First time skiing -general advice

littlemiss123

Hi,

I'm going skiing for the first time this December and I'm looking for general advice on what to wear/bring etc?

At the moment I'm trying to buy my ski gear (was looking at buying the sales but all the new season stuff is coming out now so left it a bit late). I've had different advice from different people, so in need of more advice !!

Should I spend more on the jacket or trousers? I've been told that better trousers are more important because they'll be in contact with the snow more, but I've also been told the opposite. I don't mind spending a bit more on the jacket, if I know I will wear it again at home during the winter.

What would be a suitable waterproof rating for both the jacket and trousers?

Anyone recommend any good websites/brands? I'm looking to spend around €120 on both the jacket and trousers, and then maybe another €70 on baselayers, gloves, socks, sunglasses etc. I see the Dare2B brand everywhere, are they any good?

Any other essential items that I should invest in, or unessential items that I shouldn't bother with? Snow boots, goggles vs sunglasses, base layers etc?

Thanks :)

ulinbac

Lidl and Aldi do ski gear promotions around late October/November.

Don't spend loads of money on gear the first time! What if you don't like skiing, what are you going to do with all that gear?

After buying the Lidl gear for the first trip, I bought more expensive (brand) gear in TKMaxx and online for the second trip and used the Lidl stuff as spares.

Otherwise on a trip I bring:
- 1 pair of ski trousers
- Jacket
- 6/8 upper thermals and 6/8 bottoms (good to have 1/2 spares)
- Helmet
- The first year I wore t-shirts over thermals but don't now, it gets really hot
- Gloves
- Balaclava thing for face (been caught in a blizzard once, damn well hurts the face)
- Sunglasses (bendy ones that don't break) for easy days
- Proper googles for harder days
- 2 Hats
- Protective Gear
- Lots of thermal socks and jocks - You will get snow down your trousers and up your back at some stage!!
- Snowboard and boots

That is just for the snow and probably leaving out stuff aswell!!

You need going out clothes for nightime aswel


I always bring a pair of shorts and tracksuit pants for around the apartment after the day when getting ready to go out. Trust me, its a winner as you will be wrecked after a day skiing and will want some comfy clothes!!!

Bigus

Do some lessons here in kilternan ski club , if only to learn how to carry ski s walk in boots and maybe even ski ! , its like a adding at least an extra week to your holiday, and you can get loads of advice there too.

boarsboard

rent when there

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g188045-i336-k2272039-Ski_Clothing_Buy_or_Rent-Switzerland.html



http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=60842

littlemiss123

Thanks for all the advice guys, seems like a lot of stuff to bring! I've heard aldi/lidl do good offers but I'm nervous about leaving it that late because I know they sell out fast so if I can't get any I'll be stuck buying new season full price stuff.

Where could I scrimp and save....would it be worth buying like penny's base layers, leggings etc instead of forking out on proper stuff.

Also, do I need to buy 'snow boots' for walking around when not skiing....? What's the general après-ski attire?

Never thought about trying it out on the dry slopes first....that's a brilliant idea!! Thanks!!

CardinalJ

I've never worn thermals on my legs in maybe 15 years of ski trips. My legs get so damn hot from working that I dont need em. 6 or 8 thermals is probably over kill expense wise. You can bring 2/3 and wash/dry them in your room. The cheap lidl/aldi thermals will do you fine. As said, you don't want to spend a few hundred quid on gear you might never use again. (although Ive never met anyone on a first ski trip who didnt like it)

Make sure your goggles are decent. You dont need to spend a bomb, but if you have constant problems with fogging etc, it'll ruin your day.

One thing that people over look is a decent pair of shoes for walking around in the evenings. No point in having normal runners that let water in to them.

zagmund

penny's base layers . . . can be OK, but you absolutely must make sure you have at least one decent official thermal layer on. You do *not* want to end up getting cold on the slopes. You are not going to die or anything, but you will be cold, miserable, clumsy, tired, will fall over more, etc . . . and you really won't enjoy the lessons. As a beginner, you are going to spend a lot of time standing around waiting for other beginners to pick themselves up, or ski (slowly) to the instructor. This waiting around gets cold. Once you get the hang of things and actually spend more time moving than waiting you generate your own body heat so the cold isn't as much of an issue. It's still an issue obviously, but at least you are moving.

6/8 upper thermals and 6/8 bottoms (good to have 1/2 spares) - erm, if you mean 6 or 8 pairs then I think you're over doing it. We normally manage with 2 pairs. The heating in the apartments (or hotel rooms) is normally on at night and thermals will dry out by the morning no problem.

