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Where Do Powder-Hungry Shredders Score Their Gear Beyond the Resort?
Hey, stoked to see you here! If you’re reading this, you must be a snowboarder or skier who loves powder and adventure. You know how it feels to ride fresh tracks, explore new lines, and push your limits in the mountains. You also know how expensive and daunting it can be to gear up for your dream trips, especially if you want to go beyond the resort and into the backcountry.
Fear not, my fellow shredders, for there are many ways to score great gear for less, if you know where to look and what to look for. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and insights based on my own experience and research, as well as some recommendations from fellow powder junkies and industry experts.
Let’s dive in!
H2: Define Your Style and Needs
Before you start shopping for gear, it’s essential to define your style and needs as a rider. Are you a freerider, a freestyler, a splitboarder, a telemarker, or a hybrid? Do you prefer riding steep and deep terrain, or smooth and fast groomers? Do you value speed, agility, power, or creativity? Do you want to tour, hike, or heli-access your lines, or do you stick to lifts and cat-skiing?
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search and focus on the gear that suits your goals and preferences. It will also help you avoid buying gear that looks cool but doesn’t perform well for your style or needs.
For example, if you’re a freerider who loves steep and deep terrain, you’ll need a board or skis that are stiff, wide, and floaty, with a directional shape and a rocker-camber-rocker profile. You’ll also need boots that are stiff, supportive, and warm, with a good fit and flex for your riding style. You’ll also need bindings that are responsive, adjustable, and durable, with a good balance of power and comfort. You’ll also need outerwear that is waterproof, breathable, and insulated, with a good range of motion and protection for your body. You’ll also need safety gear that includes a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a beacon-probe-shovel kit, as well as training and experience in avalanche awareness and rescue.
If you’re a freestyler who loves hitting rails and jumps, you’ll need a board or skis that are soft, narrow, and stable, with a twin or asymmetrical shape and a camber-rocker-camber profile. You’ll also need boots that are flexible, cushioned, and grippy, with a good fit and response for your park tricks. You’ll also need bindings that are soft, forgiving, and adjustable, with a good pop and shock absorption. You’ll also need outerwear that is stylish, comfortable, and durable, with a good range of motion and ventilation for your tricks. You’ll also need safety gear that includes a helmet, goggles, and gloves, as well as training and awareness in park rules and etiquette.
If you’re a splitboarder who loves touring and exploring remote areas, you’ll need a splitboard that is lightweight, durable, and versatile, with a good climb and glide mode and a solid connection to your bindings. You’ll also need boots that are compatible with your splitboard, as well as crampons and skins that fit your board and terrain. You’ll also need bindings that are easy to lock and unlock, with a good range of angles and stance options. You’ll also need outerwear that is breathable, packable, and weatherproof, with a good range of pockets and vents for your gear. You’ll also need safety gear that includes a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a beacon-probe-shovel kit, as well as training and certification in avalanche safety and backcountry travel.
H2: Explore Your Options Online
Once you have a clear idea of your style and needs, you can start exploring your options online. There are many websites and stores that offer a wide range of ski and snowboard gear, from new and top-of-the-line models to used and discounted ones. Here are some of the best places to check out:
1. EVO.com: This is one of my favorite sites for snowboarding and skiing gear, as it offers a great selection of brands, styles, and prices, as well as free shipping and returns on most orders. You can find everything from boards, skis, boots, and bindings to outerwear, accessories, and safety gear, with detailed descriptions and reviews from other users. You can also join their rewards program and get discounts and perks for your purchases.
2. The-House.com: This is another reliable site for snowboarding and skiing gear, as it has been around for more than 30 years and has a huge inventory of products from well-known and emerging brands. You can shop by category, brand, price, and style, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $50. You can also sign up for their newsletter and get promotions and deals delivered to your inbox.
3. Backcountry.com: This is a great site for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers not only ski and snowboard gear but also camping, climbing, biking, and travel gear, as well as expert advice and guides. You can find a variety of brands and products for every skill level and budget, as well as pro deals and seasonal sales. You can also join their loyalty program and earn rewards for your purchases.
4. REI.com: This is a well-known site for outdoor gear and apparel, as it operates more than 150 stores across the US and offers a vast range of quality products and services. You can find ski and snowboard gear for men, women, and kids, as well as expert advice and classes on snow sports and backcountry travel. You can also join their co-op and get dividends and discounts for your purchases.
5. Craigslist.org: This is a popular site for buying and selling used and discounted snowboarding and skiing gear, as well as other outdoor and sporting goods. You can search by location, category, and price, and contact sellers directly for more information and negotiation. You can also post your own ads to sell or trade your gear.
H2: Check Out Local Shops and Swap Meets
If you prefer to see and touch your gear before buying, or if you want to support local businesses and communities, you can also check out local shops and swap meets. Here are some tips and benefits of doing so:
1. Ask around: Ask your friends, coworkers, or social media contacts if they know any good local shops or swap meets that sell snowboarding and skiing gear. They might have some insider knowledge or connections that you don’t.
2. Do your research: Look online or in local directories for snow sports shops or swap meets in your area. Read their reviews, check their website or social media pages, and compare their prices and services.
3. Visit them: Go to the shops or swap meets and talk to the staff or vendors. Ask them about their products, their expertise, their warranty, and their recommendations. Try on the gear, test the boards, and ask for discounts or deals if you buy multiple items or are a repeat customer.
4. Support them: If you find a shop or a vendor that you like and trust, support them by buying from them regularly, referring your friends, or leaving positive reviews. They might give you better prices or freebies in return, and you’ll also help them stay in business and thrive.
H2: Join Online Communities and Forums
If you want to connect with other snowboarders and skiers, learn from their experiences and tips, and exchange or buy and sell gear, you can also join online communities and forums. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Reddit.com: This is a huge site for forums on almost any topic, including snowboarding and skiing. You can find subreddits that focus on gear, trips, resorts, tips, and more, as well as buy and sell threads where you can post your own gear or search for others’. You can also participate in discussions, share photos and videos, and get feedback and advice.
2. Facebook.com: This is another popular site for connecting with snowboarders and skiers, as it has many groups and pages that cater to different styles and interests. You can find groups that focus on gear, trips, resorts, tips, and more, as well as pages that showcase new products, events, and deals. You can also join buy and sell groups or pages, where you can post or search for gear.
3. Instagram.com: This is a social media site that is visual and interactive, and that attracts many snowboarders and skiers who love to share their stoke and style. You can find accounts of brands, athletes, resorts, and influencers who promote gear, trips, and events, as well as hashtags that lead you to various content and communities. You can also follow and DM other users who share your passion and interests, and maybe score some gear or offers along the way.
H2: Conclusion
Congrats! You made it to the end of this post, and hopefully, you learned something new and useful for your quest to score great snowboard and ski gear beyond the resort. Remember to define your style and needs, explore your options online, check out local shops and swap meets, and join online communities and forums. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, negotiate prices, or try out new gear before committing to it. And most importantly, stay safe and have fun out there!
Image Credit: Pexels