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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 16, 2014 - 11:15am PT
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Hey folks, I'm a skiing n00b. I went on lifts two times about 20 years ago, then a year or so ago I went 3 or 4 days in a row. I went back-country skiing once with my wife- skins on the skiis up something easy, then skins off to go down- Maggies Peak near Tahoe or something like that. My kids are really into downhill skiing/snowboarding- they've had week-long ski vacations with mom a few times, taken lessons, and they managed to make it down a black diamond (accidentally) without falling as their first run of the year this year.
So I'm looking at season tix for Badger Pass rather than 3-4 days of tix at June Lake. Are the kids going to get bored quickly at Badger Pass? My daughter still prefers easy runs even if she survived an accidental encounter with the black. My son might be more aggressive and into terrain park stuff for snow boarding. But I pretty much suck and will be satisfied for at least a season in easy-ville.
Back to my main point- seems like a good time for me to consider buying gear for myself to save future rental costs. The kids are still growing like weeds so it's harder to justify buying stuff for them.
Is REI or AnyMountain a good place to buy stuff if I'm a ski idiot and don't have advanced performance requirements? I don't see pushing myself to daredevil ski exploits or advanced technical runs. I do see myself doing winter ski approaches to climbing stuff, and would like to share equip between that and downhill skiing to the extent possible or reasonable.
Thanks!
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this just in
climber
Justin Ross from North Fork
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Dec 16, 2014 - 11:24am PT
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I learned at Badger through my school. The cool thing is there was never a crowd, but if your kids are advancing fast they will get bored with that place quickly. Might look at China Peak (used to be Sierra Summit and before that was China Peak) above Shaver Lake, I think their passes are good for a few resorts now.
As far as buying gear, go with craigslist for your kids stuff, cause like you said they will just grow out of it so soon and probably save over renting costs this way. You could find some newer stuff for yourself cause whatever you buy will last you a long time.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 16, 2014 - 11:33am PT
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Thanks for the heads up on Badger Pass and kids getting bored. Probably better to go to a place where my son can shred the gnar and tell me all about it after my daughter and I cruise down the milder stuff.
For my equip: assuming I'm not looking for world-class performance, is it a commodity type purchase to optimize for price and boot comfort? (For reference, I like to wear socks with my climbing shoes to be more comfortable)
Are there specific ski or boot or binding parts that break easily where it's better to spend more money?
Do I really need to rent for a handful more times paying attention to specific details to understand my preferences for a purchase? Or is it just a matter of getting something that fits reasonably well and saving $100-150 on rentals next week?
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Dec 16, 2014 - 11:35am PT
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I am a tightwad, but for my son I rent, lot less hassle not having to lug his gear and mine too, and they grow out of boots every year. Down side is you gotta get to the mountain before the rental shop gets crowded. Now that he is almost twelve I might buy some skis for him. Craigslist and thrift stores have piles of gear dirt cheap.
Mammoth had a Mammoth/June/Bear Mt/Snow Summit season pass for 800 bucks if you bought early, hell of a deal for anyone in So. Cal.
You might want to demo some trad skis and parabolics. Parabolics seem to rule the mountain, I prefer trad. Modern gear is pretty tough, I broke a binding once and shattered a very old boot when I jumped off a curb in a parking lot. But generally the modern gear is pretty durable.
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John M
climber
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Dec 16, 2014 - 11:39am PT
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I presume that you live near the park? Otherwise season tickets at badger don't make a lot of sense. Unless you get the really cheap preseason price. And even then, unless you have a cheap place to stay, its probably isn't a good idea.
Yes to buying gear for yourself. REI.. not so much unless you find a sale and have someone who can help guide you. . Find someone who knows gear and get them to help you buy used skis. Buy new boots. Fit is important. Though not so much for beginners. But still, you will be in them all day, so its important that they at least don't hurt your feet.