Make sure your jacket has cuffs which you can tie/tighten and/or get gloves which go well over your sleeves - getting snow up your sleeves is a major pain in the, err, arm. As a beginner you will fall, you will get snow somewhere. You need to make sure that you get as little of it in your under layers as possible as it will get cold & wet.

Depending on the level of cold we normally end up with - thermals, short or long sleeve t-shirt or heavy winter shirt, fleece, outer waterproof layer. when you are in ski school you will not have the opportunity to pop back to the hotel to change or get extra clothes, so bring everything you need with you. Most ski schools (or lift middle stations) have lockers where you can leave a bag.

z

zagmund

Of course, I forgot to mention the best option for sourcing gear - borrow from others, at least for the outer layers.

Regarding trousers or jacket - as a beginner you are likely to spend quite some time with your trousers in the snow. If you are unlucky and struggle to get up (as we all did as beginners at some point) it could take you a few minutes to get back up - all this time your outer layers will be in the snow. And since you will be moving, the snow will be melting at least a little, and seeping in where it can. I would suggest you want to ensure that your lower layer is waterproof. You don't want to be like the guys in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou - the Soggy Bottom Boys. You have a little more leeway with the upper layer as 1) you generate more heat there through body movement, 2) you are more likely to have intermediate layers to soak up or insulate you, 3) unless you are really unlucky you're not going to get covered in snow up there.

Given an option you want both levels waterproof, but if you can only go for one, go for the trousers.

z

littlemiss123

That's great!

I have seen this and thinking it might be a good deal:

http://www.skimania.co.uk/Item-6-79-cat-0-brand-2754-Trespass_Milano_Ski_Package.aspx

The trousers have a waterproof rating of 15,000mm, but the jacket only 2,000mm. However, like you said, my jacket won't be in the snow so much so I think this might be ok. I also get a set of thermals thrown in, so not bad for ~€150?

My shopping list now is snow boots, another set of thermals, thick socks, gloves, goggles and sunglasses?

The just the usual fleeces, scarves etc which I'm sure I can find at home!

I have tried to see can I borrow but anyone I know who has been skiing before is either a man or a woman who is much shorter than me.

I think I should be able to flog some of the stuff on ebay after, even for half the price, to get some of my mula back should I decide I never want to ski again! Hopefully not though

hawkwind23

some cheap helmets

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9108532.htm

and cheap gear if you can find sizes

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=119_120&zenid=0e794281e0b532948465fffcf058d291

littlemiss123

hawkwind23 wrote: »

some cheap helmets

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9108532.htm

and cheap gear if you can find sizes

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=119_120&zenid=0e794281e0b532948465fffcf058d291

Wow! Found a ski jacket for £15 in my size, brilliant thanks!

Do I need a helmet or can I rent that there...? Would be fairly bulky to carry with me.

zagmund

Helmets are pretty bulky, especially if travelling with one of the less-luggage-allowing airlines, although they don't weigh much. You can rent them in the ski hire shops for something like €10 or €20. The only issue might be if you were a bit wary of sharing sweat & stuff with the previous helmet owner. Some people are, some aren't. Since you are going in December there is a pretty reasonable chance that you will be getting brand new helmets, skis, boots, etc . . . If you went in March you would have 4 months of stuff ingrained into them.

"been skiing before is either a man" . . . I'm not entirely sure what the problem there is. If it fits, wear it. Ski school is anything but a fashion parade. There will be people there in the most unusual outfits, including stuff that was the height of fashion back in the 80s when their parents went skiing. Honestly, I'm not just saying this so that you end up in some blokes stuff, but because (unless you're in Zermatt or G'Stadd or something) most people on the slopes will not pay the first bit of attention to what you are wearing.

z

littlemiss123

zagmund wrote: »

Helmets are pretty bulky, especially if travelling with one of the less-luggage-allowing airlines, although they don't weigh much. You can rent them in the ski hire shops for something like €10 or €20. The only issue might be if you were a bit wary of sharing sweat & stuff with the previous helmet owner. Some people are, some aren't. Since you are going in December there is a pretty reasonable chance that you will be getting brand new helmets, skis, boots, etc . . . If you went in March you would have 4 months of stuff ingrained into them.

