Ski Supplies

Whether you're skiing at Les Menuires for the first time, or the pistes are your second home, the most important piece of equipment that you can own is a pair of ski boots that are matched to both your skiing ability and the snow conditions. Using the right pair of ski boots can help your technique and also help you learn faster. The wrong pair can have people swearing off skiing for the rest of their lives, and you may just overhear such stories while you relax in your Les Menuires ski chalet with new friends. The resort has many ski rental shops and supply stores for those who don't have a pair of their own - though if you're serious about skiing, investing in a good pair of boots is a wise decision.

Outer Shell

Ski boots cradle your feet and transfer movement to your skis, and there are thousands of brands and models to choose from. When you're selecting a pair, it's important to be honest - racing boots won't help much if you're a novice skier and still struggling with your balance! All ski boots have one thing in common - a hard outer shell, made of plastic and designed to contain the inner lining and to support your ankles and feet when clicked into your bindings. The density of the shell often determines how easy or difficult it is to get in and out of your boots; local Les Menuires ski enthusiasts will be happy to tell you about their own preferred brands, and the ease (or lack thereof) of donning them!

Buckles

All ski boots use three or four buckles to control the amount of tension over your forefoot, and around your ankle. One feature to look out for on a boot is 'micro-adjustment' - on the buckles, 'micro-adjustments' provide a very high degree of control over how your boots fit. The right pair fit like a slipper and they might even be comfortable enough to wear around your Les Menuires ski chalet! Around the ankles of your ski boots, you'll find the power strap, a 30-40 millimetre Velcro enclosure that provides upper ankle and lower leg support; it is one of the most important aspects of the boot in injury prevention. As most skiers can tell you, one of their major worries is that a leg injury will curtail their skiing during the duration of their holiday.

Liners

Ski boots also come with a wide variety of replaceable liners. The ones you choose might depend on many factors, including the model of your boots, and your individual needs as a skier. Boots using a 'high volume' liner are the best for narrow feet, and often the most comfortable. 'Low volume' liners are used for people with wider feet. It can be a good idea to select and purchase ski boots well ahead of your Les Menuires ski holiday - proper care when choosing the fitting can save you a lot of pain in the chalet! Les Menuires has many shops that can ensure you get a good fit - after determining the proper shell size, liners are injected with liquid plastic that forms around the individual shape of your feet.

Danielle Hodges is Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency, and booking service offering bonded Les Menuires ski holidays, in fantastic catered or self-catered chalets. For a luxury or good-value Les Menuires ski holiday, Ski Amis is the ideal choice