ISOLATION PURCHASES
Due to COVID-19, we all are in isolation, one way or another. In most of Europe and North America, the skiing season seems to be over. Most ski shops have started their annual end-of-season sale early. There are some great deals to be had. But what should you buy now, from home? And for which items should you rather wait until you can inspect, feel and try them on physically?
Great deals
These days all ski shops and outdoor outlets switch from winter season to summer. They offer great deals on left-over items, up to 70% discounts even. So this is the time to get yourself that new goggle, helmet, pair of gloves, jacket, base layer or pair of skis.
Just keep in mind that most common sizes and most popular colors will often nog be available anymore. You will probably have to browse through hundreds of items on tens of websites to spot that one special product that’s just right for you. Some of these items will remain available until next fall. But as skiing season is just around the corner then, prices will probably be not as low as they are now. Moreover, these shops do need some customers and revenue right now. So get shopping!
What NOT to buy?
Ski boots are the one item I would not buy online. Not now, not ever. The shape of a ski boot has to fit your feet very precisely. The few measurements and size indicators that are listed are not enough to go on blindly, without a proper fitting. In fact, trying on different boots back to back to feel the difference in fit is a good way to find ‘the one to beat’. Try doing that online. That’s an expensive way to go about it, even if you can find the relevant boots in the right sizes (which is hard enough at the end of the season, with al the common sizes have gone).
All other items I would happily buy online. Even peaces of clothing, helmets, protection items, goggles, gloves – stuff you would normally fit first. With a decent size table and a consumer-friendly return policy that’s a risk, I would be willing to take. If they don’t fit, send them back.
If you can afford it, buy now. The shops need the business, and you can do it with a very nice deal.