Advice

SKIS

Ski Length – A Simple Visual Guide to Sizing

For a more specific guide to length, please refer to the chart below.

NB. This chart provides sizes appropriate for on-piste skiing. These lengths may effected by different styles of skiing as well as different ski types. To adapt your length accordingly, please take note of the details below.

• For Freeride skis add between 5 and 10cm in length. This will make for better flotation and stability, especially in powder.
• For Big Mountain skis add between 5 and 20cm.  How much length you add will depend on how much off-piste skiing you do. Again, this will improve flotation and stability. 
• For Freestyle skis subtract between 5 and 10cm in length.

SNOWBOARDS

Snowboard Length: A Simple Guide to Sizing
Different styles of snowboarding benefits from using different lengths. Find you style and then use the graph to find the corresponding length.

SERVICING

Servicing:

Providing you take care of your equipment and service them regularly, your skis will not only perform better, but they will last longer.

Bases and Waxing:

All skis and snowboards come ready for use with factory wax. This is enough for a few weeks of use. After this time, you should consider either a basic or full service. Keep the bases from drying out by giving them a storage wax at the end of the season. Apply a thick layer, let it dry and don’t scrape them. This will prevent the bases from drying out and will also prevent the edges from rusting.

Edges:

In summer, a layer of rust can build up on the edges of your board. To prevent the same thing from happening next summer, dry off your skis before you store them. Next winter, all you need to do is give them a good scraping and you’re ready to rock.

Products:

A full range of ‘Do It Yourself’ servicing products are available from the ‘Accessories’ section of our website. This will save you the expense of paying someone up to £30.00 for a service.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Passport:

Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your return date. Take a copy of your passport and keep it with you, just in case. You should also take copies of your itinerary and contact details of your next of kin.

Entry Requirements:

Find out about the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. You can obtain this information from their Embassy or High Commission. Make sure you have all of the necessary permits and visa prior to traveling.

Travel Insurance:

When taking out travel insurance, make sure it includes cover for dangerous sports and activities. It is important that you carefully check the details of what your policy covers to make sure you choose the right policy for your trip. Comprehensive cover is recommended and should cover medical costs, repatriation costs and cover for your equipment. Make sure you take a photocopy of your policy and keep it with you.

Laws and Customs:

Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs. It is advisable to monitor the news and check the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call on 0845 850 2829. This should be done prior to and during travel.

EHIC:

If you are traveling within Europe, take an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you. This will enable you to receive free or reduced cost emergency health care when you are abroad. For more details, or to apply online, visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or apply by phone on 0845 606 2030. This website also provides useful contacts and information on known diseases and other risks.