What to bring _ snow virgin

Bluefoam

Just got details of the Christmas party... At least the first phase. It's three days in Italy skiing. I'm actually planning to take the snowboarding option, partly because it makes sense to me as I skated as a kid, and secondly because I have dodgy knees and skiing is meant to be hard on the knees...

What's the deal with gear, I know it's possible to rent, but is it better to have my own? I was looking at mountain warehouse, and while they are not the fines quality, they will no doubt get me through the three days and possibly another trip in the future, so I can replace one or two items... Between online discounts, special offer codes and loyalty programs they can be reasonable.

Is it a good strategy?

I don't plan to get boots, I presume I'll be okay to rent them?

Helmets... Do people wear them? I actually have a bern helmet for the bike which is rated for snow sports, but do I need to lugg it with me?

What do I need?
Jacket?
Trousers?
Thermals (Marino)?
Socks?
Gloves?
Hat?
Neck thingy?

If I'm gonna buy I want to do it before the retail season begins, to get the best prices...

Bluefoam

Will I need goggles or sunglasses?

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

If it's your first time there's no need to buy anything expensive as you don't know if you'll make use of it again, although you most likely will!
The necessities are: jacket (which you probably have already if you live in Ireland), ski pants, ski gloves, ski goggles and a hat. Suncream is also necessary as any skin exposed is at risk of getting badly burnt at those altitudes. You could get away with sunglasses if you don't fall often, but as a beginner, you'll be falling plenty!

Aside from that what's very useful are thermals and ski socks. A helmet is definitely not essential as a beginner, but many people wear them regardless (I personally don't on-piste).
A neck-thingy (or snood/balaclava) is down to personal preference. I wear a balaclava as my lips get chapped quite a bit and to also not have to apply suncream.
Waterproof boots/shoes are also handy, especially if it'll be snowing when you're there. Also, bring spare socks for after skiing as the pair you'll have on will stink from the boots/sweat!

You can rent boots and skis/snowboard when you get there.

One last thing, a backpack! You get de-hydrated quite quickly so water is important. Bring about a litre with you and sip away at it whenever you're on a lift. Re-fill then at lunch.

Lidl, Aldi and TK-Maxx are great for getting ski gear on the cheap.

And enjoy! If you're going with a group of beginners you'll have a good laugh - especially on the first day.

Bluefoam

Thanks Big Pussy, I'm gonna try to keep the cost as low as possible. Good advice

Diemos

I would say goggles are a necessity. Thermals are optional, I am warm by default, so I never wear thermals, but my wife does. So you will know yourself if they will be applicable.

Do not skimp on gloves and pants.
As a beginner you will spend a lot of time on your ass and getting up. Wet gloves and a wet a$$ will ruin your day.
You don't have to spend big bucks to get good water proof gear but do your home work on your purchases.

Bluefoam

Diemos wrote: »

I would say goggles are a necessity. Thermals are optional, I am warm by default, so I never wear thermals, but my wife does. So you will know yourself if they will be applicable.

Do not skimp on gloves and pants.
As a beginner you will spend a lot of time on your ass and getting up. Wet gloves and a wet a$$ will ruin your day.
You don't have to spend big bucks to get good water proof gear but do your home work on your purchases.

I'm actually more worried about being warm than cold... Having said that, I picked up some merino wool thermals (merino should deal with different temps okay) from Mountain Warehouse... They seem to get mixed reviews, but for the basics should be fine. I've avoided temptation so far and have kept to the lower end of the price scale on everything, but I've just burned through a large wedge of cash... For three days of snow...

Picked up Bolle goggles, they get great reviews, are cheap... the biggest problem I had was deciding on a lens colour. Went for an amber, with a rating of 2 which should be usable in allot of conditions. They'll do at least for this season, if I ever go again, I can upgrade some stuff if necessary.

CardinalJ

Big Pussy Bonpensiero wrote:

A helmet is definitely not essential as a beginner, but many people wear them regardless (I personally don't on-piste)

Any bad crash where my helmet has been of use has been on piste. You will be on beginner pistes with a mixture of total beginers and a lot of people who aren't as good as they think they are.

I dont want to totally derail the thread, but I'd strongly recommend a helmet.

Bluefoam

CardinalJ wrote: »

I'd strongly recommend a helmet.

I have a Bern bike helmet that I think is rated for snow... I'll bring it.

Billy Mays

Yeah, a helmet is an essential bit of kit imo

I have complete confidence in my own ability on the snow, it's other people on the slopes I'd be worried about

Bluefoam

This is getting out of control... now the gang in work are organising lessons... I'll end up spending all my money getting ready to go on a 3 day holiday...

