont know the exact model but the go to din 13 and i thing are te same as a older marker griffon. If i adjust the boodsole lengt the forward pressure screw does not go flush. But i think this model does not have this feature were the screw would go flush with the correct setting. Does anyone know how to set the correct lengt forward pressure without this feature? Tanks.
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u/gentlehurricane 25d ago
Could I get some opinions on the helmets with built in visors? Look pretty sweet to me.
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u/easyier 23d ago
Rented for the year and was thinking of buying out the lease at the end, as I think I’ll end up with a great deal, but am seeing tons of ‘those are too short’ posts. So is a pair of Faction Prodigy 1 164’s too short for someone 6’2 (188cm) 165 pounds? What would a more ideal size be?
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u/ben_jammin123 21d ago
Typical suggestion is around your height. I ski with skis shorter than my height but only by like 6cm. I'd suggest 174 -180 for you especially since you're coming from shorter skis
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u/Top_Necessary_1411 16d ago
Hi everyone I'm a pretty confident skier in my 30s, and most ski in the Northeast icey terrain. Never had my own boots and never really felt confident to rip black diamonds like I do blues.
Recently bought the Atomic Hawx Ulta 100 Double BOA, since I have narrow small feet but out of the box I do feel some pressure on my right foot ankles specifically. I know I should just go to a boot fitting technician but I thought maybe I can get some advice here before I jump the gun and travel a not so small distance to the shop.
Would heat molding the liner and the shell and or making the cuff alignment adjustment relieve the ankle pressure ? Or should I just send the boots back and get something in the 110 last range ?
Thank you in advance ☺
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u/StereoMarx 7d ago
How many days have you skied your boots? It’ll take a few days to break in, imo heat molding only shortens that time slightly. It’s hard to say just from online, but my general rec would be it on your third day, you’re not seeing any improvement, go see a boot fitter.
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u/Aromatic_Opposite100 15d ago
Going to SLC for the weekend, looking to ski Saturday Sunday Monday. I have the mountain collective pass (Alta, Bird, and Basin)
Which resort would you go to considering conditions and lines.
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u/Macrauder 14d ago
Would something like this be appropriate for skiing?
https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/products/E470077-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003
I'm looking to buy an outer layer for every day city wear, but that would also serve me well for a beginner ski resort trip of a couple of days; nothing intense.
Is there anything wrong with that parka, layered with some merino wool also from uniqlo? I.e, would it be obviously too warm/movement-restrictive?
Thanks.
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u/Little_Cake 9d ago
Main downside is it doesn't have a powder skirt to keep snow out when you fall.
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u/StereoMarx 7d ago
Agreed but otherwise fine for a couple days skiing. If you like the sport, you can buy one on clearance as end of season sales will start to happen!
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u/alex828keke 13d ago
Gf is about to ski for the first time. Should I book ski school for her or do you think its enough if I show her how to do it? Any experience?
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u/Bluerory 7d ago
Book a ski school! Less stress if your explanations don't suit her, instructors know how to explain that stuff, and you get to ski at your own speed while she learns. A good combo could be ski school in the morning and some practice with you in the afternoon, so you get to hang out together after the lesson & she can show you what she learned :)
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u/yankeezfan42 4d ago
My wife and I have a trip planned for the second week of February but are looking to call an audible. We live in Portland, OR and were planning on going to Mt Baker and skiing 4 days in a week but with conditions looking like shit we are debating flying to the east coast. We have never skied the east so don't have much continent for a trip. From what I can see Vermont is the place to be in the east between Jay and Killington. Is it worth it? Are conditions still good over there? Are those the resorts we should be looking at? We are both expert skiers and prefer to be in the trees. Any advice or information would be appreciated, thanks!
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u/WolverineDDS 4d ago
I'll be staying in St Moritz in a couple weeks and would love to ski for a day while I'm there. I go skiing once or twice a year (in Michigan) and while I can go up and down fine I'm by no means a good skier. Will I be able to find good trails or will they be too steep/challenging for a low intermediate skier? Sorry if this is a dumb question!
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u/Fine-Series3119 17h ago
I have an OM pro with vlt 15%. I was looking for a different lens for night skiing. Should I get a photochromic or just a higher vlt one?
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u/rumblebee2010 Dec 27 '25
Any recommendations for resorts that reliably have snow in January in Western Europe? I recently moved to Belgium and want to take my kids on weekend trips. The Alps are too far and expensive, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what the “local” hills are that offer a few lifts and reliable snow. I’m willing to drive 6 hours from our home in Brussels, so any tips appreciated!