My 2 cents for you..Buy
Used skis
New boots.. unless you know how to fit them. Then it is possible to buy used.
Cheap ass poles because you will bend and break them
A couple of pairs of cheap waterproof gloves that you can change out when one pair gets wet.
Don't forget the eye wear. UV protection is a must.
The kids will get bored at badger. But more days at badger for a year is better then just a few days at a ripping place, in my opinion. At least for beginners/ intermediates. also.. if they are really hooked on skiing, then get them some lessons. Bad habits can be hard to break.
Is this a Christmas present for the kids? If not, then why not ask them which they would prefer?
The cool thing about season tickets and owning your own gear is that then you don't mind heading up for just a few hours, on those days when time is limited.
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Gorgeous George
Trad climber
Los Angeles, California
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Dec 16, 2014 - 11:49am PT
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Nut, what size boots do you wear? I'm in San Gabriel and have several pairs that I don't wear anymore. I'm the opposite of you, I'm a ski fiend, and have old skis laying around cluttering up my garage that skiid well before parabolics came into fashion.
I still rent for my kids because they are growing, but I bought 20 years ago and buy new sh#t every five years or so (I'm overdue).
Downhill skis won't work for winter approaches. I want to buy an outfit that's better for travel than locking the heal down and doing steep gullies, but haven't found what I want in that capacity either.
PM me off line and I'll hook you up. My boots are probably size 10-10.5.
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Splater
climber
Grey Matter
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Dec 16, 2014 - 12:24pm PT
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There is a whole new generation of robust AT gear now coming out that can work at a resort and backcountry.
You should not buy it at this point. Too new, too expensive, too many unknowns for what you want.
Since it's next week - it be easiest if you just rent at the mountain. Then they can fix any problems, or trade out the boot size.
Once that new robust AT gear is a bit more sorted out, I probably won't buy any more pure downhill gear, esp since my knees & back can't take too much aggressive resort skiing.
If you're not an aggressive skier, you would do ok with recent AT boots and a used ski + compatible AT binding. But that won't be nearly as cheap as used downhill gear. In the off season, (not now) stores like Mammoth Mtng sometimes have their previous rental skis with Dynafit bindings on rental baseplate for about $400.
One other thing about cheap gear. Do NOT buy old skinny 1980- early 90s type skis, often found on junk sales. They suck - are much harder to turn, less fun, sink in soft, are mounted with obsolete bindings that won't match modern DIN boots. They should all be turned into fence posts and benches.
You might consider some of the boots that have soles that can switch between downhill DIN and lugged. Some of them may not strong enough and the removable parts can fail.
There's also the really light (& expensive) AT gear, mainly for rando racing; some of the boots can be used on ice, but not ideal.
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nah000
climber
no/w/here
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Dec 16, 2014 - 01:45pm PT
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i'm with DMT...
ski gear has become so specialized that until you know what you want to spend the bulk of your time doing, you should just buy used...
ultimately, if you spend enough time in the game, you're going to want a quiver anyways...
haha.
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Tork
climber
Yosemite
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Dec 16, 2014 - 01:50pm PT
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If you're on the Eastside hit up the thrift stores in Mammoth. If that doesn't pan out go to the gear exchange in Bishop.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
in the oil patch...Fricken Bakken, that's where
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Dec 16, 2014 - 01:52pm PT
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Pawn shops rule for good cheap ski gear....here in Idaho, anyway.
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crankster
Trad climber
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Dec 16, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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You live where?
Sounds like an AT setup is what you need. Here in Truckee, Dynafit bindings rule, along with a good AT boot that accepts Dynafit (they almost all do nowadays, but not so all used boots). Most folks are skiing a ski around 100mm in the waist and up. Downside..this stuff is pricey.
This setup would work at the resort and also allow you to backcountry ski, with skins, of course. The boot is the critical link. I'd suggest new boots and find a deal on a used ski. I've seen a lot of ski days ruined by ill-fitting boots.
