My boy friend has always wanted a skier's watch.   Has been a skier
for 40 years...is a fit, 65 year old man who skies as often as he
can.....several times a week in season ( Killington ).   I know nothing about these
watches.   Researched them at Rei and am confused.   I expected to pay
about $200.....most of them are $300 or higher.    There is only one
at $200.   What is it that I must look for to get him a watch he will
treasure and be able to use for the next 20 years?  What is it that
makes this one $200 watch different from those at $300 or more?
I can afford $300 if I have to to get him quality but it will be a
sacrifice as I, too, am retired.
Thank you.

I expect that you are looking for a watch the shows and maybe records
altitudes: the top of the run and the bottom.  Some watches may
calculate the difference, and maybe more, perhaps the total for
several runs on one day.
Here one.  I didn't read everything that it can do, but it seems to do
a lot  - for a price.  A NZ$ is about 68 US cents:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/mcat-0246-0486-/0246-0486-0876-/auction-10171615.htm

If you search with "skier's watch"  (with the "") you can see more.

Hi slosid7,

You can also check out:
http://www.suuntowatches.com/By_Activity/Suunto_Skiing_Snowboarding_Watch/index.cat
They also have a toll free # 1-800-891-8490  
Just click on the models & they will give you the desc of the features.

Regards,
Taurean

Slosid7 --

I'm a skier and find great advice about equipment and technique at
http://www.Epicski.com
It's a skier's website, very active postings on the "Barking Bear Forums."  

I just looked up some threads on watches.   Click on this link below
and you can read the user comments and recommendations about different
brands, with pros and cons.
Hope it helps.  If you still have questions, all you have to do is
register (it's free) and post your own query and people will jump
right in to answer you.

http://forums.epicski.com/search.php?searchid=689427

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod1075017&navAction=jump

here is a ski watch. restoration hardware is a good store; this should
be a good watch. it is on sale now for $80

here is info on it:
Ski Watch 
$79.99 
Sleek and aerodynamic, this watch is the official timepiece of the U.S. Ski Team.
* Imported 
* Includes an altimeter, barometer, temperature sensor and two alarms 
* Keeps track of two time zones, the number of runs completed,
elevation changes and data on two ski sessions
* Quartz movement powered by included battery 
* Water resistant

I am a skier and the watch that I use is the Avocet Vertech Alpin
watch. this watch is a high quality barometric measuring device. I
purchased mine from Lickbike.com

Here is the link for a great watch at $133.88 btw the price has
decreased I paid $178

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='3213-05'