FAQs | Alpin Haus | Skiing, Snowboarding, RVs, Boating, Pools

Q.  Do I need to have my skis tuned every year?

A. Yes, it’s a good idea to get your alpine skis waxed and tuned at the start of every ski season. We want your skis (and all your ski equipment) to perform in top-top shape for you. In those months of storage, ski bases can get dried out. Depending on how often you ski, you may need to get the skis waxed more frequently. We recommend waxing every half-dozen outings or so. There are different types of wax for varying conditions. Luckily for you, our ski shop staff will have no problem getting you all set.

Q. What is a proper fit for a ski boot?

A. The purpose of a ski boot is to create a direct connection from your knee to the ski without any unnecessary slippage or movement. If your boot is too loose, your skiing will suffer and you could hurt yourself. And if your boot is too tight, you are promising yourself plenty of painful days. Most people will choose a ski boot that is too big for them and this is because most people also wear their shoes a size too big. Do not pick a bigger boot assuming that it will be more comfortable, as this is one of the most common mistakes made in boot fitting, whether for men's alpine or women's alpine. Often this is because when trying on the boot for the very first time it will feel too tight. However, over time the foam in the boot will compress leaving more room for your feet. A good fitting boot should be comfortably snug and not sloppy. You should be able to wiggle your toes but not have heel slippage or movement from side to side or forward to back.  And the same goes for snowshoes as well!

Q. What is the ideal outfit for a day on the slopes?

A. Layering, layering, layering for skiing apparel! Start with some long underwear, top and bottom, and ski socks. Add either ski pants or bib, or warm pants and warm shirt or turtleneck. Next comes parka, or fleece jacket and wind shell. Finish off with hat, gloves or mittens, face mask in extreme cold, and goggles. We suggest a helmet as well, for safety and for warmth. Good news, we sell all of these things in many different colors and styles to fit your personal style.

Q. What is boot canting?

A. Ski boot canting is an adjustment that is made to your ski boots to bring about a neutral stance that allows you to stand flat on both skis. The boot is canted (shimmed) under the binding to bring your foot to a neutral position

Q.  What should l look for when picking the correct ski?

A. The skiier should consider ski conditions, ability, and experience when choosing their gear -- whether men's skis or women's skis. Our ski shop staff is trained to help you out by asking the right questions, and knowing their stuff! Have questions but can’t make it in? Feel free to give us a call: that’s what we’re here for.

Q. What if I don’t have a truck, can I still buy an RV?

A. You're in luck! Yes, you can still bring home an RV. There are many small, light-weight trailers that can be pulled behind full-size cars, SUV's, and vans as long as the vehicle is fitted for towing. A folding trailer (also known as a tent camper) is generally the best option in this case.  You can browse our RV Accessories page for more information.

Q. What is the best RV?

A. Several variables go into which RV is properly suited for each customer. There is no one best RV, but rather the best option for your needs. Things that should be considered for the decision-making process include: how often the RV will be used, how many people will be traveling, where you will be going and how much you would like to spend on the investment. Our sales staff are excellent at matching you with the trailer or motorhome that will fit you best.  Plus, our excellent RV Service Department will be there for you for the life of your RV.

Q. How much do RV parks or campgrounds cost?

A. Costs associated with facilities vary, depending upon what type of amenities are available:

• “Dry” Camping: No hookups available in the site. The Park may have central facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and an RV dump station. Typical daily rates: $3-$10
• Water and electric: City water and an electric outlet ranging from 15 to 50 amps. Typical daily rates: $10-$30
• Full hookup: All hookups needed for an RV—water, electric, and sewage. Typical daily rates: $15-$50. This would be desirable if planning on staying for an extended period of time.

There are a variety of clubs and organizations that provide discounts on campgrounds. The longer the stay, the greater the discount in most cases.  And once you return home from that relaxing stay in the outdoors, you can always stop by for full RV Detailing Services to get your RV back to its mint condition!

Q. What mpg can I expect from my RV?

A. RV fuel consumption can vary greatly across different types of vehicles. Where you are traveling (highway vs. city) can impact mpg as well. While it is not possible to give a specific number, estimates are available for each model. Our salesmen can help you out further with those. There are a few general rules for fuel consumption:

• Towing a small trailer will only increase fuel usage by a slight amount or not at all.
• Smaller Class C motor homes and trailers will consume about 10-15 mpg.
• Large motor homes and trailers will range between 6-13 mpg.

Q. Will my lender's rate always be better than the RV dealer's financing?

A. Dealers work with many lenders and finance specifically for RV’s. We are able to offer longer terms, which can help you to afford the RV that works best for you. Special deals and financing through the manufacturer can also work in your advantage when working with your dealer’s financing.

Q. How often do I need to renew my boat and trailer registrations?

A. Boats powered by a motor are required to renew their registration every 3 years. All trailers are required to renew registration every year.