Still looking forward to it though.

irlirishkev

Bluefoam wrote: »

This is getting out of control... now the gang in work are organising lessons... I'll end up spending all my money getting ready to go on a 3 day holiday...

Still looking forward to it though.

I was dreading my first time skiing. I'd zero interest. My girlfriend went every year with her family, so I was going along this Christmas. Resented spending so much money on something I reckoned I'd hate.

That was 2006. Now we're married, and we've been going twice a year ever since. If you get the bug, it's one of the most enjoyable holidays you can do.

cormee

If you're learning to snowboard I can't over emphasise the importance of protective gear - knee pads, wrist guards, helmet and padded shorts. My lasting memory from one of my first trips was an absolute searing white pain in both knees, after a long day spent landing on my knees on packed snow, it nearly ruined the rest of the trip for me, but I bought pads the following day. The padded shorts will also help keep your ass dry, as you'll be spending a lot of time sitting down on the slope.

Good protective gear can be expensive though. If you're not sure you're going to continue it, maybe buy cheaper stuff on the likes of Ali Express. Not sure I'd recommend a cheap helmet though, you'll probably have a few faceplants.

a148pro

Bluefoam wrote: »

What do I need?
Jacket? - yes, good irish waterproof jacket will suffice
Trousers? - buy salopettes (or are there snowboard specific trousers cormee?) - probably go with a cheap pair of lidl ones in case you don't end up liking it
Thermals (Marino)? - as above, depends on preference, and time of year, you will almost never need thermal leggings, you will be able to use a thermal top hiking here, cycling or even as pyjamas so no harm in buying
Socks? Yes, one pair per day! You will use them again hiking
Gloves? As pointed out, probably a good idea to have a not crap pair
Hat? For night time maybe, not needed if you've helmet
Neck thingy? Not a bad idea, particularly if its cold or windy. You can get, I think its called a snood, which doubles up as a hat if necessary, or basically a neck warner that is also a balaclava

Actually a good balaclava is a good idea, as it can be neck warmer, hat and face warner

If I'm gonna buy I want to do it before the retail season begins, to get the best prices..

I'd say lidl will beat those prices - but not sure of quality, suspect its utterly crap but if you're into it you can always get better gear later. You'll have a ball your first time regardless of gear

Now - are you telling me your office Christmas party is a 3 day ski trip??? That drunken tiger is back - time to sell that investment property methinks

Bluefoam

a148pro wrote: »

Now - are you telling me your office Christmas party is a 3 day ski trip??? That drunken tiger is back - time to sell that investment property methinks

It's actually four days... three days of skiing. But we also have a Christmas party at home in Ireland, one for our clients and one in the UK.

lawred2

Christmas party skiing? Wtf? And it's just the first part?

What's the second part?

Bluefoam

lawred2 wrote: »

Christmas party skiing? Wtf? And it's just the first part?

What's the second part?

A bit of craic and a few drinks...

Bluefoam

My jacket has arrived and I really like it. Tonnes of features and looks great. It's a Mountain Warehouse jacket... But when I got it, the tags said 3000mm waterproof, which kinda worried me... Some shops say to have min 5000, but recommend 10000. Should I return it for something with a higher water proofing?

Diemos

Personally I would not get too hung up about the jacket. Pants are the really important part that you will need a higher numbe part.

cormee

Diemos wrote: »

Personally I would not get too hung up about the jacket. Pants are the really important part that you will need a higher numbe part.

Yeah, don't fret on details like that. You'll drive yourself insane - I know I did. One thing that is good to have on the jacket though, is a small pocket on the arm, so you can scan your lift pass with a swipe of the arm, when you're getting on a lift.

a148pro

Yes, I have one in my glove and works well also

You rarely need waterproofing in a ski jacket, most of the water will be inside you from sweat so breathability a lot more important

Like all things outdoors, there is a whole amount of b s marketing associated with this stuff

Mint Sauce

Padded shorts/pants, and wrist guards. Have been twice, and second time felt like a newbie altogether at times. Would definitely get them if I was to go again.

TK Max is great for stuff, and well worth the searching through rails.

blue note

I'd recommend going for a few lessons before going. You'll be quicker getting the hang of it then and it'll make the whole thing more enjoyable.

Bluefoam

blue note wrote: »

I'd recommend going for a few lessons before going. You'll be quicker getting the hang of it then and it'll make the whole thing more enjoyable.

