Snowboards and equipment in Val Thorens

One of the best things about snowboarding, compared to skiing, is the boots. Snowboard boots are softer, easier to walk in and immediately comfortable compared to their plastic shelled brothers. We wold always recommend new boots as opposed to second-hand boots - once used a couple of times they tend to mould to the previous users' feet, can lack padding and therefore warmth and comfort.

It is better to buy in the resort and the type of boot you choose will be dictated to, by some extent, by the type of bindings you choose, or vice-versa. Step in bindings and alpine bindings will require different boots. If you have opted for conventional ratchet bindings almost any boot from any manufacturer will fit, which leaves you with a huge amount of choice. There are some great snowboard shops in Val Thorens, and any problems can be addressed during your stay at no extra cost. A professional boot fitter should select the correct boot to suit your level and foot shape, and if you're really splashing out heat-moulding and a professionally made foot bed are recommended to stabilise your foot and ankle within the boot, avoid heel lift, and enhance the transmission of your energy through the binding into the board for optimum control and carving.

Stiffer boots will offer more control, softer ones will give more flex and allow you to move around more freely. As you can expect, it is all down to comfort and personal choice. Towards the end of March/early April, a number of local shops will have a good selection of boots in their end of season sales.

There are many boots and binding combinations on the market today, so it is important to know your riding style before you purchase. There are basically two types of bindings available: step-ins or ratchet/strap. Each has their own benefits and drawbacks.

Strap or ratchet bindings are the original and most popular of the bindings available on the market. There are two straps, one across the toe and one which secures at the ankle. A high plate rides up the back of your heel and lower calf and assists in forcing the heel into the binding, bringing the toe side of the board up. Strap or ratchet bindings offer good control and comfort as the foot feels secure.

Step-in bindings are increasingly less and less popular as they do not offer the same control of the snowboard, and the boots/binding system is far heavier than lighter strap bindings. The various step-in systems available limit the amount of time you spend doing up your bindings and reduce the need to bend down as the connection to the board is made by clipping the boot to the board using a spring loaded mechanism.

The choice of binding is individual and depends on your riding style, although we would always recommend strap bindings rather than step-ins. As it is so personal it is worth trying all the systems and styles at a board test. Before you make a decision on bindings, check that they will fit your boots and snowboard. Different snowboard manufacturers have different fixing mounts for their bindings and not all bindings fit on all boards.

Companies like Rome have been putting asymmetrical high backs on their bindings for a couple of years. This left-or-right specific shaping has filtered down to heel straps too. The theory is that by making the strap wider and more padded on the inside of your foot, it reduces the biting pressure point so often found when you've got your bindings really cranked.

Likewise, Burton has reintroduced the winged high back for maximum tweakability. Found on the Infidel model, the top of the high back curves outwards, around the boot, for greater lateral board control on the ground and in the air.

For split-board bindings, a company that's been bubbling below the radar for a season or two is Spark R&D. Now general acceptance of their product, plus a huge quality increase, has resulted in Spark being the binding of choice for split-board enthusiasts. The lightweight stiff base plates slide directly onto the Voilé mounting pucks, for a seamless and disc-free set up that's far less likely to come loose.

The local shops will offer a wide range of gear, with different boards to choose from depending on your ability, plus a couple of other factors such as gender, height, weight and age. The equipment on offer is hugely diverse, catering to an assortment of terrains and personal preference. Most shops will stock a selection of all mountain, freeride or freestyle boards as well as specialist models.

The reasons for buying in resort are two-fold. You can return for little tweaks once you've had a few hours in your new boots or on your new board, plus some shops have dedicated Test Centres, offering test days for equipment which means you can try before you buy.

Once you've found a reputable Test Centre shop, set aside a whole day, choosing a good weather day with good visibility, ideally at the beginning of your holiday, and try out some models back-to-back on the same slopes. Be honest with the shop about your snowboarding level and budget, and try to narrow your choice to three models - any more would be quite confusing.

The price of the test is usually deducted from the final price of your purchase.

Once you own your own equipment you will need to take care of it to ensure it lasts, and a good service can make all the difference between a good and bad day's riding.

Regular servicing usually includes a deep clean of the snowboard, edge sharpening/tuning and base waxing, repair of any holes and scratches on the base - all helping keep it like new for longer. Sharp edges and a structured, waxed base improves turns, speed and control. Waxing helps prevent water from getting into the core.

Although you can maintain your snowboard at home, it takes quite a bit of gear and know how to get it right. The simplest way is to drop it into a good repair shop. Many of the local shops in resort will be able to do an overnight service before you hit the slopes, giving you professional advice on what needs doing. Some snowboarders advocate a thick coat of 'storage' wax after each holiday to protect the base from drying out, but it's not essential, as long as your board gets a fresh wax before your next snowboarding holiday.