Equipment 

Whether you hire equipment - skis, boots, poles or a snowboard - or buy, is a matter of choice.  If you are skiing frequently, then to have your own skis or snowboard, is a definite advantage.  It saves precious time, particularly if you are snatching an extra weekend on the Alpine slopes, and you have no worries about getting used to strange equipment.  But you have the problem of transportation. 

With a car this is not an issue.  Some airlines make a charge for carrying skis, most require to be forewarned, and others have been known to refuse.   Transatlantic airlines make no charge for ski carriage - you are allowed two pieces of luggage, and a ski bag - even if you fill it with half your clothes - is within that permitted allowance.

However, the advantage of hiring equipment can be two-fold.  If you are reaching your destination with a flight and hire car, you do not have the hassle of coping with an unwieldy ski bag on public transport.  For a short break, without equipment, you can fit your luggage into a cabin-sized bag and be off without any delay at all.  Secondly, you will have the advantage of the most modern, up-to-date new skis, boots or board.  If you pay for demo models, you will have the top-of-the-range skis to try out - if you like them, you might even negotiate to buy them!  If you do not, you can change them and try another brand.  Skis are like shoes - some "fit" or suit better than others, depending on weight, ability, style.  If you are a timid intermediate skier, there is absolutely no point in spending additional money to buy a stiff, advanced or expensive pair of skis best suited to an aggressive expert skier.

Boots - it is probably more important to have your own, well-fitting boots.  Modern boots are more forgiving too, with softer tongues, and increased flexibility.  A skilled fitter will ensure that you buy the boots best suited for your use and shape of foot.

Clothing.  Temperatures in Europe have fluctuated in recent years, dipping to quite low levels.  But the High Street stores, and specialist shops have increased their ranges of clothing and it is possible to spend as much, or as little, as you wish and be adequately suited.  In North America, however, it is common for temperatures to fall to minus 30 degrees, particularly in the earlier months of the ski season.  Top quality, windproof equipment is essential, as are good gloves.  You may require a face mask in January on the East Coast - or elsewhere if there is severe wind chill.   Do not forget that the North American ski resorts lie at a much higher altitude - those in Colorado are all between ten and thirteen thousand feet - and conditions are more severe.  The cheapest and most effective item of equipment is a Neck Gaiter - for around $10 or £10, depending where you buy, this fleece tube will save your life!  You can pull it up over your nose and around your ears, and they come in a wide variety of wonderful colours!  

SkiDrive.com recommends Main Street Sports in Breckenridge, for anyone visiting any of the Summit County resorts in Colorado.  Richard Meyer, an Englishman, has owned the shop in Breckenridge's Main Street since the early 1990's, and will give you valuable advice and a very competitive discount on skis, boots, or accessories if you wish to buy, or he will hire all equipment.  Contact Richard on mainstsp@colorado.net  The shop is at 410 South Main Street, Breckenridge.

Britain's biggest discounter of skiwear and equipment, The Ski Warehouse, is opening on 11 September a fifth megastore.  The new premises at Tamworth, almost within site of the Snowdome and situated close to the M1, M6 and M42, is easily accessible not only for skiers and boarders living in the Midlands, but for those from the south and west via the motorway network. 

The Tamworth Ski Warehouse, like the other warehouses within the group at Newcastle, Castleford, Preston and Longtown in Cumbria,  offers huge reductions and savings on all stock.  Blizzard, Head, Campri, Big-Air, Rossignol are some of the famous brands available within the vast 3000 square foot premises.  A Head ski jacket for instance is on offer at £79.99, less than half price.  Skis and bindings can be had for the same amount.  For growing children, their salopettes plus jackets for just £29.98 are a great bargain!

Situated within the Litchfield Industrial Estate, there is ample parking.  Full details are available on the Ski Warehouse website at www.skiwear4less.com