Once you get the hang of the Investment Buying technique and you have built your base (September 1, 2007), added some pieces to improve your wardrobe and equipment flexibility (September 24, 2007) it time to have some real fun. The third phase of Investment Buying is where you get to be a bit less practical and dash the slopes with your own style.
While ALL ski and snowboard gear is ‘practical’ in the sense that it serves some functional purpose the Treats and Extras tend to be items that are useful in rare conditions or are fashion forward pieces that will look dated sooner rather than later. Some people will spend more money in this category than others but even the most frugal enthusiasts should put a few items from this category on their list. For one thing they make great gift list items. Gift givers have far more fun picking out some splashy fashion then boring old black ski or snowboard pants. This is also the category where apres slope wear pieces should be listed. While an old pair of sweat pants is fine to drive home in, snow specific after slope wear often has special features designed with the end of a day on the hill in mind and is therefore far more comfortable, far more attractive and doubles as lifestyle pieces for everyday wear.
When making choice in the Treats and Extras category the key is to ‘treat’ yourself to ‘extras’. The idea is to add to your gear and apparel those items that really improve your performance, embellishes your wardrobe or items you may not use as often but are perfect when you do. Ski Blades or powder skis are a good example of equipment treats/extras. A great powder day can turn into an EPIC powder day on just the right pair of skis. On a day when the weather isn’t cooperating the hill can still be fun on a pair of ski blades – they are perfect for zipping around if you are skiing with kids or if you are on the hill for a festival or event. By the time you are ready to invest in extras your boots may no longer meet your performance needs. This is the perfect time to start shopping around for a great boot, set it up with custom footbeds and really ramp up your on slope performance. Apparel extras will help keep your slope wardrobe up-to-date with the current fashions while providing you additional flexibility for rare or extreme conditions. A heavy down coat is a perfect example of an Extra as it is most useful in only the very coldest of conditions or light weight gloves that are really only useful on warm spring days. A fashion forward shell with bold colors is a great example of a Treat as it will surely add personality to your snow wardrobe but you may tire of it sooner than a more neutral basic. As I have said already there are many examples of great après slope wear that would fit into the treat category as well. Great sweaters and fun fleeces may fall into this category as well as special pants and logo sweatshirts and tee’s.
So the Investment Buying steps outlined so far are 1. Building Your Base, where you acquire the most basic equipment and apparel to get you on the slopes, 2. Stage II Buying, where you start to build on that base to increase your extreme weather options and improve your base equipment performance, 3. Treats and Extras, where you really let your personality shine by embellishing your wardrobe with fashion forward pieces, add those rarely used but important pieces and crank up your equipment performance and/or options. Next time we will discuss how to maintain your investment with proper care and planned replacement of worn out items.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Stage II of your Winter Sports Investment Buying Plan
Buying ski and snowboard equipment and apparel wisely will save you money and ensure that you are well prepared for the slopes. The technique of Investment Buying is not a difficult skill to master. It only takes a little planning and organization. The first step is to create a base of essential clothing and equipment that will cover you for most days on the hill (see September 1, 2007). Once you have the base of your Investment Buy addressed you are ready for Stage II. While Stage II is a chance to let your fashion sense and personality shine through its primary purpose is to increase your flexibility to address varying weather conditions while increasing the performance of your gear.
When making Stage II clothing choices err on the conservative side but allow yourself the fun of purchasing something you truly fall in love with. Keep colors consistent and focus on increasing your apparel options for extreme conditions. The number one item to put on your Stage II list is a down vest. It is the perfect layering option for extremely cold conditions as it concentrates warmth around your core without adding bulk to the arms. It also plays an essential role in warmer conditions as, worn alone, it leaves the arms to breath while providing adequate protection to the vital organs. A heavy hat, additional hand wear (e.g. gloves or mittens depending on what you already have), a shell jacket, shell pants or a suit all increase your choices in varying weather conditions. Additional sets of long underwear and socks are also good things to add when you are making Stage II decisions.
By the time you are ready to work on Stage II of your investment buy your skis or snowboard and boots are still fairly new so I would make the jump from aluminum poles to a good carbon fiber or graphite pole. Go to http://www.thejibshop.com/Ski-Poles-C497.aspx for a great selection of high-end poles. Quality poles will improve the integration of your upper and lower body movement by quieting the movement of your arms so the torso can interact fluidly with the hips and legs.
