first ski trip, what do I need? (and where to get it!?)

theCzar

Hi,

I'm going skiing in Austria in January, and I'm trying to find what I need to buy in terms of clothes (skis etc. rental is included in package). I really don't want to spend a lot of money, and figure what I need is basically a set of water proofs to go over some normal clothes but having never been skiing I'm not sure what to look out for.

Any tips?

das_uber_thingy

theCzar wrote: »

Hi,

I'm going skiing in Austria in January, and I'm trying to find what I need to buy in terms of clothes (skis etc. rental is included in package). I really don't want to spend a lot of money, and figure what I need is basically a set of water proofs to go over some normal clothes but having never been skiing I'm not sure what to look out for.

Any tips?

Straight from topflight.ie cos it appears nobody wants to bother with a long answer:

Going on your first ski holiday and wondering what to bring on your ski holiday? A few helpful hints include: ski jacket, ski goggles, sun cream, fleece jacket/heavey woolen sweater, sunglasses, thermal polo necks, saloppetes/trousers, Apres ski boots/shoes, ski socks/warm cap, bum bag or rucksack, lift pass holder, warm protective ski gloves, ski insurance and casual warm evening wear.

Overflow

theCzar wrote: »

Hi,

I'm going skiing in Austria in January, and I'm trying to find what I need to buy in terms of clothes (skis etc. rental is included in package). I really don't want to spend a lot of money, and figure what I need is basically a set of water proofs to go over some normal clothes but having never been skiing I'm not sure what to look out for.

Any tips?

Hey,

Theres tons of advice if you browse back a bit in this forum. Just one thing, the idea with the water proofs over normal clothes, forget about it! Not a good idea at all, you need some proper Thermal underwear, that's top and bottoms, plus some insulated and waterproof ski pants and a ski jacket.

Ski pants and jackets have special skirting around the ankles, wrists and waists to help stop the snow getting inside your clothes. If you just wear your normal waterproofs i guarantee you will get soaked, freeze and generally be miserable on the slopes.

Do your self a favour and get the proper gear even the dirt cheap stuff in Lidl or Tk Max. You can even rent gear from The Great Outdoors on Grafton St. Im sure some of the other members here will agree with me.

P.s. Where in Austria are you going? Im going to Saalbach myself in Feb.

spurscormac

Check this out, got a few responses and some advice.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055429329

No need to go over the top on gear, cheap stuff will do to start, you can upgrade later once you like it.

robinph

das_uber_thingy wrote: »

Straight from topflight.ie cos it appears nobody wants to bother with a long answer:

Going on your first ski holiday and wondering what to bring on your ski holiday? A few helpful hints include: ski jacket, ski goggles, sun cream, fleece jacket/heavey woolen sweater, sunglasses, thermal polo necks, saloppetes/trousers, Apres ski boots/shoes, ski socks/warm cap, bum bag or rucksack, lift pass holder, warm protective ski gloves, ski insurance and casual warm evening wear.

Couple of things in their list which are either bad idea/ waste of luggage space/ pointless. Also ignore the things like lift pass holder as any old jacket pocket will do as long as it has a zip.

You also do not NEED to get a ski jacket, remember that this is Ireland that most of us are living in, it rains a lot here, if you don't already have a waterproof jacket of some description the there is something else wrong. The things like the snow skirts that you get in the proper ski jackets are nice but certainly not a requirement for someone going away on their first trip. A waterproof jacket that is not too bulky but has enough space for you to put on an extra layer underneath if need be will do. The Sallopetts are the only really specific form of ski clothing that you will need, but I have been away wearing some motorbike waterproofs over pairs of track bottoms before and survived. You do need leg wear that you can adjust to close around the top of the ski boots though or your feet WILL freeze.

Goggles are the only other thing that you'd not have already and some form of eyewear is essential, but you can get away with sunglasses as well if need be although you will not be able to see quite as well.

EileenG

The only really specialized ski stuff you must buy or borrow are decent goretex type clothes (the knock-offs are fine as long as they are warm, waterproof and breathable), and some kind of long ski socks that won't dig into you when the boots are clamped shut.

You will need warm underwear that wicks moisture from the skin, but there are lots of cheap brands about.

Also some sort of high-neck fleece or wooly top, you probably already have one.

A good jacket, but it just has to keep you warm and keep the snow out, it doesn't have to be goretex or very technical. My husband skied for years in a heavy cotton jacket.

You need something on your legs to keep you warm on ski lifts and to keep snow out. I usually ski in a pair of cycling leggings topped by a pair of snow-resistant trousers that look like anything you might wear in the street. Or you can buy a cheap pair in Pennys or Lidl/Aldi.

Lidl/Aldi do cycling shades with interchangable lens for a fiver which I think are brilliant for skiing. I'd suggest hiring a helmet with your skies, it will keep your head warm as well as provide protection.

edmund_f

see what you can borrow - most of the boarders - skiers i know change their outerwear most seasons so you would be surprised what people will give you.

if you are learning, and you think there is a good probability of falling over make sure you have decent gloves - jacket - pants, in that order. (not expensive ones, just ones designed for the job).

remember if you head over and find a piece of kit you have is completely useless there are plenty of shops in the resort where you can get this stuff pretty cheaply. Don't stress over it

aside on this, anyone notice in TK Maxx all the jackets seem to be for skiers, very few for boarders - campaign against boarders by TK Maxx?? or just lots of boarders around this year?

theCzar

Thanks for the tips guys. I was in century 21 in New York (sort of like a gigantic TK Maxx) and I picked some basics for a reasonable price. I got a ski jacket and pants and gloves for under €100, a fleece and some thermals too so I think I'm ALMOST good to go.

Only missing goggles and ski socks. I've no more room in my luggage so I'll look them up when I get home tomorrow

EileenG

Check out Pennys. They have really cheap ski sock (look in the women's sock section) which will fit men as well. 3 euro for two pairs, and they are lovely and comfortable.

flikflak

Dont bother buying any goggles here just wait until you get to resort and pick them up if you need them. As long as you have decent sunglasses then you will be good to go. If it is belting it down with the white stuff then just get yourself a pair of goggles there.

4red

If i were you I'd get goggles. I didn't bother on my first trip years ago. All went well on first few sunny days where sunglasses sufficed. Next day whiteout conditions, I was blinded, had to opt out of a lesson and completely lost my confidence. Immediately bought a 30 euro pair of goggles in resort - wish I'd done it earlier!

Don1

Goggles are the same as sunnies in flat light as they normally have orange lenses.
Flat light lenses (yellow/blue tint) are among the most expensive. Most people just struggle through whiteouts or night ski from what I've seen. Had some spectacular crashes whilst trying to go fast with orange lenses in fog. Not smart. Just slow down, or stop if it gets too bad.

I got mine towards the end of last season and never looked back. Worth it, but only if you are gonna be going a lot.