Day #5458 – (Sun., Dec. 15, 2024) – First Time Skiing
My wife took the kids to Mount Washington for some cross-country, and a bit of downhill skiing this morning. This was the first time that any of them had been on skis! They had fun and did quite well (see photo to the right). All three took lessons and had rental equipment. The instructor told them that their three kids had varying interest in the sport of skiing. It’s not for everyone.
Afterward they went to the little coffee shop and had lunch. Katie had a “London Fog” tea and Bobby had a hot chocolate with whipped cream. I remember my skiing expeditions and how great a hot chocolate tasted next to a warm fireplace in the ski lodge with my legs tingling and being exhausted after a long day of skiing.
I asked Copilot about when to purchase skiing equipment as opposed to renting it. It told me:
That’s fantastic that your kids enjoyed skiing! Skiing can be a wonderful family activity. Deciding when to buy equipment instead of renting can depend on a few factors:
### Factors to Consider:
1. **Frequency of Skiing:**
– If your kids plan to ski regularly, it might be more cost-effective to buy equipment. If they ski only a few times a year, renting might be more practical.
2. **Growth Spurts:**
– Kids grow quickly, so buying equipment means you might need to replace it frequently as they outgrow it. Renting can be a good way to ensure they always have properly fitting gear.
3. **Skill Level:**
– For beginners, renting allows them to try out different types of skis and boots before committing to a purchase. Once they have a preferred style and are skiing more confidently, buying might make more sense.
4. **Seasonal Deals:**
– Ski shops often have end-of-season sales with significant discounts on equipment. This can be a great time to buy if you plan ahead for the next season.
5. **Convenience:**
– Owning gear can save time and hassle each trip, as you won’t have to wait in rental lines and can have everything adjusted to your kids’ preferences in advance.
### Recommendations:
– **Beginner Phase:** Rent equipment to give your kids time to develop their skills and preferences.
– **Intermediate Phase:** If they continue to enjoy skiing and show improvement, consider purchasing second-hand or discounted new equipment.
– **Advanced Phase:** Once they are committed to the sport and ski frequently, investing in higher quality gear makes sense.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing cost, convenience, and their growing needs. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and consider buying second-hand gear as a cost-effective option.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!
Katie signed up for an online business class this evening. She also showed me her “Vision Board” (see photo to the right). The little notes say “I am a successful business owner” and “Money flows to me easily”. I’m glad to see that she is starting to apply some of the “Vision” and “Law of Attraction” principles I have been teaching her. Who knows where she will be when she is my age? At least she will have this blog to look back on and see where it all started…
Another day of the Advent Calendar today. More chocolates for the kids and Bobby received another Lego set for his “Planet System” and Katie more moisturizer.