[steemin]

Hey Andrew,
I went to college in Colorado and I took full advatage of the awesome skiing available in that area of the country. I am now back home in Indiana and I am lucky if I get to ski a couple of times a year. Mostly we head up into Michigan for a couple of days.
At any rate the only way that I would consider buying equipment is if I lived close enough to a good skiing area to go several times a year. Or if I was committed enough to fly into good ski areas several times a year.
If you are only going to ski a couple of times a year max and you generally will be flying to get there IMHO dragging your equipment cross country is not worth it.
When I was really into the sport I thought that renting equipment was gay.
Today however the rental equpment at the better resorts is usually top notch and you do not have to hassle with all of the travel/storage issues.
As far as who makes the good equipment today I have no idea. Things change quickly. I always bought the unsold "last years" models that were deeply discounted.
If you do decide to buy your own equipment don't skimp on boots and bindings. Take your time getting fitted so that your boots fit well and are comfortable..
Last bit of advise. Don't ever get on a snowmobile..Once I started riding sleds my passion for skiing was gone..
Anyway have fun and be safe.
Scott