Skiing - Help!

one-non-blonde

I'm going to Switzerland just after Christmas for a week's skiing/snowboarding. Having never done either, I'm completely at a loss as to what to pack. It's not so much the jacket/trousers/goggles/boots but more what goes under and what's suitable to wear off-piste. I tend to just wear jeans/combats with trainers and t-shirts which I don't think will perhaps be suitable in the Alps! Could anyone help out with a suitable budget kit-list for a 30-something female?

Bez_4

You may find some useful tips on this page, although no mention of pricing or savings...

http://www.complete-ski.com/ski-equipment-guide.cfm

alanrowell

I think a set of thermal underwear wouldn't go amiss especially in January. Otherwise, unless you are pub crawling, normal casual smart will do.

If you are venturing outside in the evenings then a proper pair of boots (no heels) & wool trousers should be OK.

talksalot81

Try https://www.snowheads.com..... it is a ski forum site and you will find everything you want!

Ems!

Under your jacket and salloppettes whilst skiing:
Bottom half - I tend to just wear thin legging type pants, which are breathable, or long johns!! - can get these for about a fiver from somewhere like Matalan.OH likes to wear jogging pants underneath but thats too bulky for me.
Top half: Thermal top or similar, t shirt, thin fleece. - some friends wear another layer too, but this is enough for me. On your first day, go for more than you think you need , then you will know for the rest of the hol how many layers u need. Also, if you are a beginner you will probably on the nursery slopes for at least the 1st couple of days - these will be lower down so not as cold as the top of the mountain.
Rough budget kit list :
-If there is an Aldi near you , you will be able to get your gear v cheap - every yr they have a range of ski stuff - it will be advertised in advance so keep an eye out - I think u can sign up to a newsletter type thing by email, other than that: primark(for tops , not ski stuff) matalan, tk maxx- they have their ski stuff in now so u will have to be quick.

2 full sets thermal underwear - £15-£20 ( and some washing stuff to give them a rinse through)
6 cheap t shirts- ! (no one will see them!) or use ones u already have £15
fleecy scarf £3
hat £3
3 fleecy tops £15-£20 (Aldi normally do some good ones that look ok too!)
thick jumper - in case its really cold while ur there - so u have the option of another layer! £10

For the night, I have not been to Switzerland - only Bulgaria and Italy but anything tends to go really - depends how "upmarket" ur resort is,I would say combats/jeans with a nice top will be fine. You might prefer boots to trainers so your feet don't get wet. Some ppl will be dead dressed up, and some may be out in their ski gear at night!(minus jacket and sallopettes!)
Don't forget to take some "normal" gloves for when you are walking round at night.

Enjoy your hol!!

Lucie_2

one-non-blonde wrote:

I tend to just wear jeans/combats with trainers and t-shirts which I don't think will perhaps be suitable in the Alps!

Perfectly suitable. That's all I ever take on a skiing holiday (and indeed wear at home!) & it's fine. Think Quiksilver, O'Neill, Fat Face etc and you'll look like everyone else.
There's no point taking anything other than sensible footwear (chunky trainers, walking boots etc) because of the snow. High heels are a definite no-no.
In my experience hotels in ski resorts are always roasting hot, so I take a pair of flip flops to wear around the hotel & plenty of short sleeved t shirts. You can always layer up with a long sleeved top & a fleece if you're cold. Layers are much better than one chunky jumper.
I tend to just wear long sleeved t shirts under my ski coat unless it's really cold when I might wear a thermal and/or a fleece. I don't wear anything under my ski trousers, but I'm not really a cold person.
Ems! point about being lower down for lessons = less cold is a good one, but you do tend to stand around a fair bit in group lessons, so if you're not moving round as much you're not going to get as warm.

one-non-blonde

Thanks everyone, especially Ems and Lucie - that's exactly what I was looking for! :j

Lob_Rockster

you've probably been and come back but if someone searches, here's some useful tips:

layers. You can take a layer off. Fab.
cold. This is probably the coldest month of the ski season. When the sun goes (if it was there at all) then it does feel absolutely colder.
back to layers. Learning means falling over which makes you very warm. Also ensure the outer layer is waterproof but lets air through.
onto learning....snowboarding. You might like to consider....knee-pads and wrist protectors as these areas take a beating in the early days.

And finally....insurance. Ensure that you have decent health and rescue insurance. I've used mine as I smashed my leg boarding in a freak accident!

billy_the_kid_2

This time of year you must take a decent pair of goggles. Those trendy sunglasses wont protect you in an ice storm/whiteout on the top of the mountains when the wind gets up.

scheming_gypsy

i used my goggles for about 5 mins last week, was worse with them on. Wish i'd taken shorts and t-shirt as it doesn't half get warm up them there big hills!!!