Depending on your budget the process of Stage II Investment Buying may overlap with Building Your Base. The key thing is to start a list and make sure that it is made public before the holidays so anyone who may be hunting for a great gift for you knows what you want. Even if you don’t get everything on your list it will serve well as a guide when you have an extra bit of money to invest in your favorite winter sport.
So the Investment Buying steps outlined so far are 1. Building Your Base, where you acquire the most basic equipment and apparel to get you on the slopes and 2. Stage II Buying, where you start to build on that base to increase your extreme weather options and improve your base equipment performance. Next time we will discuss how to really let your personality shine when we embellish your wardrobe with fashion forward pieces and crank up your equipments performance with Stage III of our Winter Sports Investment Buying Plan.
When making Stage II clothing choices err on the conservative side but allow yourself the fun of purchasing something you truly fall in love with. Keep colors consistent and focus on increasing your apparel options for extreme conditions. The number one item to put on your Stage II list is a down vest. It is the perfect layering option for extremely cold conditions as it concentrates warmth around your core without adding bulk to the arms. It also plays an essential role in warmer conditions as, worn alone, it leaves the arms to breath while providing adequate protection to the vital organs. A heavy hat, additional hand wear (e.g. gloves or mittens depending on what you already have), a shell jacket, shell pants or a suit all increase your choices in varying weather conditions. Additional sets of long underwear and socks are also good things to add when you are making Stage II decisions.
By the time you are ready to work on Stage II of your investment buy your skis or snowboard and boots are still fairly new so I would make the jump from aluminum poles to a good carbon fiber or graphite pole. Go to http://www.thejibshop.com/Ski-Poles-C497.aspx for a great selection of high-end poles. Quality poles will improve the integration of your upper and lower body movement by quieting the movement of your arms so the torso can interact fluidly with the hips and legs.
Depending on your budget the process of Stage II Investment Buying may overlap with Building Your Base. The key thing is to start a list and make sure that it is made public before the holidays so anyone who may be hunting for a great gift for you knows what you want. Even if you don’t get everything on your list it will serve well as a guide when you have an extra bit of money to invest in your favorite winter sport.
So the Investment Buying steps outlined so far are 1. Building Your Base, where you acquire the most basic equipment and apparel to get you on the slopes and 2. Stage II Buying, where you start to build on that base to increase your extreme weather options and improve your base equipment performance. Next time we will discuss how to really let your personality shine when we embellish your wardrobe with fashion forward pieces and crank up your equipments performance with Stage III of our Winter Sports Investment Buying Plan.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Investment Buying For The Slopes
As the days cool down and anticipation builds for the winter season I want to start doing the things that will help me to have a great time on the hill. Getting set for the slopes is at least part of the fun but it also serves the very useful purpose of reducing stress in your life. If the snow flies early that frantic rush for first tracks can bleed all the fun out of it – especially if you are a busy mother with more than one kid to get ready. The key is to have a plan. Since I see winter sports as being an investment in my family I call it an Investment Plan. Like any good investment you don’t buy up all you think you’ll need all at once, that can be a foolish use of money at best, the key is to buy what you need to create a base and then build from there. An investment-buying plan for winter sports gear works on the same concept. I would suggest using a file folder or notebook with a small pocket to keep notes and papers as you go. Your file or notebook will serve as a good reference guide for you and help you to keep everything in one place.
When you start an investment-buying plan it is important to start at the beginning. Everyone needs a base or foundation on which to build. This base typically starts with a few clothing items and the basic equipment. If you simply aren’t ready to invest in the equipment yet it can be rented but a good pre season sale often has such great deals that it is hardly worth the aggravation of having to wait in line to use someone else’s gear. The one exception to this is children’s gear. Most reputable shops have junior buy back programs where you can rent new or used skis and boots and the shop will buy them back at the end of the season for a guaranteed price. (For an example of one of the best junior programs see http://www.willisskiandboard.com/ and look on the left side bar for Junior Boot Program). For our purposes I will be including value-based suggestions for equipment in the base and you can judge for yourself where you think it is appropriate to jump on that train.
Your base should include items that will broadly cover most needs for that category. Items that cover many needs typically don’t cover them all perfectly but then again, they are part of your base – specialized items will come later in the investment. For a great overview of what you need to hit the slopes see http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/90554/your_ski_and_snowboard_checklist_for.html.