"been skiing before is either a man" . . . I'm not entirely sure what the problem there is. If it fits, wear it. Ski school is anything but a fashion parade. There will be people there in the most unusual outfits, including stuff that was the height of fashion back in the 80s when their parents went skiing. Honestly, I'm not just saying this so that you end up in some blokes stuff, but because (unless you're in Zermatt or G'Stadd or something) most people on the slopes will not pay the first bit of attention to what you are wearing.

z

Yeah, I'm definitely not going to both buying a helmet, the suitcase will be bulky enough with winter clothes without bringing that!

I agree, if it fitted I'd wear it....who cares what I look like....but unfortunately have tried some of the stuff on and the mens stuff swamps me, and the other womans stuff is too small!! Typical

Found a great jacket for 15 squids on that website hawkwind23 recommended so at least that's not breaking the bank!

Fattes

littlemiss123; Welcome to the greatest sport on the planet, where are you going? You are about right for the waterproofing on your pants and jacket. About 10,000 for both is perfect.

- You will need 2/3 base layers, with the type of jacket/pants you are likely to buy you wont need to much in the way of thermal leggins especially in December when it is not as cold (This varies)

Ski socks can be got really cheaply in TK Maxx and Gloves also. Have a look for the Reusch, Mammot amongst other really good brands they do for gloves.

DO NOT BUY Googles, it will be a waste, if there is heavy snow days when there pick up a cheap pair in resort, for your first trip.

You wont need snow boots, Most resorts keep paths clear, and again its early season so you should be ok.

Sunscreen and lip balm lots of it!

If you are doing Kilternan, they do specials for Octoberfest and their 1 day course is probably a really good option for a beginner on a Sat. You may even have me teaching you

littlemiss123

Fattes wrote: »

littlemiss123; Welcome to the greatest sport on the planet, where are you going? You are about right for the waterproofing on your pants and jacket. About 10,000 for both is perfect.

- You will need 2/3 base layers, with the type of jacket/pants you are likely to buy you wont need to much in the way of thermal leggins especially in December when it is not as cold (This varies)

Ski socks can be got really cheaply in TK Maxx and Gloves also. Have a look for the Reusch, Mammot amongst other really good brands they do for gloves.

DO NOT BUY Googles, it will be a waste, if there is heavy snow days when there pick up a cheap pair in resort, for your first trip.

You wont need snow boots, Most resorts keep paths clear, and again its early season so you should be ok.

Sunscreen and lip balm lots of it!

If you are doing Kilternan, they do specials for Octoberfest and their 1 day course is probably a really good option for a beginner on a Sat. You may even have me teaching you

Thanks fattes! Going to Chamonix, can't wait!

Yeah, I think I have my eye on a pair of ski pants with 15,000 rating and a jacket with 5,000 rating. Is there a huge difference between the trousers with the suspenders or just the plain ones? Would you recommend one more than the other?

Think I might just invest in a good pair of walking boots that will keep my feet dry and I can use again at home so, rather than snow boots.

I was looking at the full day course, looks like it would definitely be worthwhile....even so I just don't have novice stamped on my forehead when I arrive and try to put my skis on backwards or something haha!!

robinph

Fattes wrote: »

DO NOT BUY Googles, it will be a waste, if there is heavy snow days when there pick up a cheap pair in resort, for your first trip.

You will need some shades though if you are going to not be wearing goggles, and a pair of shades that you don't mind breaking or loosing.

Fattes

littlemiss123: Try Ravanel, for your ski rental stuff they are really good and centrally located of Place du Mont Blanc. Weather in December is normally good in the Cham valley but can change quickly, as a beginner you will spend most of your time in either Les Huouches or Le Tour maybe at the bottom of Brevant (unlikely that early but you never know). Depending on where you stay you will be on the bus most mornings. It is efficient and won’t be too busy at that time of the year – Unless you are there Christmas week.

If you are doing the one day let me know even if I am not taking it I will make sure you are looked after. At the end of the 1 day normally most are able to ski on a Blue slope with linked turns, at worst they could make a speed controlled descent down a blue slope and stop when required. The 1 day gives you really good grasp of simple things like getting your gear on and off, carrying skis & Walking in boots (You will need this in Chamonix_) Don’t worry about looking like a novice you are there to enjoy it, we all started somewhere, we all still fall and manage to look like an arss from time to time. Its part of the fun.

The suspenders is personal preference if the pants fit right it will make no difference, have a look at http://www.basschamonix.com/ for lessons. Much better than the Chamonix ESF, try and book Dee, Irish girl super instructor and a good laugh. If you speak in advance you might save on a lift pass if they are only going to use one or two areas for your trip.


