My First Pair of Skis

What was your favorite toy as a child?

I had plenty of toys as a kid, but I still remember being really excited the year my brother and I were each given our first pair of skis and ski boots. I think I was about ten years old.

I didn’t know anyone else in the Chicago suburbs with skis, so I felt pretty cool. Owing my own set of skis meant I was a real skier; it also meant I learned a few things.

I was also taught that I had to carry my own skis (and how to do so). I learned very early about the hassles of travelling through an airport with extra luggage, and that sporting equipment is delivered on a different luggage belt.

I also learned that ski boots should always be taken as carry-on. This is both to ensure the boots are well-handled in-flight and so that, even if everything else goes missing or is delayed, you can still have a good ski day when you get to your holiday destination.

Ski boots are such an important element of the skiing experience. When they fit well, you have real control over the skis and the ski day is more enjoyable. I always thinks it such a shame that new skiers usually have their first experience in a pair of ill-fitting boots that have been worn by hundreds of other feet. This means the rental boots are typically either really uncomfortable or the new skier’s feet have too much room to move within the boot and they have less control over the skis – making it even harder to learn!

I’ve owned a pair of skis and boots ever since my first pair and have always travelled with at least my own ski boots (always as carry-on).