One of that lads in the office is sorting out group lessons in Sandyford.

Bluefoam

Jaysus... I've spent the past couple of weeks seeing parcels arrive, with no current use. I hope this becomes something I do regularly... Glad I did it before the start of the season & before sale prices are finished. I've been lucky that everything i ordered fit me.

Jacket
Trousers
Goggles
Gloves
Hat
Base Layers
Padded Jocks
Wrist Guards
Knee Pads
Socks

Is there anything more that I need, besides a helmet?

irlirishkev

Bluefoam wrote: »

Jaysus... I've spent the past couple of weeks seeing parcels arrive, with no current use. I hope this becomes something I do regularly... Glad I did it before the start of the season & before sale prices are finished. I've been lucky that everything i ordered fit me.

Jacket
Trousers
Goggles
Gloves
Hat
Base Layers
Padded Jocks
Wrist Guards
Knee Pads
Socks

Is there anything more that I need, besides a helmet?

LOL at the padded jocks, but I'm a skier, not a boarder
I'd be lost without a buff for around my chin/nose, for those really cold days, especially on the chair lifts.

Bluefoam

add:
Buff?
Braces?

If I was any good, I'dd be attaching a couple of GoPros to me...

Thatnastyboy

+100 on the ar$epads, snowboarding is minus craic when learning and doing it with a bruised tailbone would drive you away from it.


I would definitely recommend getting up to Sandyford or Kilternan for some basic lessons before you go - a few evenings up there will get you passed the absolute basics so you won't need to waste a day or two of your holiday just learning how to strap into the board and also you'll have an idea of the basic movement of the board.

Your list looks good - But I strongly suggest a helmet & wrist protectors! edit* sorry, you have these covered

When learning I acquired a concussion - while wearing a helmet, probably would have had a cracked skull without it!


I also wear a hydration backpack, but probably best leave that till you start falling a little less :pac:

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

The most essential piece of kit is a helmet as a beginner. Some may think that you may not really need it within the first couple of hours as you are not going to be doing a whole lot as a beginner. Probably learning to use the edges and simple turns. It's possible that the instructor will not take you if you don't have a helmet.

I am a little late to the thread, but you should be able to rent everything at the slope. I have yet to see a slope without a rental stall.

I don't think I seen any mention of socks, apart from your list. Get good padded socks for snowboarding. You only need one pair, it will do you for 2 or 3 days.

I have purchased some expensive base layers for snowboarding and only ever used them once.

If you can, get some suspenders for your pants. When you slide down the hill, and you will, your jacket will act as a scoop and all that lovely snow will end up gathering around the top of your pants. When your kidneys get cold, it's a very uncomfortable feeling.

Enjoy yourself, snowboarding is great fun

Carnmore

Bluefoam wrote: »

Jaysus... I've spent the past couple of weeks seeing parcels arrive, with no current use. I hope this becomes something I do regularly... Glad I did it before the start of the season & before sale prices are finished. I've been lucky that everything i ordered fit me.

Jacket
Trousers
Goggles
Gloves
Hat
Base Layers
Padded Jocks
Wrist Guards
Knee Pads
Socks

Is there anything more that I need, besides a helmet?

Can I ask where you got the gear from?
Also did you get the helmet and braces?

blue note

I got most of my stuff from sport direct and it's all been excellent. Try on brands in the shop or in another shop before buying for sizes.

And there are permanent sales. Bare in mind the sale price is the actual price.

Bluefoam

Carnmore wrote: »

Can I ask where you got the gear from?
Also did you get the helmet and braces?

I bought mostly online. At the moment they are still selling off last years stock, so big items like jacket wear cheap enough... for instance, I got a branded 10000 rainprrof, 10,000 breathable jacket for €80. None of the stores I tried had anything in stock at the time. They were waiting for the new stock to come in before they put anything on display.

I originally bought a Jacket in Mountain Warehouse & while I really liked it, it was only rated 3,000 so I sent it back.

I did buy braces... they are the Dakine ones seem great.

Helmet... I have a cycling helmet (pisspot style) that is rated for snow use... going to bring that.

Bluefoam

BTW, did my first lesson last night... great craic altogether.

Snow Garden

Diemos wrote: »

I would say goggles are a necessity. Thermals are optional, I am warm by default, so I never wear thermals, but my wife does. So you will know yourself if they will be applicable.

Do not skimp on gloves and pants.
As a beginner you will spend a lot of time on your ass and getting up. Wet gloves and a wet a$$ will ruin your day.
You don't have to spend big bucks to get good water proof gear but do your home work on your purchases.