Q. Do my boat and trailer need to be inspected?

A. NYS does not require that boats be inspected, but trailers must be inspected every year.

Q. What size ball does my trailer have?

A. There are 3 size of balls 1 7/8”, 2”, 2 5/16”

1-7/8" balls are typically used on smaller trailers and have a weight capacity of 2,000 lbs. 2" balls are used on medium sized trailers and have a weight capacity of up to 8,000 lbs. The 2-5/16" balls are used for heavy duty trailers and have a weight capacity of up to 30,000 lbs.

Q. What is the legal boating age?

A. Age Restrictions according to New York State:

Operators of motorboats, excluding Personal Watercraft (PWCs), must adhere to the following guidelines:
• If under 10 years old: You must be accompanied onboard by a person at least 18 years old.
• If 10 to 18 years of age: You must be accompanied by a person over 18, or hold a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
• If over 18: You may operate a motorboat alone.  Consider browsing our extensive inventory of pre-owned and used boats for the young ones in your family!

 PWC Requirements - SL 3. Boater Safety Education Requirements

As of January 1, 2006, all operators 14 years of age and older must successfully complete a boating safety education course to operate a Personal Watercraft in the State of New York. Those 10 to 18 must also have a boating safety education certificate to operate any other motorboat, unless accompanied by someone over 18.

Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by someone over 18 years of age holding a safety certificate of their own. Accompanied for this section of law shall mean the adult must be within 500 feet, on another PWC or vessel and within sight of the PWC.

Q.  Will energy-efficient products really affect my power bill?

A. Your pool filter and heater can sometimes operate for up to 12 hours a day, depending on your pool size. By increasing the efficiency of that equipment, you can see BIG savings. If you are not building a new pool, even replacing older equipment can have a major effect on long-term savings.

Q. My pool is cloudy, what do I do?

A. There are a few reasons for cloudiness in your swimming pool. It could be that the pH is not in proper range, your filter may need to be cleaned out or there may be higher than normal amounts of calcium in the water. To combat this, check the water levels and then give your filter a good cleaning. In the case of a sand filter, the sand does not need to be replaced, but rather use a filter cleanser.

Q. How often should I test my pool water?

A. While once a week testing works for most pools, checking the levels twice a week is recommended. Don’t forget that chlorine should continuously be fed into your pool to maintain consistency of levels.

Q. When should I bring my water to Alpin Haus for sampling?

A. We recommend bringing a sample to our pool service center once a week at the beginning of the pool season, and bi-weekly during the summer. If there is any change in water clarity, bring in a sample immediately.

Q. Does pool water chemistry always have to be correct?

A. You will want the water chemistry to be correct for a couple of reasons. First you want to be sure that the water is sanitary for swimming in, and second, the balance is important to protect not just swimmers, but the pool equipment as well.

Q. What is the difference between a spa, a hot tub, and a whirlpool?

A. Absolutely nothing!

Q. What kind of warranty does my spa have?

A. Warranty coverage varies according to the Series of the spa. All spas are shipped from the factory with the applicable warranty and other information in a watertight plastic bag placed in the equipment compartment (behind the right-hand cabinet panel on the side under the main control panel). If you have misplaced yours, you may view the warranty for Caldera spas manufactured since 2000. If your spa was manufactured prior to 2000, please contact your dealer or our Customer Service Department. (Please note that the spa's warranty is valid for the original purchaser only.)

Q. What kind of chemicals and care does my spa need?

A. Alpin Haus' Spa Department will instruct you in proper water care and then be available for questions as they arise. General guidelines are also included in your owner's manual. Here are the basics: Once you have handled the initial balancing of the water's Total Alkalinity, pH and Calcium Hardness, you will add the sanitizer. It will then be a matter of routinely checking to ensure that these factors remain within the desired ranges. Typically, the only chemical required on a regular basis after the initial balancing is the sanitizer, as this dissipates over time. Unusual water conditions in some areas, and other factors, may necessitate the addition of other chemicals to assure optimal water quality. Beyond that, you will only need to clean your filter regularly and minimize the amount of foreign matter (dust, debris, cosmetics, etc.) that get into the water. You will need to drain and refill your spa every two to six months, depending on a number of factors including how much the spa is used, whether or not the spa has an effective ozone generating system and how well you have followed the recommended water care instructions.

Q. How can I minimize the energy costs associated with my spa?

A. The main cost of spa operation is heating the water. Therefore, the less the heater operates, the lower your costs will be. Your Caldera spa features full foam insulation inside the cabinet and a thick, insulating cover to help conserve the water's heat.

Q. Can I put an ozonator on my spa?

A. Yes. A good quality ozone generator can help make your chemical sanitizer more effective. This is why we include the high-output Monarch Corona Discharge Ozone System on the Elation spa, Utopia, and Aquatic Melodies Series models. All other Caldera models are built to be "ozone ready" so that your dealer can easily install either the Monarch CD Ozone System or our PureWater UV Ozone System.

Q. What is the difference between a snowmobile, a snowmachine, and a sled?

A. You guessed it -- absolutely nothing! They are all land vehicles designed for winter travel on snow.