When you invest in equipment your boots are the most important place to start. Warmth, comfort and performance on the slopes all starts with your feet so take your time to get the right boot with the proper fit. The ski or snowboard you invest in should fit in the all-mountain category. This will allow you to be confident anywhere on your local hill as well as where ever you may travel. The ski or board you choose will probably dictate the binding you buy so that should not be a challenging decision. If there is more than one to choose from make sure to choose the one that provides the most flexibility. If you are a skier you will need poles. For your base a basic pair of aluminum poles will do but as you upgrade your equipment carbon fiber or graphite poles should top your list.
The basic clothing you need to invest in will include a winter jacket, ski pants, a sweater or a fleece, thermal underwear and socks, gloves and a hat. While that may sound like a lot it is rather simple to procure. First of all if you live anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line you probably need a winter jacket. Yes, a good quality ski or snowboard jacket is best because they are significantly different than other jackets. They will last longer, stay warmer and have features that make hitting the slopes more convenient. When buying your jacket buy something you love. For your investment plan this is the one piece that will be with you the longest so make sure you really like it and you aren’t just settling for something. Pants are another deal. Basic black or a neutral color is all we are looking for here. I suggest sticking with black because, well, everything goes with black and it won’t age as rapidly as a light, neutral color. I suggest buying an insulated pant for your first pair because I find that keeping warm is a bigger issue than cooling off. If you are one of the rare people that simply never gets cold then fine, a shell pant will work but make sure you buy top quality thermal underwear to layer with. For your initial investment a sweater or fleece you have in your collection may work. Make sure that whatever you use is primarily wool or acrylic. Wool is a great insulator, breaths very well and stays warm even if it gets wet. Acrylic, while not as warm as wool is also a good insulator and will retain its thermal capacity when wet. Fleece is an engineered hollow core acrylic fabric and has an increased thermal capacity because warm air is trapped inside the fibers themselves. Your run-of-the-mill mall store fleece is not a hollow core fabric so don’t be fooled. It is imperative that you do not layer with cotton, we wear cotton in the summer to dissipate heat, it does not save heat. So no favorite college sweatshirts or t-shirts allowed on the slopes. This goes for hats, thermal underwear and socks as well. Your base should include a warm hat, one pair of good quality thermal underwear and at least one pair of fitted ski or snowboard specific socks. Sport specific socks are designed to enhance the fit of your boot creating a coupling effect and increasing your on-slope performance. Whether you choose gloves or mittens for your base hand gear is a personal preference. As you build your winter wardrobe I suggest including both but for now one will do. Mittens are warmer because they keep all of your fingers together allowing warm air to circulate easily from the palm of the hand to each finger. With this said most people choose to wear gloves – I’m not sure why but they feel like they have more dexterity. If you choose gloves and find that you are not warm enough chemical heat packs work great.
This should help you to create your initial shopping list. Make sure you have in your file or notebook a list of each family member, their current sizes, height, weight, age and skiing ability as well as their favorite colors or styles. Under each person name make a list of what they have and what they need or needs to be replaced to create their base. Visit http://www.skiwarehouse.com/ or http://www.thejibshop.com/ for great on-line deals and check back here because in the future we will talk about how to effectively add to your base investment to create an up-to-date, flexible winter sports wardrobe.
When you start an investment-buying plan it is important to start at the beginning. Everyone needs a base or foundation on which to build. This base typically starts with a few clothing items and the basic equipment. If you simply aren’t ready to invest in the equipment yet it can be rented but a good pre season sale often has such great deals that it is hardly worth the aggravation of having to wait in line to use someone else’s gear. The one exception to this is children’s gear. Most reputable shops have junior buy back programs where you can rent new or used skis and boots and the shop will buy them back at the end of the season for a guaranteed price. (For an example of one of the best junior programs see http://www.willisskiandboard.com/ and look on the left side bar for Junior Boot Program). For our purposes I will be including value-based suggestions for equipment in the base and you can judge for yourself where you think it is appropriate to jump on that train.
Your base should include items that will broadly cover most needs for that category. Items that cover many needs typically don’t cover them all perfectly but then again, they are part of your base – specialized items will come later in the investment. For a great overview of what you need to hit the slopes see http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/90554/your_ski_and_snowboard_checklist_for.html.
When you invest in equipment your boots are the most important place to start. Warmth, comfort and performance on the slopes all starts with your feet so take your time to get the right boot with the proper fit. The ski or snowboard you invest in should fit in the all-mountain category. This will allow you to be confident anywhere on your local hill as well as where ever you may travel. The ski or board you choose will probably dictate the binding you buy so that should not be a challenging decision. If there is more than one to choose from make sure to choose the one that provides the most flexibility. If you are a skier you will need poles. For your base a basic pair of aluminum poles will do but as you upgrade your equipment carbon fiber or graphite poles should top your list.
