I have been looking at gear, and I am planning on renting skis, and boots, but buying the other things like helmet and goggles. What gear exactly do I need to buy? And what should I rent?

Hi everyone – looking for your advice/experiences with ski lessons!

I'm a 24-year-old guy who has been skiing for a quite few years now (I probably have around 8-9 weeks of experience in total, mostly since turning 18). I can ski all colors of slopes without any issues (though not very gracefully on blacks), but I really feel like I've hit a plateau and just aren't improving anymore.

I've only had a very small amount of group ski lessons in the past where we did basic drills, so I often feel like my skiing is a bit rusty and stiff. I really want to achieve a better, smoother, and more refined technique, which is why I'm now considering investing in a couple of hours of private lessons on my next trip.

So my questions are:
Has anyone else here been in a similar situation, where you've skied for years without lessons and only later realized you needed a technique tune-up?

Is it actually possible to notice a significant improvement when you've already gotten used to a specific way of skiing?

Did you feel it was worth the money, or was it a waste of time?

I'd love to hear about your experiences!
Best regards

I’ll keep this short, I’m from salt lake it’s my brothers ski with a core shot I thought I could fix, I do all my own maintenance but this is bigger than anything I’ve ever taken on. The base is exposed, buddy told me to use some jb weld as ptex doesn’t stick to metal and that didn’t help the ptex at all. I was using a stick to drip it in, I’ve taken it to two shops that have said they can’t repair it. The ptex is just cracking and flaking out so I’m at my wits end and it just snowed so I’m in dire straits now.

Any tips on how to repair or a shop that would take this on, much obliged.

Hi everyone!

I'm hoping to hear from current or former ski resort employees, lift operators, and department managers about two things I've been curious about.

1. How do ski resorts choose which seasonal applicants to hire when there are far more qualified applicants than available positions?

I previously worked as a snow tubing attendant at a Wisconsin ski area in 2020 and have been interested in returning to the winter recreation industry.

I've attended walk-in hiring events for the past two seasons and interviewed for both snow tubing and lift operations, but unfortunately wasn't selected either year.

I have previous customer service experience, offered nearly completely open availability, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and was willing to undergo training.

One manager mentioned that the resort received over 250 applications, while the tubing department could only accommodate 30 total employees, including returning staff.

I'm genuinely curious how hiring managers make their final decisions when several applicants have very similar qualifications.

Do managers use a formal scoring or ranking system?

Do returning seasonal employees generally receive preference?

How do managers decide between several equally qualified candidates?

Are hiring decisions typically made by individual department managers or discussed collectively with senior management?

Do resorts ever maintain an on-call list of qualified applicants who weren't initially selected?

Are people who apply over multiple seasons ever given additional consideration?

I'm not looking to criticize any particular resort. I'd just like to understand how the process works and what makes one applicant stand out from another.

2. What is it actually like operating a ski lift, particularly from inside the control station?

I also recently interviewed for a lift operator position and became interested in learning more about how chairlifts are operated.

I've watched videos explaining the mechanical systems, but I haven't found many showing the operator's actual perspective from inside the lift station.

I'm especially interested in seeing what the control panels and monitoring equipment look like, what operators monitor throughout their shifts, and how they coordinate safe loading and unloading.

At the resort where I interviewed, the supervisors explained that many lift stations are staffed by just one operator, which surprised me because I've seen larger resorts where multiple employees assist with lift operations.

Does anyone know of any good YouTube videos, training documentaries, or behind-the-scenes footage showing the inside of a ski lift operator's booth and its normal operation?

I'm not looking to operate any machinery myself without training or authorization. I'd simply enjoy seeing an educational demonstration of what the job involves.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has worked in lift operations, snow tubing, resort management, or seasonal hiring.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

Hi everyone! I’m Tomi from Argentina.

I’m planning a ski trip to Europe for late November / early December 2026. I’ve never been to Europe before, so I don’t really know which resorts or areas would be the best options.

I’m traveling on a fairly tight budget, so I’d really appreciate recommendations for affordable places to ski, especially somewhere with a decent chance of having good snow that early in the season.

I’m also wondering about ski gear: would you recommend bringing my own equipment from Argentina (skis, poles and boots), or would it make more sense to rent everything once I’m there?

Any recommendations, experiences or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

My gf and I are heading to Banff next year, Sunshine, Louise, Norquay.

What are the best apres spots? Any mid mountain bars like in Europe or is it mostly in the town?

Looking for a roomate to go skiing in Italy with. Would be going with a larger group of people, but I need a roomate or else I have to pay extra $1k. Jan 16-25. Club Med Pragelato resort. Reach out to me at: +1-347-933-0323.

My friend and I want to do a ski trip to Colorado end of February early March, the amount of ski resorts in Colorado is very intimidating, I’d like to go to one that isn’t crazy crowded and has good glades and snow fall, wondering if anyone has any good recommendations.

Hi,

I’m relatively new to this sub, but just wanted to ask some advice for a first time solo ski trip. I’m UK based and like i say, will be a solo traveler for the first time.

Firstly, I’ve been a skier since the age of 4 and am keen to improve my overall technique, and am also looking into buying my own skis and boots.
In regard to skis and boots, I have heard about buying boots in the UK and buying skis out there (not renting).

Secondly, accommodation suggestions would be preferable, as I have previously always stayed in hotels, but this may be difficult due to bookings, so perhaps alternative lodging solutions would be more preferable.

