OK. Last season I finally took that long overdue tele clinic at t-line. Actually enjoyed it. After suffering half the clinic in ill-fitting rental boots, I spent my lunch time fixing the fit. I want to buy boots and maybe get some old alpine skis mounted unless there is overwhelming advice against it. What should I buy, where's a good place to buy it? I'm not wanting to spend a fortune since I need new alpine boards this season, but want equipment which will permit me to get out of the novice classification.

Buy new boots that fit. Generally the fit (starting with higher volume) goes from Garmont to Scarpa to Crispi. Most people's feet fit either Garmont or Scarpa but rarely both.

telemarkdown.com has decent prices. The Karhu Kodiak is $225 new. Also you can find decent used stuff at telemarktips.com

Most alpine skis are too stiff for beginning tele skiers.

Telemarkdown and Teleturnaround as mentioned are both good.
White Grass also always has plenty of used and rental gear, that you can probably try before buy.

GReat deal right now on Tramdock.com. If you see this within the next 30 minutes or so

Karhu Kodiak Telemark and Alpine Touring Ski
$186.00
65% off
Reg. $525.00