In fact, it’s down right unnecessary. Like any item of purchase, there is a middle ground that will provide good service and get you started on safe and durable equipment.

Used equipment may or may not be satisfactory. Experience has taught me, over the years, that buying used equipment could be buying someone else’s problems. If you really know what you want or you have a trusted friend who knows about ski equipment, used equipment may be the way to go. But remember, there is a reason the person is selling their equipment. Most likely it’s because it’s either worn out or out of style.

With new space-age technology, the equipment you purchase today is so much better than it was even five years ago. Boots are extremely comfortable. The new shaped skis have revolutionized skiing. Skis are now shorter and easier to turn, but react like the longer skies of years past. They are much safer on unstable snow. Skiing is much more fun. Bindings are much safer and the exotic materials used in clothing keep you warmer with less bulk.

For a beginning skier, a walk through a ski shop can be overwhelming. Prices appear inflated and there is too much to choose from. Where do your start? A lot of potential schuss boomers just walk out. Here are some suggestions for your first visit.

Upon arrival, ask to see the owner of the store. He should be more knowledgeable than even his most trusted employees. Tell him you’re a beginning skier and you know absolutely nothing about skiing equipment. Let him take it from there. For example, Jack Hay, owner of the Alpine Sport Shop on Clinton St., is one of the most knowledgeable shop owners in the Capital District.

Hay has been at the Alpine Sport Shop for 40 years and is highly respected by area skiers.

He will, most likely, ask you about your athletic ability along with accessing your physical attributes. Athletic ability, height and weight play important roles in selecting equipment.

As a concerned salesman, he will take time to explain how each piece of equipment functions.

As he talks, and based on the information you give him, he will make recommendations on what you should buy.

Even though you will see skis that sell for seven or eight hundred dollars, he will probably select a less expensive ski for your first purchase. When you’re first learning, high performance skis are unnecessary.

Your money will be best spent on a comfortable but firm boot. Again, not the most expensive pair in his shop, but ones good enough to give you strong support and a high binding is also important. New skiers do fall a lot and when you tip over, your bindings should release effectively. A good boot and a good binding will be your biggest investment. Once you develop your technique, you can upgrade your skis as you become more efficient.

To complete your first investment in skiing, you will need a cheap pair of poles and goggles, some comfortable socks and a good set of ski underwear. Outerwear can be expensive and I mean expensive. For your first year look for something on sale, borrow from a friend or use some of the winter gear you already have at home. To economize the first year, forget the luxury of being a fashion plate. Wait until early spring when everything will be reduced and you will be able to decide if you really like the sport.

Now that you are all decked out with reasonable but efficient equipment, I have one other suggestion for you. Rather then heading off to a large resort for your first encounter with the new, start at one of the smaller areas like West Mountain, Willard or Bromley in Vermont. You will feel more comfortable without a large crowd to contend with. The basic routine for getting on the snow is the same and you will save money on a cheaper lift ticket. For heaven sake, above all, take a lesson to learn the basic fundamentals. That will be the best investment you will make all year.