Do you mind me asking what you wear under your waterproof pants if not thermals?

Some12

I wouldn't spend a lot on gear for your first ski trip but just get enough to get started: Ski pants, gloves, small back pack with waist strap, STRONG sun cream, lip balm, sun glasses and other warm clothes.

But... sounds like you've geared up already. I choose clothes to take the heat/moisture out, not keep it in. You may find yourself losing layers through the day if you play hard.

I'm hoping your renting the board gear and recommend you get an overnight locker if you can. Handy to have a place to store street shoes while you shred the slopes and again to have a place to store your board gear overnight. A boot drier in the locker is a big +.

Don't forget energy bars for the back pack. It's great to top up on the lifts.

Enjoy and post how you got on!

irlirishkev

Snow Garden wrote: »

Do you mind me asking what you wear under your waterproof pants if not thermals?

Most ski pants will be lined for warmth. I used thermals the first year, and it was wayyy too much. Haven't bothered for over 10 years. Also, found them very uncomfortable with boots and socks.

Even when I had a pair of pants that weren't lined, I didn't wear thermals. No harm getting a pair of course, you don't have to wear them!

As to your question above, tho not directed at me, I wear what I wear under a pair of jeans.

a148pro

I think only once have I ever been cold enough to wear thermals on my legs, and even then only really needed them on an exposed lift and was too hot when actually skiing in them

If you think about it you lose very little heat through your legs. Hence why you wear shorts year round when exercising.

A thermal top however is very useful - a good one will wick the sweat off your body so will keep you warm without getting too hot, will have odour resistant qualities as well if you're wearing it a few days in a row. I wore one trekking in nepal once - really hot and exuberant during the day, then freezing as soon as sun went down. Wore it basically the whole time as we were sleeping in huts and after ten days it didn't even smell!

Actually I'm in the market for one or two more thermal tops, can anyone recommend? Tried Aldi merino cycling base layer recently but found it way too itchy. Not sure if that was aldi or merino as I've never worn the latter before.

Diemos

Snow Garden wrote: »

Do you mind me asking what you wear under your waterproof pants if not thermals?

Just boxers, when I was learning I wore impact shorts. Was great to get rid of them though
But my pants are all pretty heavy they are not shell pants.


For thermal tops I use long sleeve northface running tshirts. Changed daily.

irlirishkev

a148pro wrote: »

Actually I'm in the market for one or two more thermal tops, can anyone recommend? Tried Aldi merino cycling base layer recently but found it way too itchy. Not sure if that was aldi or merino as I've never worn the latter before.

My baselayers are all Merino. 2 Icebreakers and 1 Patagonia. I've never had a problem with itching. On the contrary, extremely comfortable. And they've been put through long warm spring ski days, and are pretty darn odour proof too, which is nice!

I tend to favour long sleeve, with a half zip, for venting.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

I have a few different brands of thermals but my favourite ones were actually the cheapest. They were the Campri ones on sportsdirect, 2 for €15. Have 3 pairs of under armour that I forked out a good bit more for that are going to waste, along with 2 other brands I can't remember off the top of my head. I found the Campri ones the most comfortable, and they're cheap enough to have a pair for everyday.

Also completely agree with leg thermals - waste of money. Even on the cold days they're unnecessary. A decent pair of ski pants are plenty warm.

Snow Garden

Was looking at a ski jacket and pants in Outback Jacks today. The brand was Dare2b and the full cost was €200. I think they were 10,000mm and 20000mm waterproof. Are they a good brand for ski gear?

Do people normally buy pants that have the braces attached?

olaola

Snow Garden wrote: »

Was looking at a ski jacket and pants in Outback Jacks today. The brand was Dare2b and the full cost was €200. I think they were 10,000mm and 20000mm waterproof. Are they a good brand for ski gear?

Do people normally buy pants that have the braces attached?

Yeah, they seem good enough! I always think Decathlon are great for starting off. I always buy the pants with the braces attached - otherwise you get snow down your ninnies if you fall I find them more comfortable, I have no hips, so it's difficult for me to keep my pants up, without making the waist very tight.

Aldi have their *pro* ski gear in on the 20th. Good option for first timers!

Snow Garden

olaola wrote: »

Yeah, they seem good enough! I always think Decathlon are great for starting off. I always buy the pants with the braces attached - otherwise you get snow down your ninnies if you fall I find them more comfortable, I have no hips, so it's difficult for me to keep my pants up, without making the waist very tight.

Aldi have their *pro* ski gear in on the 20th. Good option for first timers!

