Published August 14, 2002 09:20AM

Try before you buy. Look for demo opportunities and ski on as many different skis and lengths as you can. This is a great way to know that you’ll love what you buy.
Stay tuned. After you purchase skis, tune and wax them often, or, better yet, have the shop do it.
Get to know your bootfitter. Basic boot alignment issues are all that stand between you and great turns. Get an alignment assessment and ask about softer flexing boots and lower cuffs (see boot reviews on the right sidebar). Most importantly, get custom-molded footbeds.