Skis and equipment in Tignes

Boots are the first thing to buy as technically they have the most influence on your ability and can be very painful if ill-fitting. If you have unusual sized or shaped feet then it may be worth buying them early on in your 'career' as well as splashing out on customised foot beds. We would always recommend new boots as opposed to second-hand boots - once used a couple of times they tend to mould to the previous users' feet, can lack padding and therefore warmth and comfort.

It is better to buy in the resort. A ski boot needs to be skied before any problems arise, leading to potential difficulties for those who purchase boots at home. In resort, any problems can be ironed out during your stay at no extra cost. A professional boot fitter should single out the correct shape and style of boot to suit your skiing level and foot shape. A professionally made foot bed, which stabilises the foot within the boot, enhances transmission of your energy onto the ski’s edge for optimum carving. Remember that you should wear thin ski socks in your well-fitting boots as it is blood flow around your body which keeps you warm, not thick socks. World-cup skiers even wear stockings or nothing to give them closer contact to the boot.

The local shops will offer a wide range of gear, with different skis to choose from depending on your ability, plus a couple of other factors such as gender, height, weight and age. In recent years the equipment on offer has hugely diversified, catering to an assortment of terrains and personal preference. Most shops will stock a selection of slope, all-mountain, freeride or freestyle skis as well as race skis, mini skis, touring skis, and cross-country skis.

The reasons for buying in resort are two-fold. You can return for little tweaks once you've had a few hours in your new boots or on your new skis, plus some shops also have dedicated Test Centres, offering test days for equipment which means you can try before you buy.

Once you have found a reputable Test Centre shop, set aside a whole day, choosing a good weather day with good visibility, ideally at the beginning of your holiday, and try out some models back-to-back on the same slopes. Be honest with the shop about your skiing level and budget, and try to narrow your choice to three models - any more would be quite confusing.

The price of the test is usually deducted from the final price of your purchase.

Once you own your own equipment you will need to take care of it to ensure it lasts, and a good service can make all the difference between a good and bad day's skiing.

Regular servicing usually includes a deep clean of the skis, edge tuning and base waxing, repair of any holes and scratches on the base - all helping keep them like new for longer. Sharp edges and a structured, waxed base improves turns, speed and control. Waxing helps prevent water from getting into the core.

Although you can maintain your skis at home, it takes quite a bit of gear and know how to get it right. The simplest way is to drop them into a good repair shop. Many of the local shops in resort will be able to do an overnight service before you hit the slopes, giving professional advice on what needs doing. Some skiers also advocate a thick coat of 'storage' wax after each holiday to protect them from drying out, but it's not essential, as long as your skis get a fresh wax before your next ski holiday.