The basic clothing you need to invest in will include a winter jacket, ski pants, a sweater or a fleece, thermal underwear and socks, gloves and a hat. While that may sound like a lot it is rather simple to procure. First of all if you live anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line you probably need a winter jacket. Yes, a good quality ski or snowboard jacket is best because they are significantly different than other jackets. They will last longer, stay warmer and have features that make hitting the slopes more convenient. When buying your jacket buy something you love. For your investment plan this is the one piece that will be with you the longest so make sure you really like it and you aren’t just settling for something. Pants are another deal. Basic black or a neutral color is all we are looking for here. I suggest sticking with black because, well, everything goes with black and it won’t age as rapidly as a light, neutral color. I suggest buying an insulated pant for your first pair because I find that keeping warm is a bigger issue than cooling off. If you are one of the rare people that simply never gets cold then fine, a shell pant will work but make sure you buy top quality thermal underwear to layer with. For your initial investment a sweater or fleece you have in your collection may work. Make sure that whatever you use is primarily wool or acrylic. Wool is a great insulator, breaths very well and stays warm even if it gets wet. Acrylic, while not as warm as wool is also a good insulator and will retain its thermal capacity when wet. Fleece is an engineered hollow core acrylic fabric and has an increased thermal capacity because warm air is trapped inside the fibers themselves. Your run-of-the-mill mall store fleece is not a hollow core fabric so don’t be fooled. It is imperative that you do not layer with cotton, we wear cotton in the summer to dissipate heat, it does not save heat. So no favorite college sweatshirts or t-shirts allowed on the slopes. This goes for hats, thermal underwear and socks as well. Your base should include a warm hat, one pair of good quality thermal underwear and at least one pair of fitted ski or snowboard specific socks. Sport specific socks are designed to enhance the fit of your boot creating a coupling effect and increasing your on-slope performance. Whether you choose gloves or mittens for your base hand gear is a personal preference. As you build your winter wardrobe I suggest including both but for now one will do. Mittens are warmer because they keep all of your fingers together allowing warm air to circulate easily from the palm of the hand to each finger. With this said most people choose to wear gloves – I’m not sure why but they feel like they have more dexterity. If you choose gloves and find that you are not warm enough chemical heat packs work great.
This should help you to create your initial shopping list. Make sure you have in your file or notebook a list of each family member, their current sizes, height, weight, age and skiing ability as well as their favorite colors or styles. Under each person name make a list of what they have and what they need or needs to be replaced to create their base. Visit http://www.skiwarehouse.com/ or http://www.thejibshop.com/ for great on-line deals and check back here because in the future we will talk about how to effectively add to your base investment to create an up-to-date, flexible winter sports wardrobe.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Pre Season ToDo List
Now that the kids are back in school I find myself more motivated to get organized. As I do every year at this time I start to plan the year so that the things that are important to me don’t get overlooked. This is the time of year that I sit down with a pad of paper and a calendar and focus on when and where we are going to ski this year.
Planning ski trips is the most fun part of getting organized for this time of year but there are many more issues that need to be addressed so the season goes smoothly. Proper planning will save you time, money and make the season more enjoyable overall. To ensure a fun season on the slopes use this handy pre season ToDo list. Add your own notes and build on it to keep for the start of each season. When you realize how easy hitting the slopes can be you will thank yourself!
Make a Ski/Snowboard Budget
Skiing and snowboarding are often viewed as expensive sports but after I saw what my neighbor pays for her son to play hockey I think it’s quiet a bargain! It can actually be quite a value if you plan carefully and make a budget in advance then look for creative ways to stay within that budget. Your budget should take into account everything you will spend to ski or snowboard including clothing, travel, accommodations, tickets and food. Include it in the budget even if it is something like winter clothing that you will use for other things or food that you would be eating anyway even if you weren’t on the mountain.
Check Old Gear
The beginning of each pre season should start with going through your old equipment and clothing to see what needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. The earlier you do it the better prepared you will be for your local pre season sale. Keep in mind bargain shopping will help you keep within your budget!
Check Your Calendar
Planning weekend getaways and trips can be tricky with today’s busy schedules. Make sure to look at school, work and activity schedules and pencil in a few ski dates right away so that the time isn’t taken up by some other less important event.
