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"Most people wait until the first snowflakes start falling to think about ski equipment," said Scott Maxwell, general manager of Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton. And while the slight chill in the air is more evocative of autumn than winter, Maxwell says it's not too soon to turn your thoughts to the upcoming snow sport season.
"This is a great time to come in," Maxwell said. "We've gotten in our full stock of skis and gear, so there's a wide selection. And if we have to special order something, the manufacturers still have plenty of stock in their warehouses. If you wait until December, the pickings start to get a little slimmer."
The atmosphere in the showroom is a little calmer, too. "You might be the only person there, looking at equipment, so you won't feel crowded or rushed," Maxwell said.
If you're not in the market for new equipment but want to get your gear ready for winter, it's a good time for that, too. "The turnaround time for service is just a day or so right now," Maxwell said. "During the height of the season, it might be a week to 10 days, and you could miss some time on the slopes."
Maxwell said that everyone should have their bindings checked before the season to make sure they're functioning safely. Kids also need to see whether they need new bindings after growing a few inches or putting on a couple of pounds since last winter.
Maxwell also recommends an equipment tune-up, which includes edge sharpening, before the season and then after every seven to 10 days of skiing. "Skis are like a knife," he said. "A sharp edge is safer for both."
Outdoor Sports Center has joined Main Street Connect by purchasing an annual visibility package.
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