Good for you. As far as the Q re skis -for the most part it depends. If you want to ski the more difficult terrains the skis are not that much different although they have wider tips and tails and the camber is different than what you might be used to. I would talk to someone you trust-not me-I'm not that knowledgeable. If you ever get to Sacramento the best people to discuss what you may want and actually need are at Helm of Sun Valley ski shop. Its a family run business and they are extremely helpful. Its where the experts and non experts go. Here is their website.

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