Thanks for the Aldi tip!

What about goggles? Any recommendations?

irlirishkev

Snow Garden wrote: »

Was looking at a ski jacket and pants in Outback Jacks today. The brand was Dare2b and the full cost was €200. I think they were 10,000mm and 20000mm waterproof. Are they a good brand for ski gear?

Do people normally buy pants that have the braces attached?

My first ski jacket was Dare2be and was absolutely fine. Those are some decent waterproof ratings too. You'll probably find that if/as you get more into it, you'll be changing/upgrading gear as you progress anyway.

Braces can be handy. I had them on a pair of salopettes and it kept them right in place. I could remove them if I wanted, or just let them hang down when I wasn't skiing.
My current ski-pants don't have them, but I have velcro waist tighteners. You do see plenty of folk with braces.

olaola

Snow Garden wrote: »

Thanks for the Aldi tip!

What about goggles? Any recommendations?

Goggles are something I think you need to spend a few bob on, or it's a bit of a buy cheap buy twice scenario. TBH I've gone whole holidays without putting them on my face, but they're handy to have. You could wait until you get there, and if there's a snowy day on the horizon, pop into an Intersport or something and grab a pair. Otherwise, I'd recommend Decathlon again, you'll get your best value there.

Snow Garden

olaola wrote: »

Goggles are something I think you need to spend a few bob on, or it's a bit of a buy cheap buy twice scenario. TBH I've gone whole holidays without putting them on my face, but they're handy to have. You could wait until you get there, and if there's a snowy day on the horizon, pop into an Intersport or something and grab a pair. Otherwise, I'd recommend Decathlon again, you'll get your best value there.

Silly question probably but if you are not wearing goggles, I presume sunglasses are mandatory? I thought you'd be wearing goggles most of the time.

olaola

Snow Garden wrote: »

Silly question probably but if you are not wearing goggles, I presume sunglasses are mandatory? I thought you'd be wearing goggles most of the time.

Not at all! People generally wear sunglasses for a majority of the time (some wear goggles, but it's not usual) You usually only need goggles in certain situations - mainly snow falling or in other weather that might restrict your vision, flat light etc. Goggles (unless you've spent a FORTUNE!) tend to fog up, and they're not as comfortable as glasses. So you might only use them for short bursts of time. So if you're a first-timer and you're not sure if you're going to go back, I'd wait until you're there. It could be bluebird days for the week & your goggles might not get out of their box!
I sometimes don't wear anything if it's snowing lightly - it all depends on the light tbh.

Rew

For a beginner sun glasses are fine unless its snowing. I wear my goggles all the time, i have 2 lenses for different lights and they never fog up. Any google with a double lens wont fog up (assuming you haven't gotten them very wet). I dd spent a good bit on them to get the 2 lenses but my first pair of oakleys were under 100 euro and were great. With just sun glasses I find too much light and wind leakage around the sides and my face would be freezing.

Billy Mays

Rew wrote: »

For a beginner sun glasses are fine unless its snowing. I wear my goggles all the time, i have 2 lenses for different lights and they never fog up. Any google with a double lens wont fog up (assuming you haven't gotten them very wet). I dd spent a good bit on them to get the 2 lenses but my first pair of oakleys were under 100 euro and were great. With just sun glasses I find too much light and wind leakage around the sides and my face would be freezing.

Agree with this. Sun glasses are fine starting off but goggles offer a lot more protection from the elements. Wouldn't be much fun hurtling down a run at 75km/h when it's -10c with just sun glasses on your eyes.

a148pro

My mate creamed himself wearing sunglasses and cut his face

He was lying there on the piste hungover and a brit skier went by and, without checking if he was OK, turned and said to his kid "See, that's why we don't wear sunglasses Nigel"

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

+1 to a decent set of snow goggles. There wasn't any set of conditions where the naked eye gave better vision than in the goggles. Spent just over a 100 on mine but they were on half price at the time.

a148pro

OP if buying goggles go for a pair that is good in low light. Ask the shop this. Goggles are most use when its snowing, that's when you really want them over sunglasses. And if its snowing there's what skiers call flat light, where you can only really see white and can't really see the slope, bumps. A good set of low light goggles can make a bit of a difference in these conditions. Mine are orange, I'm not sure if that's always the best for that but when I bought them they had a little test thing in the shop that you looked at with or without them on and you could see features with them on.

The other thing is not to rub the inside as you'll probably remove the anti fog. Ask the shop how to clean them. I wrote off a pair of goggles this way much to my annoyance.