Cham is expensive as a rule for most stuff, Food wise, MBT the Micro-Brewery has really good food and beer with music most nights, The Cave Pizzeria hidden on the main street just opposite the Columbia shop is cheap and really good too. Chambre Neuf for the après.It is probably one of the most spectacular resorts in the alps in terms of the mountains that surround it. If you can get up to the top of the Aguile Du Midi do its amazing up there just to look, (you wont be skiing from there just yet

littlemiss123

Fattes wrote: »

littlemiss123: Try Ravanel, for your ski rental stuff they are really good and centrally located of Place du Mont Blanc. Weather in December is normally good in the Cham valley but can change quickly, as a beginner you will spend most of your time in either Les Huouches or Le Tour maybe at the bottom of Brevant (unlikely that early but you never know). Depending on where you stay you will be on the bus most mornings. It is efficient and won’t be too busy at that time of the year – Unless you are there Christmas week.

If you are doing the one day let me know even if I am not taking it I will make sure you are looked after. At the end of the 1 day normally most are able to ski on a Blue slope with linked turns, at worst they could make a speed controlled descent down a blue slope and stop when required. The 1 day gives you really good grasp of simple things like getting your gear on and off, carrying skis & Walking in boots (You will need this in Chamonix_) Don’t worry about looking like a novice you are there to enjoy it, we all started somewhere, we all still fall and manage to look like an arss from time to time. Its part of the fun.

Unfortunately we are going Christmas week....well the week after it over new years so will probably be crazy busy!! Yeah, I might rally round the troops and give you a PM if we're gonna book it! Might not all do it but I think it would be great so that I can get straight into it once I arrive over there!!

Fattes wrote: »

The suspenders is personal preference if the pants fit right it will make no difference, have a look at http://www.basschamonix.com/ for lessons. Much better than the Chamonix ESF, try and book Dee, Irish girl super instructor and a good laugh. If you speak in advance you might save on a lift pass if they are only going to use one or two areas for your trip.


Cham is expensive as a rule for most stuff, Food wise, MBT the Micro-Brewery has really good food and beer with music most nights, The Cave Pizzeria hidden on the main street just opposite the Columbia shop is cheap and really good too. Chambre Neuf for the après.It is probably one of the most spectacular resorts in the alps in terms of the mountains that surround it. If you can get up to the top of the Aguile Du Midi do its amazing up there just to look, (you wont be skiing from there just yet

Yeah, I've heard it will be pricy alright, but we are travelling in a large group and staying in a self-catering chalet so hopefully we can cook in some nights to keep the cost down. I'll definitely take note of the places you recommended above though. Thanks!!

i71jskz5xu42pb

littlemiss123 wrote: »

At the moment I'm trying to buy my ski gear (was looking at buying the sales but all the new season stuff is coming out now so left it a bit late). I've had different advice from different people, so in need of more advice !!

If you're not averse to second hand there is loads of good value to be had. I picked up a load of worn once gear (somebody who had gone and just didn't like it) from adverts.ie or donedeal. At the end of the day you're probably going to wear this stuff once a year unless you really get into it in a big way.

Fattes

littlemiss123

Yeah Christmas week will be busy but it is a big resort and the crowds spread out amongst the 5 resorts in the valley, the only real inconvenience will be the buses will be busy as hell at peak times. If you are self-catering and driving there yourself, stop at a hypermarket outside the town to cut down on the shopping bill. There are 3 well stocked and decent supermarkets in the town not too pricey but you do pay a premium.

fannymagee

Are you in Dublin Littlemiss?! Try Mountain Warehouse in the Blanch centre, they're really cheap for things like base-layers, buffs, socks etc. And you can be very lucky with the sort of gear you pick up in there- trousers especially! I bought a pair last winter and I LOVE them- best fit I've ever had, including the stupidly expensive stuff. Buy a jacket you'd be happy to wear at home, at least that'll be money well spent even if you never ski again (which you hopefully will!!)

Best of luck- hope you love every minute!! :-)

cormee

The first year I went I bought all my stuff in the camping shop on Capel St. for €99, most of it was crap but it served the purpose because I never went much further than the nursery slopes. Once I was sure I liked the sport and I'd be going again, I started investing in good gear, one or two pieces a year.

Whatever you do, if you're a novice, don't buy flashy, top-of-the range gear - you'll stick out like a sore thumb on the nursery slope.

cormee

... actually one thing that is definitely worth investing in (or borrowing good gear) on your first holiday is padding and protective gear.

