Our partner, Skiis & Biikes, will be hosting a Demo Day for HPSC members during our scheduled sleep-in Saturday daytrip to Caledon Ski Club on March 21st. They will have a tent outside the Pro Shop, at the West Lodge, with 12-16 pairs of demo skis for guests to try.
This trip to Caledon is our one and only Sleep-In Saturday trip of the season. And is a great opportunity for those of you who usually only ski on the weekend to experience one of the private clubs in Ontario.
All pickup times will be 45 minutes later than usual with the first at 7:45 am at Bloor and Indian Rd., followed by Davenport and Yonge (8:05); Yonge and Eglinton (8:15); Yonge and York Mills (8:25), and finally 400/7 (8:45). If there are two buses we will adjust the times, but will still be leaving 400/7 at 8:45.
Why demo?
Buying new skis can be a major acquisition. All skis are different in their proportion, construction, and other features. It is always advisable to try before you buy. Even if you are not looking to buy new skis, demoing skis can tell you something about your individual style of skiing. Different skis behave differently. If you have read a rave review of a certain ski does not mean that they would be right for you.
A few considerations on how to make the best out of a ski demo:
- Think of what do you want in a ski. Do you want something that is good on hardpack snow or powder? Something stable or a bit more playful?
- Talk to the Skiis & Biikes reps and find out as much as you can about the skis they have to offer. They might suggest one you haven’t thought about.
- Know your boot sole length in millimeters, and your DIN settings.
- Use the same terrain to test each ski. It is a good way to compare them. Some skiers prefer starting on an easier slope, and then turning up the volume on a steep run.
- Pay attention to how the skis feel at short and long turns, tern initiation, grip, edging.
- Don’t hesitate to try the same model in a variety of lengths. You may hate the ski in one length, and then be wowed by the next size up of the same.
- Be mindful of the time limit that the ski shop allows you to demo a pair.
- Don’t demo new skis during the time of your lesson. There will be plenty of time after it – our bus departs at 4:30 pm.
- You may want to take picture of the model and length of the skis you have just tested, and to take notes if you wish!