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Tricky. There are loads of options. One helpful thing
is actually last year's average season - there's still
a lot of last year's stock hanging around, and seeing
as overall most products havent changed much you should
be able to get some great bargains if you go and buy
now.
Go into stores - listen to the people there, and if
you find a place thats honest and gives you good advice
stick by it - good advice is definitely worth paying
for.
Now Chris and I disagree on this one, but I've found
that the best time to buy before the season is probably
at one of the shows in october / november - either the
London Ski Show in Olympia or Board-X. I surprise myself
by saying that, but at least you know they'll have everything
and everyone there and you can get some good advice,
and they usually have quite a lot of last years stock
hanging around, and you can generally get a good package
deal on new stuff for a bit of a discount if you know
what you're after. And you can play stores off against
each other. Always a good idea I think - Ive found some
great stuff there quite cheap. Chris on the other hand
reckons its not really the bargain dumpster you'd think
- so it just goes to show that its a bit up to luck
as well!
If you're out in resort, undoubtably the best time
to buy ski gear is in the spring of the season before.
By then you usually have a fair idea of whats coming
out next season from the demos going round, and everywhere
- especially in france - starts chopping 30% off their
stock to clear the store out. But that doesn't really
help if you've just found out you're heading out to
the mountains for the season and don't have any stuff.
All the gear in resort at the beginning of the season
is all full price. If you're a seasonaire they'll generally
give you a bit of a discount, but as a whole it's a
bad time to buy if you're in the mountains.
One option that most people forget is second hand.
You can get some fantastic bargains, especially in france
by buying second hand. Powder skis that rental stores
took on and no-one used. Cheap two-year old twins that
are great to buy if you're just looking for an extra
pair of skis to play in the park with. Discontinued
stock like Salomons fabulous Supermountain. Also places
like Chamonix have noticeboards (try the one in the
Cybar) of guys trying to get rid of all kinds of unusual
stuff.
But then again if you've got the moola theres nothing
like getting some brand spankin new gear and putting
it all on at home. In your room. So no-one else can
see you.
For on-line buyers try www.facewest.co.uk
(with heaps of bargains and backcountyr gear) or www.telemark-pyrenees.com.
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