My kids are enjoying their adventure into skiing so I want to join them on the slopes. I have a pair of K2 skis that I bought about 34 years ago. They are a bit taller than me because I was an advanced skier back then. I am 51 now. Should I get a new pair of shorter, modern technology skis? How have skis changed in the last few decades? Any recommendations on what to get?

I would rent a pair and throw yours away. New parabolic ski's will put yours to shame. remember to stretch first lol

It is hard to imagine that your skis aren't badly out of date.

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
I would rent a pair and throw yours away. New parabolic ski's will put yours to shame. remember to stretch first lol

This. Technology has come a very long way in 34 years. Rent a set, if you still like it, buy a new set that fit you.

quote:

Originally posted by Suppressed:
My kids are enjoying their adventure into skiing so I want to join them on the slopes. I have a pair of K2 skis that I bought about 34 years ago. They are a bit taller than me because I was an advanced skier back then. I am 51 now. Should I get a new pair of shorter, modern technology skis? How have skis changed in the last few decades? Any recommendations on what to get?

Skis have changed tremendously in the last 34 years. You will enjoy skiing so much more in modern skis.

Also, bindings have improved dramatically, especially in safety.

Demo some different modern skis and bindings, and you will never want to touch the old skis again.

That's the same advice you would get from the guy who taught me to ski, is currently in his 80s, skis about 25-30 days a year still, and has been skiing since he was in his early 20s. His son in law had learned to ski on old "straight" skis years ago, but switched to snow boarding about 30 years ago. One day on modern skis about 10 years ago convinced the son in-law to switch back to skiing.

Trust me on this, you will love modern skis, both for improved performance, and improved safety.

Also, get a helmet if you don't have one. It can save your life. I know they weren't in use 3 decades ago, but it's the smart move.

Good luck and have fun.

Boots! I forgot to mention boots. Those too have gotten MUCH better over the years. I hate rental footwear, so just buy a good pair.

Also, get some of these:
Sports Accessories Dry N' Warm Footwear Dryer and Pre-warmer in Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005..._apa_i_1k2uCb88S7874

The best ski gadget you can have for multi day trips. They will ensure your boots are completely dry at the start of each day, and are very portable, unlike some of the other dryers.

Many ski areas would not let you use 34 year old bindings on their slopes. 10 years ago, I showed up with my old Fischer RC4s with Salomon 555 bindings. They said "nope, we can rent you something that passes our liability test"

New skis turn easier, and will be a lot shorter. 40 years ago, I was on 203 - 207 cm GS skis. Now, I'm on 183s (Volkl RTM 86 - an all mountain ski), and they are considered long. But I'm 6'8", so need some stability. New skis will be lighter. With the new shape, boots don't need to be as stiff either. Changing over, I don't feel a difference in what I do, which is carving turns on the steeps. No more bump runs for me, I'm 55 and don't want that anymore. But the all mountain skis are wider than race skis, so more versatile for day to day, particularly for those of us with only one pair of skis.

I'm with the others - go demo some "high performance" skis, not the daily rentals. read up on different "flavors" -
https://www.onthesnow.com/gear...-mountain-front-skis

I expect you'll be skiing the east - if so, then a "frontside all mountain" ski is likely right. Which means, carves well on groomed snow. If you are heading west, just demo powder skis out there.

Don't buy 2019 models - you won't tell the difference. Get a new pair of close out 2018 model year skis for ~50 - 65% off list price.

I'd be more concerned about your knees being 34 years older. I say this while nursing a severely pulled muscle myself and running on a cortisone shot. Lower performance options may be a good thing.

Whoa....34 yr skis. Yup, things have changed, quite a bit.

Besides the obvious advances in technology, materials and construction, there isn't any MUST HAVE other than updating everything. Boots are a good place to start since they're the most important, if you plan on continuing to ski, get yourself fitted for a new pair. Each brand is going to fit differently, bring the socks you plan on wearing and prepare to spend 1-2 hrs/$3-500 getting fitted for a new pair. Rental skis will run the gamut of basic beaters to nice, better performance demo models. If you're at least above a novice-level, get a demo set to try. After trying several different kinds, you should have an idea of what set-up you prefer. It took me two seasons worth of trying different model before settling on what I wanted. Sales either beginning of season (Sept/Oct) or, end of season (Feb-Mar-Apl) is when you'll find the best offers.

Easiest start is go into a couple of shops, seek out the most experienced person (isn't always the old timer) and let them know you're looking to update your kit.

Just last year I gave up a pair of 35 year old Olin Mark IVs. I absolutely loved them and I don ski that much better on new technology. I can do a couple bump runs (if it's early enough in the day) and then I cruise the rest of the day. The old legs can't do moguls all day long. Cruising doesn't really require new technology. The good thing about new skis is the bindings. I've never come close to twisting anything so far this year.

You should stop skiing before you twist a knee or break your leg.

Get the “Ski Tracks” app for your phone.

Shows you the total vertical feet, horizontal distance, steepest slope, fastest speed, and can export the day to Google Earth.

Not sure exactly how accurate, but my peak velocity this year so far is 66.4 mph on a 19 degree slope.

I could rent you my Head 360's. ;-)

I loved my K2 MSLs back in the day, but the new ones are much better, and less fatiguing to ski on.

34 years ago-advanced skiing- that should have been Fisher C4’s.
New equipment and don’t set the binding at expert level.
Lateral meniscus tear skiing like a 20 year old.
But the new parabolic skis allowed me to ski like a 20 year old.

I take my K2 710FOs in 204 cm out about once a season. It sure generates some second looks in the liftlines. No way would I go back to them as a main ski (though they might be the best ski on ice ever made).

Parabolic is the way to go.

Some resorts carry demo skis in the rental shop and, depending on the shop, one can pay a single fee and be able to try several different pairs.

Silent

You could try them out along with the same vintage boots. If you get people pointing at you and covering their mouths with giggling sounds filtering through their gloves, then that could indicate you should go shopping or rent.

I had a set of golf clubs that were stored in my garage from my high school days hadn’t golfed since my back injury ‘98 I thought my son might want them since he was a golfer.....he laughed at me when he saw them. Ok so the woods are really made of wood what’s the big deal? Size so the heads are 4” from heel to toe and 2” high what’s the big deal. No respect from these young whipper snappers now days!

Thanks for the replies! I’m going to look for some end of season deals. I tried some rentals but I have very wide feet and the rental boots were painful. I am planning a trip to Idaho, Utah, and/or Whistler next year. Any suggestions on resorts out west that aren’t too crowded?

Only if you plan on skiing...

HOLY MOLY!

Get some new boots and rent some NEW skis!

You'll be amazed at how much more easily modern skis turn.