Help! Never been ski-ing, what do I need?

kelloggs36

Hi, I'm off to snowy Germany next week to teach. Whilst there, a few fellow students and I wish to try some skiing. I have never been and don't know what to buy and what to hire.

I have been looking on e-bay for a ski jacket and salopettes and am watching some, but I haven't a clue about what I am looking for! Clearly I don't want to (nor can I afford) to buy brand new, but what advice for this sort of stuff can anybody offer?

Also, in terms of ski boots and skis, are these the only things I need to hire? Is there anything else I have not taken into consideration?

Thanks

johnnytee

You will also need gloves and goggles. Maybe you could borrow some goggles from a friend or someone you know instead of forking out for some. Aternativley have a gander on ebay. Where in germany are you going? I used to live near Sonthofen in the Bavarian alps. Fantastic place and great beer.

Hotspur

Hi K

Welcome to ski-ing which is a fantastic activity. The snow is much different to here and being relatively dry it doesn't feel as cold.

You will need to buy or borrow a ski jacket and trousers. Try TK Maxx or Tesco (jacket £35 trousers £30) for breatheable/waterproof kit, good quality and inexpensive. I got a £200 jacket for £70 from TK and they do cheaper. I think ASDA may also have a range.
Some ski shops do hire clothing so this may be an option.

Good quality gloves and ski socks are a must (nothing worse than cold hands and feet) and a hat (beanies are good). If it's going to be very cold then thermals are worthwhile.

Don't forget sunglasses and goggles to protect the eyes and sun cream to stop your face/nose/ears getting burnt in the sun. I know several people who have had their ski holiday spoilt by getting burnt.

Hire boots and skis and don't forget the cost of the lift pass £20 a day £100 a week typically.

Finally ensure you are properly insured for winter sports. Probably won't need it but if you have a bad fall and are injured then it will prove very expensive without.

Enjoy, I have been ski-ing and snowboarding for over 20 years and can't get enough.:D

treets

Great advice from Hotspur.

Can I add lessons?
If you've never been on skis before you will need some. Generally a weeks lessons in a group are fine and very sociable.
If you're not skiing every day - then book some private lessons. These can be individual or for 2 or 3 friends if required. Choose a good english speaking tutor if your language skills are limited.

livinginhope

Can't add much more to the above posts,but would just like to point out about the ski socks,make sure they are long and do not stop around the lower leg,if your socks are lower than your boots,it is VERY uncomfortable and can ruin a good days skiing.
Lots of thin cotton layers and a small backpack,also I would fecommend a lift pass holder,a coiled up bit of elastic inside a plastic case,you clip your lift pass onto it and just pull it out when needed,very cheap,but often forgotten.
Hope you have a great time,don't forget the leg excercises before you go.

monkeyspanner

Tesco have 20% off skiwear at the moment. TK Maxx can highly recommend we picked up some columbia & trespass gear in their clearance section recently for under a fiver. Get good quality gloves and socks. Try Aldi and Lidl they may have some gear left but they only get it once per season and that was a while ago. Try Asda they have a ski range. Try the ski shops they have had a pretty bad season so far due to the early season lack of snow, they also sometimes sell off their ex-hire items. Depends on the weather but the principle is to layer-up under a waterproof/insulated outer layer and if you can afford it go for beathable materials.

Get insurance try insureandgo.

If you hire boots and they are uncomfortable don't suffer in silence go back to the shop and ask to try different manufacturers as they all have different fits. If your feet get cold check your boots are dry.

Have a great time.

kelloggs36

Thank you very much for all the advice! I am bidding on a jacket and trousers on e-bay at the moment and intend to get some gloves, hat, socks and sunglasses.

The place I am going is Freiburg, so the skiing is very nearby and there is very cheap tuition there for us in a group (we are all beginners!)

Am looking forward to it, but am a bit nervous as I really hate heights, so going up into the mountains is the most scary bit for me, but I am determined to like it!

I shall post to let you all know if I survived it!!