A plan B would be to get some used downhill gear to make sure you're really going to get into it. Unfortunately, the ski swaps were in the fall. I also prefer a specialty ski shop over REI and Any Mountain.
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steve shea
climber
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Dec 16, 2014 - 02:15pm PT
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I would not buy yet. Try to find a ski shop that will do a season long lease. There are many. The lease should include skis boots and poles with the binding safely adjusted to you according to DIN standards. Start with something on the short side. Med/soft flex but stiff torsion. The ski will hook up easy and hold an edge. Most recreational skiers are on skis way too soft torsionally and the skis will not hold well on harder snow.
See if the lease program will grow with you allowing a switch to longer skis as you gain confidence. Some programs even have a maintenance add on for extra bucks. This will allow you to hit all the rocks you want and still return the skis for tune ups. Most recreational skiers do not tune or wax. It cannot be overstated how much a well honed and waxed ski adds to your on snow experience!!! Skiing is really pretty simple. You want the ski, tip, to engage at the top of the turn, hold across the fall line and into the belly of the turn, then release easily allowing for the start of the next turn. Tuning can make all the difference. Any good ski shop should be able to accommodate you if they really want the business and are experienced pros in ski industry.
A similar lease here in JH is less than 200USD for the season. These are not high end demos but good modern rental gear. If the gear looks older than three years do not do it. Ask. Also take a couple of lessons from a certified instructor just to get you off of the level you are on and they will give you things to work on. This way you do not plateau like so many who just go out and flop around. You will improve fast if you are diligent about it, above all have fun.
The switch to side or backcountry will be easy and a lot more fun if you learn the fundamentals with lift serviced skiing. Repetition!! Then when you get in funky snow you can encounter off piste you'll be prepared. Hell I could have learned to surf if there was a tow back out through the line up. Repetition.
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steve shea
climber
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Dec 16, 2014 - 02:25pm PT
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If you can afford it, who cares? The fun of skiing with your kids is priceless and not matched, IMHO, by much except climbing with them. Go for it! We were all NOOBs once.
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goatboy smellz
climber
लघिमा
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Dec 16, 2014 - 03:39pm PT
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Ski boots are like climbing shoes, everyone has a favorite, it's best to rent several styles before committing to buying. Same goes for ski length, I can ride anything between 180 to 198 depending on ski profile and snow conditions.
Listen to Steve, find a lease program from a local retailer and figure out what ski boot best suits your style and foot type along with ski length and binding.
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zBrown
Ice climber
Brujò de la Playa
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Dec 16, 2014 - 04:17pm PT
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Go out to intersection rock and browse through the cars?
OK - don 't buy new. There are lots of places to get used. I bought alot of new stuff which cost so much I could never throw it away. No, it's not for sale, I could never get a high enough price.
See what it can do to you.
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StefanS
Trad climber
Leavenworth WA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 04:53pm PT
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My kids love downhill skiing, it our family thing to do. We get our gear thru a combination of hand-me-downs, horse trading and ski swaps. If you can plan ahead getting stuff in the off season is a way to go. Renting for the season is good, it saves time when you get to the hill, and then it goes away during the summmer.
We try and commit to buying early bird season passes also. It totally demoralizing for me to buy a lift ticket at the start of the day, especially when you have to get four or five. Some areas have recip deals with other areas so you can check out other hills for less. Depending on how old your kids are I would worry about them getting bored, kids are able to be creative if needed. If there is a terrain park, no problem.
Some of my favorite days in the mountains have been skiing with my family. Whats not to like about ripping 30 Mph down the hill.
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zBrown
Ice climber
Brujò de la Playa
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Dec 16, 2014 - 05:40pm PT
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^There are a couple names that appear on the ST from time to time (one who occasionally posts and another who can't) that might say that the only thing not to like is that it is not fast enough.
