Gear

Invest in good quality equipment and it will last you a long time. You don't need new equipment every year to enjoy the sport. However, you do need good equipment that functions properly.

Bindings

Boots

Ski boots should hold your foot snugly and keep your heel in place. As in most boots, you don't want too much room for your toes, and you don't want your toes up against the front of the boot. Advanced ski boots are stiffer and less flexible, providing better transfer of energy and movement to the skis. Flexible boots might be more comfortable, but once you improve you'll want a more responsive boot. Buy ski boots that will take you to the next ski level.

In general, women have a harder time holding the right ski position, knees bent and weight forward over the front of the skis. Boots are designed to keep you in the correct position. If you find you're having a hard time holding the right position, there are wedges available. The wedges are placed inside your boot to slightly lift your heel, giving you better position.

Clothing

The ski slopes can be like a fashion show with styles changing every year. In the past, if you looked great on the slopes it was a sign you weren't a great skier. But that's not the case anymore. Everyone is in the fashion game now. Whatever fashion statement is being made, grunge to boutique, you can bet they paid big money for it.

Functionally, a shell jacket works the best, because it allows you to layer your clothing. It will take you from extreme cold to spring skiing and can be used for other sports. The jacket should be waterproof and breathable. A sign of top quality is when the seams are taped for added strength and real waterproof protection. On the other hand, there are plenty styling ski jackets and suits available. Less cross sport functionality, but you'll look great. It comes down to personal preference.

Gloves

The two choices with ski glove styles are mittens or gloves. Mittens will keep your fingers warmer, but they offer less movement. You can also get glove liners. Liners are thinner gloves that you wear under your ski gloves. Liners work quite well if you have problems with cold hands. Another option is hand warmer packets. For a couple of dollars you can buy little plastic envelopes that once opened produce heat for 3 or 4 hours. All ski shops carry them and you can get them for your feet as well as your hands. Gloves should be waterproof otherwise they'll absorb moisture. Incase your gloves get wet, an extra pair can be handy.

Goggles

Eye protection against UV rays is mandatory, and winter is the worst time with the added reflection off the snow and the direct sun light. There are days when sunglasses just aren't enough. Goggles also protect from the wind and snow. Look for anti-fogging goggles. They also have tinted lenses that give you better definition of the snow and bumps.

Bolle, Tel. 1-800-22-bolle
Web site: www.bolle.com

Briko, Tel. 1-800-go-briko

Oakley, Tel. 1-800-403-7449
Web site: www.oakley.com

Revo, Tel. 1-800-733-7386
Web site: www.revo.com

Smith, Tel. 1-800-654-6428
Web site: www.smithsport.com

Skis

Most ski manufacturers use similar materials and to a degree produce like products. Ski shapes very greatly. The ski shape you want depends on your level and style of skiing. Some of the characteristics to look for include length, flexibility, hourglass shape, and width. Longer skis provide more stability with greater speed. Greater flexibility in a ski is more forgiving, which also means they are less responsive. The new hourglass shape promotes easier turns. Wider skis are for powder skiing and keep the ski on top of the snow instead of getting buried. Most ski shops offer demo or new skis to rent. Try out as many styles as possible before you buy.