First Time Skiers - Required Clothing?

Bob_the_Saver

DaisyKnight wrote: »

Thank you for that Bob, a most useful post. :rotfl:The ski hire is included in our package. I may be a beginner but I did think of that, along with tuition!

Just trying to help (as always)

Sobraon

Just adding to the good points made earlier you will need a fresh pair of good ski socks for each day. So either make sure you are prepared to wash and dry a pair for alternating days or take sufficient.

For me good ski socks have a thin foot part with a thicker part above the ankle and its worth paying for technical fabric. Don't be tempted to buy cheap socks or snowboarding socks because for your first week your feet are going to be doing a lot of work. As a side issue make sure your toenails are very well trimmed a couple of days before you go.

I've had over 20 fantastic skiing holidays in Andorra and my whole family learnt to ski there (although not been to Arinsal for 12 years). Remember its nearly as far south as Rome so very good sunscreen is essential as are good well fitting and robust sunglasses or goggles - I take both. DD1 says take good lip salve with sunscreen or "your lips will fall off" :eek:.

A v.small rucksack is good idea for carrying hats and other bits and bobs.

I have purchased all my recent stuff at Decathlon.

If you can hire a ski locker at Arinsal at the top this is very worthwhile because walking and travelling in ski boots is energy sapping.

If you are in reasonable distance of one of the "snow domes" it would be fun to see what they offer (although I have just read your later posts so this might no be possible) - but probably not bother with a dry ski slope (IMHO).

.. ooh and your post has prompted me to get booking for next winter :j.

DaisyKnight

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

Just trying to help (as always)

As I said, a most useful post Bob Imagine if we got to the top of the mountain and had no skis....we'd look a right sad pair of plonkers!

DaisyKnight

Sobraon, thanks for the post. I'm glad you have felt inspired! I just hope we enjoy it. I am excited to try it, and the other half has always wanted to give it a go which is why I'm surprising him.

The hotal and town itself look lovely, small and quiet which is what I was looking for. I've never been to Andorra before, but all of my research pointed there as one of the best place for novices.

Everyone has been really helpful with the practical suggestions. I'll take a look at Decathlon, to be honest I hadnt heard of it.

I'm so glad I posted here, I was all ready to part with nearly £200 for a mens ski coat from the North Face....not very MSE (from savings though, not on credit which makes it a little better?!? Maybe?) I have much more reasonable options now, so thank you all.

All advice or experiences are welcome!

Daisy x

Bob_the_Saver

DaisyKnight wrote: »

As I said, a most useful post Bob Imagine if we got to the top of the mountain and had no skis....we'd look a right sad pair of plonkers!

I'm trying to imagine that at this moment. :T

getmore4less

LAYERS. is the key.

When you start you stand around alot getting cold as you get better you move more and generate more heat so need a layer or two less.


Jacket is something you can use in the UK if you get a 3 in 1

Waterproof breathable outer layer, zip in fleese.

I used cheap but thickish tube socks, use once so need 6-7 pairs.

Go for lessons in the UK before you go, this will get you used to boots, skis and basic ballance, save you time in resort and get you up the mountain sooner.

Most of my ski gear came from Helly Hanson outlet at Bicester
http://www.bicestervillage.com/en/brand-directory/brands/helly-hansen

EDIT : woops looks like they closed in Jan

Also try a request on freecycle, there will be people out there with kit they don't use anymore.

Don't think too much about looking cool