I'm sure there a couple or few more who could credibly agree, though I'm not one of them.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 06:51pm PT
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I agree with Chim-Chim. Personally I would never buy or recommend buying used boots, as they will fit someone else's feet and NOT yours. Boots are a critical piece of equipment, no matter your ski ability. If your boots are moving around inside of your boots, they are not controlling your skis. And if you have pressure points on your feet, you will probably not have fun. I'd invest money on good boots, and buy them at a place that employs good boot fitters. I drive all the way to Tahoe to get ski boots fitted as I have not found a decent ski boot fitter in the SF Bay Area.
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rlf
Trad climber
Josh, CA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 07:02pm PT
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Skiing is easy.
First, buy the cheapest crap you can find. Then do what I do, strap on the two sicks of death and go downhill wildly out of control screaming "GET THE F*#K OUT OF MY WAY" and hope your bodies bone count doesn't triple by the time you reach the bottom.
Now that's not complicated!
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Dec 16, 2014 - 07:37pm PT
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Boot fitting is a huge key to happy skiing and quick progression in your skill level. Used is ok if you know what you are looking for have a good selection know how to fit or have a real experienced boot fitter helping you out.
ei..I'm not sure how someone in your position can really find a proper pair of used boots. Luck maybe
Steve Shea gave some beautiful advice. It is possible to get a decent pair of season lease boots at some shops. I worked at a shop that prided itself in its season leases and if someone asked we would go the distance in getting them into a good fitting season lease pair of boots even doing some custom work.
If you are going to be doing this for several seasons spring for a pair of good custom footbeds also.
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Urmas
Social climber
Sierra Eastside
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Dec 16, 2014 - 07:49pm PT
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Nut Again, you mentioned the possibility of skiing June Mountain instead of Badger. June is ten times the mountain Badger is. Might not be more expensive either - kids under 12 ski free. Season passes are reasonable too. The Gear Exchange in Bishop has good deals on used ski gear. Buy new boots however.
Happy skiing!
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jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 07:55pm PT
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When I was living in SoCal and getting in to skiing, I found it very worthwhile to make a trip down to Norpine in San Diego County. The guy there set me up with a really good AT setup (used skis and bindings, new boots because he felt none of the used boots in stock was the right fit and refused to sell me something that didn't fit). It took me some time on the slopes to realize how right he was about the boots. More recently, I got a nice AT setup at the Gear Exchange in Tahoe for 1/3 of what my wife spent for new gear (hers was, admittedly, much nicer, but mine has served me well).
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 08:23pm PT
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1. Used AT gear. (Alpine Touring)
Fine for comfortable skiing at the hill and hiking is free-ish.
Think short, light and kinda wide (not fat). Soft and turny.
Now, skiing is bliss, and you need an e-ticket.
Your hands are like on the steering wheel. (Keep 'em forward, don't 'open the door')
Sit your seat down. (Bend legs)
Your knees are the headlights.
At its most refined, skiing is done with relaxed feet. Stand barefoot and assume the position. Turn the headlights(knees) in gentle infinity signs. Point the headlights at the pinky toes (outside edge) then front and back along imaginary edges. Feel it. Dig it.
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Daphne
Trad climber
Northern California
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Dec 16, 2014 - 08:43pm PT
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You can get a great pair of skis that will work perfectly for your beginner needs on ebay. Keep them waxed (a quick hot wax is only good for a weekend) and keep the edges sharp.
For the boots, go to a good boot fitter. When I went in, they wanted to put me in a larger shell, and at the time, that seemed like the way to go. But I found that I was used to a tighter fit because of my years in climbing shoes. So the larger size/shell ended up not working out at all for me and I had to go down 1.5 in size. I don't know if you climb in tighter shoes, but I offer my experience to help you make your decisions.
But buy a really inexpensive pair to begin with, knowing that if this really catches on with you, you will want a higher end boot relatively quickly, if you ski more than a few weekends a year.