Finally, if anyone has some rock solid suggestions for any of my previous statements please discuss below or send me a DM as i’d love to know as much as possible before going out to the slopes

Location would probably be France or Switzerland as i will potentially be heading to Switzerland in February to meet family.

Many thanks to all!

I recently came across this piece and have been digging into its history. It's a team-issued down puffer hat from what appears to be the golden era of Italian ski tailoring. Inside, it features the patent tailoring tags from Nicola Aristide, custom silk-screening with the Florentine lily emblem, and heavy-duty snap earflaps designed for extreme alpine conditions. I’ve done extensive research into the history behind the hat and based on the tags and how they correlate, what the tags say, the design and small structural details, and all other details I can confidently confirm it’s a 1970s Italian national ski team issued hat. One of the tags says Pool Sci Italia. Pool Sci Italia is the official consortium of technical suppliers founded to equip the Italian National Alpine Ski Team (FISI). Only brands under direct contract to supply gear to the national team are authorized to sew the Pool Sci Italia label into their garments.

I've spent hours searching archives and haven't been able to cross-reference another team-issued example from that era (or really at all) in this condition or similar to mine. For any vintage sportswear or textile historians here—how common was this level of bespoke national team contracting back in the 70s, and what would you value a piece like this at if positioned as a 50+ year old Italian ski collectible?

Could this potentially be a museum piece due to the era and the pristine condition mixed with the rarity? For example maybe places like The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame (Vail, Colorado) or The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum (Ishpeming, Michigan) would put something of this caliber in some type of display, on a manakin, etc?

As the El Niño is coming what were the best ski resorts that you have flown too and only used public transportation to get to/from the airport?

I'm looking for coats/jackets that are suitable for extremely cold temperatures (think -10 degrees celsius to -20) but also as budget friendly as possible, any recommendations would really be appreciated!

Hi all! I’m 29, and just learned how to ski last winter season at a smaller ski area in NM. I feel it’s worth mentioning that I worked at a ski shop, skied over 100 miles that season, and even participated in a ski clinic while there. I’m moving soon to San Diego and my goal is to get even a little bit of skiing in this season just so I don’t forget everything I learned and maybe brush up on some skills. I’m curious what mountains/resorts you all would suggest for my goals? And also what kind of passes in order to get the most bang for my buck. I’m thinking a week long trip overall to include drive time there and back. I also feel it’s worth noting that I have a camper van that I will be able to stay in while being away as to avoid the overpriced lodging fees.

I'm doing some research- a friend and I are doing a girls trip for MLK day weekend and we want to ski in either Tahoe or Keystone (both on epic multi-day pass). Both of us would have to fly in (me midwest, she would be west coast). both of us our beginner/intermediate skiers and don't mind longer runs. I like the appeal of Tahoe for apres ski and meeting other young people, but worry keystone maybe more family oriented with not as much to do. Does anyone have any recommendations on either place or can provide insight? I know both places offer extensive public transportation. I am open to info on transportation, as well as lodging, food and overall vibes of both places. thanks for your help!

ONLY for FRIENDS to go HIGH

I am buying a new helmet, any tips?

I like a black helmer with good circulation and air vents. It need to have mips and removable earpads. I ride piste but a lot of freeride and touring as well.

My budget is max around 180 € but if i can have cheaper thens thats good.

I’ve looked at brands like sweet, giro and oakley but open to almost any good brands.

Thanks for all input :))

Bonjour à tous!!

J’ai beaucoup de questions sur la progression en ski : j’ai 28 ans et je suis allée skier une semaine pour la première fois l’hiver dernier.

Et j’ai ADORÉ ça!! Ça me motive énormément à revenir skier et à progresser encore.

J’avais pris des cours collectifs pour débutant tous les matins, ce qui m’a beaucoup aidé. J’avais l’impression de progresser chaque jour et en fin de semaine, j’ai réussi à faire 2-3 pistes bleues.
Je sais qu’il me faudra du temps pour progresser : je tombe encore régulièrement, je ne sais pas faire de dérapage, et je skie encore sans bâtons, mais j’ai déjà appris beaucoup.

Le problème, c’est que mon conjoint tous mes amis font du ski depuis l’enfance et sont globalement très doués. Ils ont passé un peu de temps avec moi (surtout mon conjoint, il a passé presque tous ses après midi à m’encourager sur les pistes vertes), mais c’était impossible pour moi de les suivre sur les pistes bleues ou rouges.

Ma question est donc : quand puis-je espérer les suivre sans trop de problème? J’ai peur de « tout oublier » d’ici (sûrement cet hiver ou le suivant) à ce que je remonte sur des skis et que le processus d’apprentissage soit super long.

Et aussi, combien/quels types de cours je devrais suivre pour la prochaine fois ? Aller skier avec un moniteur tous les matins c’était top, mais c’était pas toujours évident de rejoindre mes amis en milieu de journée… je me demande si c’est vraiment utile de suivre des cours tous les jours, s’il ne vaut pas mieux quelques heures de cours particulier dispersés sur la semaine.
Bref, je suis partagée entre l’envie de progresser, l’envie de passer du temps avec mes proches, est-ce que vous avez déjà vécu ça ?

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Hey I am 21 years old and i am going to learn snow sports can someone tell me which one should I learn ski or snow boarding

Hi guys, I'm making a ski mask for school and I'd really appreciate it if you guys could fill it out a survey. Thanks!