Tune up and let 'em rip. Courtesy of P. Media

We have all smirked at them, those people who pick their skis off the back of the goat and their bindings fall off. You can't help but smile condescendingly at those poor "beginners" as they struggle up the mountain with their skis in one hand, bindings in the other and poles tucked under their arms.

Well two seasons ago that exact same thing happened to us. After many years of skiing and instructing, I was confident in my ability to alter my old skis and bindings to fit my husband's larger boot size. However, I proved to be less than competent, and as a result, spent the first morning of that perfect day up the mountain in the ski shop, instead of carving it up on the ski field.

So before heading up to the mountain this season, it is important to thoroughly check over all your ski gear. Don't leave it till your first day on the mountain. A thorough check before hand can save you a lot of pain and possibly injury, and make your skiing experience that much more enjoyable.

Skis
For most of us our skis are at present hidden somewhere in the garage, collecting dust with all those other seasonal toys we own. However, skis can collect a lot more than just dust so may need a little more attention to get them ready for the season. Unfortunately, the end of last year's ski season found the skis put away a little wet so when I got them out last week to check my gear I found the edges rusted. This can easily be fixed by a light scrub with a "goldilocks" or the like but it is really better to take them in to your nearest ski shop for a pre-season check-up. After years of skiing, I now appreciate more than ever, the value of a well-tuned ski. As the years take their toll and the fitness levels decrease, I have found the ability to hold my edges on rather hard packed snow, more and more difficult and well sharpened edges have really helped in this area. While having your skis tuned, a wax on the base will help your skis run smoother and last longer.

One of the areas often overlooked each year are your bindings, yet without doubt are the most important part of the ski. Bindings must be correctly balanced to take into account your height, weight and experience to ensure they release when needed (or not). There is nothing more annoying than skis that constantly fall off at every turn and nothing more dangerous than ones that do not release at that crucial moment.

Boots
This is often an area overlooked by the seasonal skier. We part happily (or otherwise) with money for the latest skis, yet hold onto those old boots for way too long. A comfortable fitting ski boot is yet to be designed, however, there are some things you can look for. Check the toe and heels of your boots for wear and tear; if these have been scuffed down from those many walks through a snow-less car park then it maybe time to trade them in. Also, your feet do change in shape as you get older so make sure they still fit snugly. You can always take these into your local shop for some advice if needed. Remember, if your boots are not fitting well then it won't matter how flashy your latest skis are. A good friend of mine always buys the best boots on the market and continues to hire her skis. Not a bad idea! If buying new boots do not be swayed by the coolest looking new fangled boot as it may not suit your foot size. Some brands are known for a providing a wider or slimmer fitting boot so go with what fits best, rather than what looks best.

Poles
Another part of the ski gear that we all hold onto for years. Check the baskets and straps for tears and the shaft for any damage. You can get by on a bendy pole (although you don't look quite so cool) just make sure it is not going to break while up the mountain as this could cause a nasty injury.

So next time you see that poor person carrying broken poles or their skis in one hand and their bindings in another, share a sympathetic thought and realize that without looking after your own gear, this could happen to you.

Courtesy of New Zealand Adventure