Calgary Ski Sale (Max Bell, Oct 19+) - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

WilsonFourTwo · 09-30-2011, 07:19 AM

Has anyone had any luck at previous Ski Sales at Max Bell?

I've snowboarded a few times in the past, loved it, and committed to buying my own '2-year, beginner' equipment this season.

I found a 2010-model deeply discounted (to $160) board that I am pleased with, but before I pull the trigger, I'm curious to know if I'll find a better board or a better price at the sale.

Will the ski sale have a decent selection of boots and bindings as well?

troutman · 09-30-2011, 09:37 AM

Abominable is selling off old stock right now with big discounts.

Discoste · 09-30-2011, 09:54 AM

I went couple years ago. Not much of a selection for boarding gear at that time.

DownhillGoat · 09-30-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

Will the ski sale have a decent selection of boots and bindings as well?

Buying used boots just seems wrong.

I've never found the max bell sale to be all that spectacular.
The Source was having thier tent sale, not sure if it's still on. Abominable (as mentioned) is having a decent pre-season sale, and the Ski Cellar usually has a tent sale shortly after the max bell sale.

Mass_nerder · 09-30-2011, 10:10 AM

Generally, the ski sale is full of 3-4 year old gear, which is fine for someone who's just starting out...you don't need pro level gear to start.
It's where I got my first crappy board there when I was 12.
Personally, when I shop for gear, I go to skate shops and look for last year's gear.

One thing I would recommend, when it comes to buying gear for the first time, would be to invest in a good pair of boots ($150-250 should get you a good pair). Boots are the most important factor in having a good day on the hill.

WilsonFourTwo · 09-30-2011, 10:11 AM

I'm REALLY glad I asked - thanks for the feedback folks!

To heck with the Ski Sale, I'm going to buy the stuff I've already seen (bird in hand, blah blah blah).

MacDaddy77 · 09-30-2011, 10:19 AM

If anyone's wife/sister/friend is looking for a pair of top of the line Technica boots, my wife bought a pair last year at Techno Sport end of year sale and they are too small for her. Only Worn twice!!

We bought them on sale for $350. would like to get $200 for them

They are exactly like the ones below, Size 24
http://www.amazon.com/Tecnica-Attiva...624535-5429115

MacDaddy77 · 09-30-2011, 10:21 AM

Also I have the following goggles (new in box) still for sale,

Smith I/o white foundation $150

Link http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=104444

woob · 09-30-2011, 10:38 AM

Does the sale have cross-country gear as well?

DownhillGoat · 09-30-2011, 12:33 PM

As a side note, if you actually plan on getting into the sport and want to outlay less cash in the long run, don't go with an entry-level beginner board. I find a lot of people who go with a cheap beginner board outgrow it very quickly, sometimes within a single season if you're heading out regularily. If you go with a entry level to mid range intermediate board, it may take a bit longer to get the knack (however if you've been out before, shouldn't be too bad), but will certainly suffice, and will last you a great deal longer.

mykalberta · 09-30-2011, 01:07 PM

Figure I would ask it here, has anyone ever taken the beginner Adult ski lessons at COP? I am getting into skiing this year and just wondering if anyone has any reviews on their lessons.

They have 2,3,4 day lesson packages.

Thanks.

DownhillGoat · 09-30-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Figure I would ask it here, has anyone ever taken the beginner Adult ski lessons at COP?

Instructors are okay (I've heard/witnessed both good and bad there), but IMO COP is not a good place to learn. Nice to have in the city, and a great place for kids to go after school or on the weekends, but a sheet of ice and man made snow on a 30 second run isn't exactly a great learning environment. If you're spending money on lessons, it would be better spent in the mountains. I would try Nakiska. Closer to the city and not as intimidating as Louise or Sunshine would be to a beginner.

ThisYear · 09-30-2011, 01:42 PM

From what I've heard it's worth going to the ski sale. I'm more of a garage sale guy but i've only heard positive things from the sale.

kipperfan · 09-30-2011, 04:13 PM

I went last year hoping to find some ski touring/randonnee equipment and found a whopping 4 pairs of ski's and bindings and a couple of pairs of boots. Might be good/okay for downhill/x-country, but sucks for anything more specific.

iggyformayor · 09-30-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Figure I would ask it here, has anyone ever taken the beginner Adult ski lessons at COP? I am getting into skiing this year and just wondering if anyone has any reviews on their lessons.

They have 2,3,4 day lesson packages.

Thanks.

Not bashing the trainers/teachers, but COP would be the worst possible place to learn. Do it right and go learn at Sunshine or Louise where they have real snow. If it's your first time out I can pretty much guarantee you'll break something at COP whereas out in the mountains you'll actually have some half decent snow to fall in.

blankall · 09-30-2011, 04:19 PM

Check online. You can buy everything online for a fraction of the price. Ski/snowboard equipment is extremely overpriced at the retail level in Canada.

However, for boots I'd recommend getting ones you can try on so you know they fit properly.

Torture · 09-30-2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iggyformayor

Not bashing the trainers/teachers, but COP would be the worst possible place to learn. Do it right and go learn at Sunshine or Louise where they have real snow. If it's your first time out I can pretty much guarantee you'll break something at COP whereas out in the mountains you'll actually have some half decent snow to fall in.

COP really wouldn't be that bad a place to learn....*

Ski sale is definitely worth checking out. Couple years back I saw my (at the time) new skis for $250. They were only a year old and I had spent a grand on em. I got my boots there when I was a younger too.
Earlier your get there the more deals you can get.

*I've never actually been to COP
*But I learned on an even SMALLER hill in Manitoba

Mass_nerder · 09-30-2011, 05:46 PM

I can't speak for skiing, but COP used to have some really good instructors...
A few of my friends who were sponsored riders, taught there.
Also, COP has pretty decent conditions most of the time...I used to ride there 3-4 times a week for several years.
There was the occasional time when you probably could have worn skates instead, but the park was good, so when it was ultra icy, you could just ride the pipe.

DownhillGoat · 09-30-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torture

*But I learned on an even SMALLER hill in Manitoba

Assessippi or Aggasi (sp?) would actually rank higher to me for places to learn (based on the hill, not the instructors). It has more to do with the sheet of ice than the size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blankall

Check online. You can buy everything online for a fraction of the price.

I know a few people who have ordered from EVO. Keep in mind not all brands can be shipped to Canada. You may need to set up a US delivery address and schlep them over yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

There was the occasional time when you probably could have worn skates instead, but the park was good, so when it was ultra icy, you could just ride the pipe.

Which are both perfectly legitimate places to learn how to ski.