This may not hold true for skiing, but if you're learning to snowboard don't, for a second, consider learning without padded shorts, knee guards and wrist guards. I was crippled after my first day on the slope from landing on my knees over and over, searing white pain, was barely able to walk. I went out and got a good pair of knee-pads and they were worth every cent.

Fattes

Whatever you do, if you're a novice, don't buy flashy, top-of-the range gear

Unless you are Russian than this is cumpulsory!

cormee

Fattes wrote: »

Unless you are Russian than this is cumpulsory!

Unless you're a RICH Russian.

The rest of them all seem to wear sun-bleached polyester gear that looks like it was in fashion when Miami Vice was popular. You have to love them for it though!

littlemiss123

Thanks guys! Unfortunately, I am neither rich nor Russian so I will blend in perfectly on the nursery slopes with my £15 ski jacket!!

Fannymagee, I'm not based in Dublin but I have heard about mountain warehouse before, might have look if I can get up there before xmas!

Think I'm almost sorted now, between scouring discount websites and borrowing, begging and stealing I have managed to acquire a ski jacket, ski pants, snow boots, fleeces, gloves, neck warmers and goggles and so far only spent €100! The ski pants I've borrowed are a little cosy though....so might end up buying my own pair, don't want to be uncomfortable for the whole week. A diet is the other option ....:rolleyes:

Only things left to get now are base layer, ski socks and a pair of sunglasses...as I'm guessing my raybans won't be ski-proof :cool: I won't be trying snowboarding (this time anyway ) so shouldn't need too much of the protective gear.

fannymagee

Yaay!! Ah you're pretty much all set so! Do you have a balaclava or a light Buff that you can pull over your face and breathe through if it's really cold? They can be a Godsend when you feel your face is going to freeze off lol ;-)

Bring some high factor lip balm too, if it's sunny your lips can get burned really quickly & you'll end up with cold sores if you're susceptible to them...

Fattes

ski socks and a pair of sunglasses

Football/ GAA socks will do to be honest if you have them. Once they are Knee High and reasonably thick.

As for the sunnies if your raybans are plastic/non metal they will be fine unless you are worried abotu breaking them.

jameshayes

ulinbac wrote: »

- 6/8 upper thermals and 6/8 bottoms (good to have 1/2 spares)

Holey moley!

More like 1 good set and one spare set, wash them when you get back and they'll be dry the next morning, which 9 times out of 10 they will be- but if not use the spare set...

jameshayes

lidl have ski gear from the 31st of October

fannymagee

^Lol!! Agree, 6/8 sets of thermals is crazytalk!! Unless you have serious personal hygiene issues lol

jameshayes

fannymagee wrote: »

^Lol!! Agree, 6/8 sets of thermals is crazytalk!! Unless you have serious personal hygiene issues lol

Just reminded me - buy the anti oder ones - under armor or helly hanson etc, not the cheap ones.

cormee

jameshayes wrote: »

Just reminded me - buy the anti oder ones - under armor or helly hanson etc, not the cheap ones.

Two to three pairs. Wash them in the sink with some hand wash and throw them on the radiator in the bathroom.

Fattes

Skins, the greatest base layer on the planet

fobster

Pick up Merino base layer top & pants off Ebay (I got a brand called Thermowave from Lithuania :P, sceptical at first but they were great. One pair will do you for the whole week, who wants to wash on their holiday?

cormee

fobster wrote: »

who wants to wash on their holiday?

That's where the wife comes in handy

fannymagee

True. Snow is water, right?! So technically you're getting washed all day

cormee

fannymagee wrote: »

True. Snow is water, right?! So technically you're getting washed all day

Who can smell you when you're travelling 45 kph down a slope, anyway

juke

First time skiing, no need to spend too much. You'll be working so hard learning, you may not even need a legging base layer - depending on the ski bottoms you choose. I generally get away with shorts, or on the coldest days, gym leggings.

For tops, I bring 2 long sleeved base layers, that I wash when necessary (Ryanair has thought me to pack light ) I also bring 2 light/thin fleeces for cold days.

Ski socks - make sure they are thick and long (above boot height) and maybe don't tuck the base layer into them....I has nasty friction burn marks on my calves after the very first day from doing that.

trashcan

I bought two pairs of long johns the first time skiing and abandoned them after one day. Have never felt the need for them since. My best investment was a couple of dry flow vests, which keep you dry(ish) when you sweat too much. I've personally never felt too cold when on the slopes. Vest, light fleece and Ski jacket is plenty. Oh, and Juke, the advice I got was never tuck anything into your ski socks.

littlemiss123

Thanks guys!

