I only ski groomers, mostly blacks and trying to get better at moguls. I don't go above 25 mph and prefer groomer/all mountain control skis with a tight turning radius. I'm not great, but not terrible at skiing (~5 years as an adult beginner, ~20 days/season, usually getting annual lessons). I still can't carve / parallel ski but that's not something I'm trying to learn.

(Edit: I can parallel, I can't carve. Sorry for using the wrong terminology. I mostly skied during COVID taking lessons in a language that I'm not fully proficient in.)

I picked up my rental skis today telling them this same info and identified as a type 3 skier.

They gave me 2013 Salomon Mission 550s (60 flex boots) and 2013 Salomon QST 85s (177cm). They're ok? They're super easy to control and fine on the slopes. TBH I was hoping for stiffer boots and skis but honestly don't know that I'm missing out on with my current setup.

I was hoping to try out some equipment this year before buying at the end of the season, but should I be focusing on getting better (i.e. more ski lessons / more time on blacks) with what I have? I moved to a ski town and am looking at ~40 days this season.

Long term, I would like to try out back country or telemarks.

• height: 6'
• weight: 166 lbs
• home mountain: Snoqualmie

Edit: After folks' comments I plan on sticking with this setup, getting some more lessons, and at the end of the season probably pick up some stiffer boots and QST 92s. Thanks for all the help!