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 08:59pm PT
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Take Steve Shea's advice, best on the board...
... try before ya buy, but keep a season's consistency underfoot.
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 09:43pm PT
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Brennan also speaks truth, if yer feet aren't happy, skiing sucks.
And he is no wimp, as I witnessed several years ago!
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Dec 16, 2014 - 10:42pm PT
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Chim-Chim, I buy my boots at Mammoth Mountaineering, and get them fitted by Cosmo in Truckee, who does custom footbeds and has lots of boot stretching equipment.
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John Duffield
Mountain climber
New York
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Dec 17, 2014 - 08:00am PT
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There are ski shops locally, that rent out kids stuff for the season at $139. Renting stuff by the day, often eats up time better spent elsewhere.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Dec 17, 2014 - 09:43am PT
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First, buy the cheapest crap you can find. Then do what I do, strap on the two sicks of death and go downhill wildly out of control screaming "GET THE F*#K OUT OF MY WAY" and hope your bodies bone count doesn't triple by the time you reach the bottom.
Too funny. That is how I learned.
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christoph benells
Trad climber
Tahoma, Ca
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Dec 17, 2014 - 09:49am PT
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i can help you find everything you need.
Email me a tahoemobileskirental@gmail.com
or http://www.tahoemobileskirentals.com
If you come up to lake tahoe, I have lots of extra gear at good prices.
I can get you in a package (skis, boots, poles) for $180. I do season rentals for $140.
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StefanS
Trad climber
Leavenworth WA
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Dec 17, 2014 - 09:52am PT
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Hey Nut
I forgot to mention. When you are getting your kids suited up, I would check out the local clothing thrift stores. We have found some unbelievable deals, its hit or miss though.
A healthy dose of self preservation is good for skiing.
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Alpamayo
Trad climber
Davis, CA
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Dec 17, 2014 - 11:25am PT
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i can help you find everything you need.
Email me a tahoemobileskirental@gmail.com
or http://www.tahoemobileskirentals.com
If you come up to lake tahoe, I have lots of extra gear at good prices.
I can get you in a package (skis, boots, poles) for $180. I do season rentals for $140.
Do you do AT setups?
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Dec 17, 2014 - 11:36am PT
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Some of the best skiers I've skied with and even some Olympic skiers learned their craft at small local hills. If you son is into parks look for an ok to good one. Some people would be happy with a half pipe on a tiny hill for therest of their lives
Add: as long as there is a terrain park I would be happy at a small hill for years. People typically get bored when they are not pushing themselves and you can find challenges at most areas. Sure big long runs down a steep mountain are great but as mentioned I'd rather get many days at a small resort than one at a big resort. I remember people saying they took up snowboarding because they got bored skiing. But they never left the groomed slopes, so that was their fault not skiings. I snowboard too and love it almost as much as skiing but I learned it to have fun with people that skied slower than me or to have fun on small hills. For your son it could be the same, learn to ski as well as snowboard so he could do approaches with you later.
If you get 8 or more days a season pass usually is the way to go. Make it affirdable and convenient, You can always pay for a day(s) at a big mountain for a ski vacation too. The better you get the more fun it is and the more terrain and conditions you can enjoy.
Skiing is like climbing, many disciplines. Alpine slalom, gs, superG, downhill racing, bumps, aerials, powder, backcountry touring or steep downhills, halfpipe, rails, etc. I say start on a local affordable hil and put in a few seasons getting your chops down having your turns dialed will help with most disciplines. Then you'll learn what you like and get gear for that.
I'd say find a season lease for gear. It sucks wasting time every ski day getting rentals. Or check out gear exchange places or craiglist.
I've always had good luck with off the shelf boots, it all depends on your foot shape. Try on as many as yu can find, some might fit great but if you have a weird foot be prepared to spend lots of money and find a good fitter. They should feel like a medium grip hand shake gently holding your foot and most importantly no pain in the store because it will be ten times worse on the hill after beating on them all day. Wear them for about 1/2 hour if you are going to buy to make sure they are good. Bots will shape to your foot so as mentioned only buy used if pretty new and the chance of finding the boot that fits in your size is tough even at shops with lots of boots.
