Your Cart is Empty
When it comes to buying and selling used skis, there’s more to consider than whether or not the skis appear “functional.” The bases may look nice and waxed, the edges may still have a factory edge on them, and the topsheets may have no nicks or dings that even a microscope could identify. The real question on “is that ski still usable” is whether or not the bindings are indemnified by the manufacturer. What in the world does that mean, most people will ask?
As described by skibum.net, indemnified bindings means “in short, … the manufacturer will “support” the certified technician in the event of legal action. That’s all.” Each year, ski binding manufacturers create a list of bindings that they will indemnify. This list is provided to certified ski retailers who belong to the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA).
The purpose of the NSSRA, according to their website, is to “represent specialty snowsports retailers, and advocate on their behalf on issues affecting their businesses.” Each year, binding manufacturers create a list of bindings they will indemnify and provide that list to the NSSRA who in turn provides that list exclusively to their paying members. In order to become an NSSRA member, retailers must submit an application to the organization with an annual payment and details of their retail ski shop.
This might lead you to ask “what about the rest of us?” I, personally, want to know whether or not those skis that were handed down or sold second hand to me are considered “indemnified,” and therefore safe in the eyes of the Industry. This is where it gets a little convoluted. In order to have a binding tested for safety, a ski shop must test the binding to ensure that binding will release when a certain amount of pressure is applied laterally to the ski boot. This test mimics a hypothetical user of the boot and binding combination falling. If the binding were to not release, the user’s knees could be compromised resulting in potential injury. This test can cost anywhere from $15 to $25 depending on the shop you bring them to.
On top of the industry’s indemnified list, a shop technician also has the ultimate say in whether or not they consider the binding to be safe. Even if the bindings are on the indemnification list, a ski tech can deny service if they don’t consider a binding to be safe. All of these different factors leaves those who choose to use second hand skis at the mercy of the ski shops who are renting or selling skis and bindings direct from the manufacturer and who belong to the NSSRA.
Therefore, when we take in used skis on consignment we take time to check (to the best of our ability and available resources) that the bindings on the skis are deemed usable and on the most current indemnification list. If they are not, we will not resell them in our shop because the next person who buys them won’t be able to get them serviced. Buying and selling used gear comes with its handful of challenges. Ski binding indemnification is one we are trying our best to stay up to speed on and do what it right by both consignor and customer.
Look–we can’t deny that huge ski areas are popular for a reason. Mega ski resorts often have the most terrain, the newest lifts, the snazziest shuttles, the most interesting base villages, and the best dining and aprés options. They can also (sometimes) have the best snow.
But big ski areas can also be a big pain in the rear. Crowds, traffic, lift lines, parking hassles, wild hotel and meal prices, and jaw-dropping lift ticket rack rates can all conspire to make skiing seem a LOT less fun than it should be.
Winter snow may still cover the high country for another six months or more, but it’s never too early to learn about what’s new in mountain bike tech for 2025. Spring Break is right around the corner and whether it’s a trip to the desert you have planned, or you are dreaming about your perfect ride for this summer, now is the time to learn about what’s new for this year.
Not up for a new bike? Come spring,Durango Outdoor Exchange will have plenty ofused bikes to choose from–we just may have the perfect project bike for some of the tech you see listed below.
One of the main ways to determine running shoe type is by looking at sole thickness. The sole is what cushions and stabilizes you, and how much of it your shoes have goes a long way to predicting how comfortable the shoes will be.
But, more sole does not always equate to a better shoe, and the reason behind this is guided in part by what kind of runner you are.
With so many shoes offering varying levels of sole thickness, how do you know what’s best for you? Let’s look at the importance of sole thickness, how it impacts your running performance, and what to look for when choosingrunning shoes in Durango.