Talk To Friends And Family
Coordinating calendars can be very difficult but it is worth asking around to see if anyone is interested in hitting the slopes with you. Traveling with larger groups can also bring costs down to help you fit within your budget.
Plan Trips
Trips large or small require some advance planning. Start the day dreaming early so that you have some idea of when and where you want to go. Early planning will help you to make travel arrangements that satisfy your needs.
Start Your Preseason Training
Regardless of your level of fitness everyone can benefit from some extra pre slope training.
Racers
Ski and snowboard racers have got to be prepared for the season early. Make sure you have joined the USSA and other necessary associations. Get your race schedule so you can plan other activities and trips around them. Talk to your fellow racers for carpool and training partners and follow the rest of the ToDo list to ensure that you are in shape and have the gear you need to have a winning season.
Planning ski trips is the most fun part of getting organized for this time of year but there are many more issues that need to be addressed so the season goes smoothly. Proper planning will save you time, money and make the season more enjoyable overall. To ensure a fun season on the slopes use this handy pre season ToDo list. Add your own notes and build on it to keep for the start of each season. When you realize how easy hitting the slopes can be you will thank yourself!
Make a Ski/Snowboard Budget
Skiing and snowboarding are often viewed as expensive sports but after I saw what my neighbor pays for her son to play hockey I think it’s quiet a bargain! It can actually be quite a value if you plan carefully and make a budget in advance then look for creative ways to stay within that budget. Your budget should take into account everything you will spend to ski or snowboard including clothing, travel, accommodations, tickets and food. Include it in the budget even if it is something like winter clothing that you will use for other things or food that you would be eating anyway even if you weren’t on the mountain.
Check Old Gear
The beginning of each pre season should start with going through your old equipment and clothing to see what needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. The earlier you do it the better prepared you will be for your local pre season sale. Keep in mind bargain shopping will help you keep within your budget!
Check Your Calendar
Planning weekend getaways and trips can be tricky with today’s busy schedules. Make sure to look at school, work and activity schedules and pencil in a few ski dates right away so that the time isn’t taken up by some other less important event.
Talk To Friends And Family
Coordinating calendars can be very difficult but it is worth asking around to see if anyone is interested in hitting the slopes with you. Traveling with larger groups can also bring costs down to help you fit within your budget.
Plan Trips
Trips large or small require some advance planning. Start the day dreaming early so that you have some idea of when and where you want to go. Early planning will help you to make travel arrangements that satisfy your needs.
Start Your Preseason Training
Regardless of your level of fitness everyone can benefit from some extra pre slope training.
Racers
Ski and snowboard racers have got to be prepared for the season early. Make sure you have joined the USSA and other necessary associations. Get your race schedule so you can plan other activities and trips around them. Talk to your fellow racers for carpool and training partners and follow the rest of the ToDo list to ensure that you are in shape and have the gear you need to have a winning season.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Anticipating Winter
About this time every summer I start to feel the pangs of anticipation for my favorite time of year. One may think that August is a bit early to start yearning for snow but there is a lot to think about – and for the winter enthusiast that is part of the fun.
My ruminations regarding the coming season are usually triggered by a desire to escape from the often-oppressive summer heat. My minds eye finds me swooshing down a freshly powdered slope and sooner or later my more practical side wants to get into the game and I begin making mental notes about what my family and I will need for the coming season – this mental list of new fleeces and socks, sweaters and pants serves me well as a check list for the local pre season sale and our on line wish list.
I also start thinking about how we will juggle family obligations while I contemplate our weekend ski trips and mid winter getaway so we have a clear calendar and I can score great accommodations.
Ultimately, however, the most of my daydreaming is spent on how I am going to improve this year. I think about my pre season fitness plan and the new products that will make this year even better than the last.
The truth is that just THINKING about the season gives me a chill – and it is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.
My ruminations regarding the coming season are usually triggered by a desire to escape from the often-oppressive summer heat. My minds eye finds me swooshing down a freshly powdered slope and sooner or later my more practical side wants to get into the game and I begin making mental notes about what my family and I will need for the coming season – this mental list of new fleeces and socks, sweaters and pants serves me well as a check list for the local pre season sale and our on line wish list.
I also start thinking about how we will juggle family obligations while I contemplate our weekend ski trips and mid winter getaway so we have a clear calendar and I can score great accommodations.
Ultimately, however, the most of my daydreaming is spent on how I am going to improve this year. I think about my pre season fitness plan and the new products that will make this year even better than the last.
The truth is that just THINKING about the season gives me a chill – and it is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.
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