You can usually buy boots and rent skis because their insurance covers their bindings, but you usually can't rent boots for your skis without paying the lots of money to adjust and test you bindings. If you buy used gear you should check if the way the binding are mounted will fit your boots. They usually have a limited adjustment range. If they need to be remounted plan on about $50 for alpine more for AT. Someone who knows what they are doing can show you how to adjust bindings to fit a little bigger or smaller boot and to set the release tension. I can mount and remount skis at home but I used to be a ski tech
An exercise I did years ago was to ski thru a course with my boots completely unbuckled. It teaches you that if you are correctly balanced you stay flat on your feet. And don't need boots cranked down tight to ski well.
I'd say use alpine gear for a season or two and get your turns down then decide what backcountry gear you'd want. Probably AT.
Good advice above on technique ill add if your hands drop ut of you peripheral vision they are too low, think a tight rope walker holding a pole. Probably the biggest key to good skiing. And yes bend your knees but in doing so you should be pressing your shins against the tongues of your boots or you'll end up too far back, like 90% of all skiers, and your legs will burn out and it will be hard to turn.
Take lessons. You'll improve more in 1 day than 5 of trying to pick it up on your won. Even the best skiers in the world continue to learn thru coaches. Take a lesson then take a few days to practice what you learned then repeat.
Also the best time to ski in CA is usually January to April. Everyone wants to ski at Christmas but usually there's not much base, snow cover, and its crowded. In late winter the snow is the best. In the spring the weather is great and most people move on to other sports but there's still plenty of snow and less people. CA conditions are what I call feast or famine. We often get tons of snow at once then weeks with nothing. So if you can be flexible and go soon after it snows its best. Compared to places like CO where they get snow more often but smaller amounts and its colder so the snow holds up better longer.
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John M
climber
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Dec 17, 2014 - 11:55am PT
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Nutagain
Also.. if you live near Yosemite, then the Yosemite Winter club can be a good deal.
http://www.yosemitewinterclub.com
Family membership
Free admission to the Membership Dinner at Yosemite Lodge, Nov. 14 2014
Free admission to the Ancient Jocks Race (fun giant-slalom race for members who are 30 or older!)
Membership privileges for each member of your family.
Insurance coverage for Winter Club Programs and events (ice-skating, ski team, hockey, and cross-country ski club)
Option to participate in fun winter events such as the YWC Snowball (formal dinner/dance), cross- country ski group-trips to Ostrander Ski Hut, Glacier Point Ski Hut, or the famous trans-Sierra.
Price:
Family of Four Benefit Package Membership $75
I believe it also comes with the same benefits as the youth or adult memberships, which is one free lift ticket for each person, plus 1/2 off rentals and all future lift tickets.
….
ADULT MEMBERSHIP $25
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Joining the Yosemite Winter Club is a great idea for many reasons. You will not only support winter sports in Yosemite, but you will also receive the following membership benefits:
Free admission to the Pray for Snow Party and Gear Swap which includes a delicious burrito bar dinner, a chance to win one of 30 transferable lift ticket to Badger Pass, a chance to win a pair of skis (valued at $400!), Warren Miller ski films to inspire you for the season, and of course, the company of fellow winter sports enthusiasts like you!
1 free lift ticket
Unlimited 50% off Badger Pass lift tickets, rentals (including XC), and group lessons (does NOT include private lessons) -- NO BLACKOUT DATES!! HOORAY!
Unlimited Curry Village Ice Rink Tickets and 50% off rentals
Badger Pass Season Pass for $129 adults and $99 children 13-17, $69 children under 12
Participate with the Downhill or Freestyle Ski Teams, Hockey Team, or Ice Skating program
Participate in winter adventures such as cross-country ski group-trips to Ostrander Ski Hut, Glacier Point Ski Hut, or the famous trans-Sierra.