Yeah I'm only going to stick to 2 sets of base layers. They'll be 9 of us going and we have a washing machine in the chalet so I think it won't kill us to take it in turns one evening and throw a load in!

Might try the GAA socks if they are just as good! When you say don't tuck the base layer into them, my impression was that the base layer would be tight leggings, so I would have assumed you would have pulled the socks over these no?

Going to pop to Lidl thursday evening and pick up some of the baselayers! I'm fairly sorted for everything else then!

Fattes

littlemiss123: If you are wearing a compression layer try and get 3/4 length leggings, and yes it is fine to pull the socks over them as long as it is outside the cuff of your boots it wont cause any chaffing or rubbing! I do this racing FIS races under the cat suit and no issues.

Only 1 pair of socks on when skiing! Again to avoid chaffing

jameshayes

littlemiss123 wrote: »

Going to pop to Lidl thursday evening and pick up some of the baselayers! I'm fairly sorted for everything else then!

it doesn't say online that they odor resistant, just check that before you buy them. I don't normally smell when I sweat, but when I wore cheap baselayers a few years ago, I stank! like really smelly! And that was only half way through the day

littlemiss123

Hi Guys,

I just have 2 more questions for ye!

What 'waterproof' rating of ski pants do you think will be sufficient?

Also, I've heard that wearing contact lenses while skiing isn't a great idea as they can dry out and stick to your eyes....any experience of this?!

Almost have all my prep done....only 6 weeks and counting now

fannymagee

I've never had any real trouble with contacts, you'll be wearing sunglasses or goggles all the time anyway so should be fine. Worst bit is having to take them out after apres ski & before bed lol. I got my eyes lasered 2 years ago though- can highly recommend that!!

littlemiss123

fannymagee wrote: »

I've never had any real trouble with contacts, you'll be wearing sunglasses or goggles all the time anyway so should be fine. Worst bit is having to take them out after apres ski & before bed lol. I got my eyes lasered 2 years ago though- can highly recommend that!!

Thanks fannymagee! I guessed that if I was going to be wearing sunglasses/googles they'd be ok! And I usually manage to get them out at 3am on a sunday morning with a lot of poking and prodding so I'm sure I'll manage after the apres ski haha (I've started saving up for laser...will take a while but I know it'll be worth it!!)

Any advice on the waterproof rating for the ski pants?

Fattes

littlemiss123 wrote: »

Thanks fannymagee! I guessed that if I was going to be wearing sunglasses/googles they'd be ok! And I usually manage to get them out at 3am on a sunday morning with a lot of poking and prodding so I'm sure I'll manage after the apres ski haha (I've started saving up for laser...will take a while but I know it'll be worth it!!)

Dad wears them with both goggles & shades no issues

Any advice on the waterproof rating for the ski pants?

10,000mm or higher on the water proofing as a beginner big focus on the breath ability of the pants to the more breathable the better as the first few days you will get wet from the inside out. But girls don't sweat so you might be ok

fannymagee

Haha yeah, spend what you can & don't worry too much about the technical details of the gear. Lots of people swear by Lidl's best and thats only shower resist AFAIK. Just wear plenty if layers so your warm, and if it rains heavily go for a gluhwein- beginner skiing in the rain is pretty miserable anyway! I say that because Waterproofing can oust the price of your gear right up, but with that said its well worth it in the long term if you plan to get a few seasons out of it

Fattes

Are you serious Lidils gear is basically a tailored plastic bag you will be wet and miserable from sweat before you even get to the snow in the am.Please avoid if you have any sense!!!

Oakley,Dare2b, berghaus, & a range of other stuff from 35-70€ in TK Maxx will be worth it. Most if it is 10,000 + and breathable up to 15,000+ It will be clearly visible on the tags (big ones you cut off) on the clothing & normally has pics and takes 2 seconds to check and easy to understand!

The way waterproofing works it stops water getting in but allows vapour out. It's designed to keep you dry from the outside and from sweat on the inside

Believe it or not the technical stuff can make a big difference to your holiday. Put a 2/3 week skier in lidil gear v a beginner and watch the different feedback, anyone with basic knowledge will notice the difference in comfort from better breath ability and waterproofing and be aware if the benefits

Fattes

My view this am GS skis ready to go

fannymagee

As I said, buy the best you can find & afford. You can buy expensive gear with crap waterproofing too. Anyway Lidl ski gear is how you spot your fellow Irish folk on the slopes lol