NWR: skiing

so my question is 3 fold

(1) ok so FH loves to ski so as the main part of his wedding gift I'm getting him new skis, poles, boots, and possibly a new outfit. how much could all of FH's gifts potentially cost me? a banked 2 grand for his gift so i want to be sure I have enough.

(2) i want to surprise FH with a ski trip next january or feb so i was wondering what are the best places to go that time of year that is driving distance (at most 6-7 hours) and it's uber expensive?

(3) he really wants me to learn and take it up as well. but i dont want to shell out all that money on equipment if i don't take to it or dont like it. can i get away with just buying an outfit and renting everything else?

its all a surprise otherwise i'd just ask FH himself. lol

I would say that you can get a VERY nice set of skis/boots/bindings/poles for 2K. I went around this time last year when everything was on sale and got my entire set on sale for $799, down from almost $1400!!!

As for places to go, there are some closer to NY like Belleayre resort which is about 3 hours away. You can also go to NH/Vermont, they are about a 6-7 hour drive but tend to be a little more expensive.

And you can definitely rent skis or a snowboard no matter where you go. I would highly recommend it since you don't even know if you are going to like it or not. Its usually about $30 a day to rent skis/boots/poles. They aren't the greatest quality, but will definitely do the trick.

Have fun! FM if you need any more info

I think you should be able to get some great equiptment for $2G. I would recommend going to a smaller ski store (I prefer Sno-haus by the walt whitman mall) and let them know what type of skiier your FH is and where he ski's most often (basically, east coast vs. west).

I went to Middlebury in VT for college, and we were fortunate enough to have our own mountain, however, the area isn't that exciting! I think Vermont is your best bet for drivable places, otherwise my FAVORITE place on the east is Tremblant in Canada. They have a European-like village at the base of the mountain and the crowds aren't that bad. Pretty reasonable as well. Prob a 8-10hr drive from LI. In Vermont, check out Okemo or Stowe - lots to do in the surrounding area.

You can definately rent equiptment. I would suggest doing it wherever you go, but you can also do it in NY and bring the stuff with you.

Let him pick out his ski equipment...... every pair of skis are different and boots are critical...he has to love his boots. Ski Stop always has a big selection. You should be able to buy everything for under 2K.

I hate NY ski areas....they tend to get way to crowded. I love Sugarloaf in Maine but it is a long drive from here. I suggest if you are going for a few days try Sugarbush in VT. There is also, right next to Sugarbush, Mad River Glen (there is no snowboarding allowed) so I have never been but my ski friends rave about it.

I say (as a snowboarding instructor) take up snowboarding instead! Way more comfort!!!

Come to Windham mountain and I'll teach ya.