Special invites and reduced prices for some serious snowy socials: Pray for Snow Party, Snow Ball, Ancient Jocks Race, Foresta Fall Hill Climb, and many more.
Free admission to the Ancient Jocks Race (fun giant-slalom race for members who are 30 or older!
Ability to support youth scholarships - including sponsoring school ski days, ski camps, and awards for art that supports the spirit of Yosemite in winter!
Insurance coverage for all Winter Club Programs (ice-skating, ski team, hockey, and cross-country ski club)
And our favorite - you're helping to keep the rich history of the YWC alive...since 1928!
….
If you meet people there, then you can find the parents and they often have equipment they would sell.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 17, 2014 - 12:53pm PT
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Thanks for all the advice folks, and kind offer Gorgeous. The boots did not fit, but I'm glad I came and look forward to future adventures with you!
Thanks to Nita's posting, I bought season tix for Badger Pass... which also includes FREE lodging at unheated tent cabins in Curry Village!!! That sealed the deal for me. I was prepared for bandit camping near whatever lift area I picked, but unsure of logistics with a Toyota Prius and side-roads that may not get plowed. Not I can kick back and enjoy the views with the kids while we shuttle on up.
Anyone know a good place in SF Bay area or LA for season rentals of AT gear? I've been on the phone with Sports Basement in Sunnyvale, season rental of AT gear for $300. I'd also consider anywhere on the path from SF Bay to Yosemite.
They also have a program for "demo" rental for a period of time, and then can apply that to purchase. I'm assuming the purchase options are pretty inflated so you don't actually save much if anything, but it might turn out to be a viable option.
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KabalaArch
Trad climber
Starlite, California
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Dec 17, 2014 - 03:57pm PT
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If you're on the Eastside hit up the thrift stores in Mammoth. If that doesn't pan out go to the gear exchange in Bishop.
This.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 24, 2014 - 12:47am PT
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I was very short on time and needed gear by the weekend, or facing on-site rental for 3-4 days. I rented AT gear for the season from Sports Basement. Works like a charm for regular alpine.
Ho man, I've been trying to mold the kids into climbers, but I think they turned me into a skier instead. Winter climbing is in jeopardy for me. Man, I feel like a little kid carving it up with the kids on intermediate runs, did my first blacks (but ego-booster ones at Badger Pass) and felt in control (read going slow) in pretty icy conditions. I can't wait to try it when there is good snow!
It's has the element of carving and skidding like surfing or boogie boarding, but you have this huge pallette to work with, freedom to roam all over. I love it. I passed from survival to really enjoying myself, and look forward to a new major hobby. And even better, the kids and I are at the same level so I can honestly enjoy what we're doing in addition to enjoying it because it's an activity with them.
Anyone looking for a partner for easy/moderate backcountry stuff near SoCal or southern Sierra, hit me up! My best availability is 2nd and 4th weekends of each month.
Wifey will be busy with grant deadlines and paper resubmission, so I should have some legit free time available in the next few months.
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Todd Eastman
climber
Bellingham, WA
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Dec 24, 2014 - 07:54am PT
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Welcome to the white room!
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rincon
Trad climber
Coarsegold
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Dec 24, 2014 - 08:28am PT
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Nutagain, you should check out Winston Peak next time the San Gabriels get some snow. It's got exactly what you're looking for in easy to moderate terrain and it's super close to Pasadena. Just head up ACH and park at Cloudburst summit. It's south facing so the snow doesn't last long, but it's good for a few days after a storm, or when it corns up, if there's enough snow. I wish I was skinning up there right now! There's some other really good spots up there when the snows good. Kratka Ridge is the most north facing, and has the most reliable snow conditions in the San Gabs.
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