Credit: Parlor Skis
You have decided it’s time for new skis.
You walk in to your favorite ski shop and there, lined up against the wall, are 100 pair or more; all from brand name companies you recognize. All are high quality. But which one is best for you?
Since this is a buying decision that likely you make only once in several years, you want to make the right choice. You know the shop by reputation and past purchases. Maybe you know the staff there too. Ideally the rep who greats you is an experienced skier familiar with the areas you frequent and the trails and terrain you like to ski. The equipment match-making proceeds from there.
We’ve all done this dance. Today, however, there is another track that is gaining popularity: Custom Skis.
Here, you hook up with one of a handful of small companies around the country that construct a pair of skis that are built exclusively for you, the individual skier. The process is interactive. It considers not only the physical characteristics of the skier, but how and where the skis will be used: all mountain, or, powder, or carved turns; on groomers, hard pack, or in the back country; maybe lots of steeps and bumps; in the trees, wide glades, or narrow. Video of the skier showing style and technique may be incorporated too.
Is this for you?
First of all, realize this is not spring clearance sale shopping. To consider custom skis, start with the idea that you might spend north of $1,000 more than what you would lay out on a pair off the rack in a specialty shop. Second, understand there is a leap of faith in the process here. While there may be some limited general demo opportunity tor a brand test, you will own the custom made ski before the first time you put down tracks. In the discussion stage, be prepared to be as specific as possible and understand the options if outcome doesn’t work out.
Is it worth the price?
Mark Wallace makes the case that it is. A former D-1 college competitor, he co-founded Parlor Custom Skis 11 years ago. One of a dozen or more small companies across the country that are established producers of custom made skis, his Boston-based firm with 6-10 employees today produces 15-20 of custom made pair a week, each built by hand from scratch with specs developed and materials chosen after interaction with the individual client. It is a process that can take four to six weeks from initial discussion to product delivery.
And the finished product is not just technical. The cosmetics are personalized too. Want a picture of your pet staring back at you? It can be there if you want it.
“We build the ski with the client and we know it is unique because we develop the specs and control the production” said Wallace recently.
“On the hill, the skier knows ‘this ski is me’.
But how about the experienced senior skier? Chances are race results are not important anymore. Compatibility is. Are most able to tell the difference between a well chosen brand name model like they have skied for years and a custom made ski?
Bill Nizolek believes at least some can. He began skiing as a child and today, at age 67, still skis at least 80 days a year. He started skiing on Wagner Custom Skis seven years ago and now is as brand ambassador for the Telluride CO based firm.
“The person who benefits most from our product in an educated skier, one who regularly skis more than 25 days a season and who is passionate about quality.”
What about cost?
Says Nizolek: You can’t put a price tag on enjoyment.”
The custom, direct-to-consumer ski business is expanding and sales are nationwide. In addition to Parlor in New England and Wagner in western Colorado, there are established custom ski makers in just about every region, like Meier Skis in Denver, Igneous in Jackson WY, Praxis in Incline Village NV, Shaggy’s Copper Country in Northern Michigan, Community Skis in Mammoth Lakes CA, ON3P in Portland OR, and WhiteRoom Skis in Northern VT. All have websites. Some offer demo opportunities. Some also offer a small batch ready made ski model and some also build custom snowboards.
Is a custom made ski for you?
Says one veteran ski provider: “If you try it and you feel it, it’s worth it.
