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What do I need to take on a ski holiday?
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Never_Enough_Money
Posts: 166 Forumite
Hello, I was hoping that there may be some one out there that can give me some advice on what gear I need to buy for 2 adults and 2 daughters (age 12 and 14) for a skiing holiday next easter. A long way off I know, but I thought that if I had a list of everything that I need I can get it gradually and spread the cost. I realise that we will need ski jackets, socks, and trousers, but that is as much as I know. Any advice on what to get would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
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Salapets (apologies for spelling) are essential to go with a ski jacket. Check out yell.co.uk and google search for hire companies as it can all get to be quite expensive, and you can hire ski wear.
Take lots of polo necks, and get some thermal undies, long johns and tops
Nice thick socks, maybe consider taking some extra socks and layer them for comfort as the boots can be quite painful after a day plodding about in them.
A couple of hats and scarves.
Check that you have boot and ski hire in with your holiday package, there is no need to buy those.
Some warm clothes for the evenings. I also find some very good grippy boots for when you walk around outside when not heading to the slopes in ski boots. I always wear moon boots, they are very comfortable, warm and grip the best.
Sun glasses and buy the fabric that fits on the ends of the glasses to go round your neck like a chain, essential if you want to avoid losing the glasses.
That is everything I remember for now.0 -
.....hic.......0
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Thanks, all advice appreciated, I will draw up a list and start looking out for items when the winter starts. I have seen stuff in Asda and similar stores, is their stuff any good or should I avoid it? Can anyone recommend some shops where I might get good value?0
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if you are skiing then do not use any cotton products, depending on where you are going and how cold it is going to be will determin how many layers you need
I would recommend that you use silk as your base layer if you can, this has great wicking properties (as in, it removes the moisture away from the skin), then you should have a mid layer, something like microfleece is good or wood (thin and light) then your outer layer (ski suite etc), I would recommend that your outerlayer has opeings (these are usually under the arms etc) so that you can unzip them to release some heat if you need to
you also need gloves, hats, ski socks and again, depending on where you are going, you may need a face mask if it's really cold
You will need goggles and it is advisable (and in some countries, compulsary) that children under a certain age must have a helmet
Ebay is a great place to get your gear from, start looking this winter as there will be loads of stuff about, second hand is also fine as long as the ski suites have only been used for one season/washed once so it does not loose it's waterproofing
as for footwear, I used moonboots, they are easy to get on and off and cheap
A good brand for yoru daughters is a French make called poirve blanc, they are very funky and are a bit on the small side so go for a age or two older.
have fun shopping0 -
Just realised you are in Hampshire, where abouts in Hampshire are you, are you closer to the border of Berkshire or nearer the coast.
In Reading (just off the roundabout to TGIs) is a Carters sports wear shop, and a couple of years ago when I last ski'd I popped in there to hire the ski wear, it might be worth looking in to as it is a lot cheaper.
It might be worth looking up their details (I think they are on the web now) and asking them prices etc.0 -
Hi N.E.M.
Been ski-ing & Boarding for 25+ years and have tried most things and made a few mistakes. Here's my take.
1st a good quality ski jacket and ski trousers are a must to keep warm and dry (yes you will fall over and snow can get wet). Try TK Maxx for absolute bargains from September on when they have a skiwear section. Got my last one there and it's brill, breathable and waterproof Columbia jacket. Buy the right style/colour and you can wear it here in the winter too.
Underneath that use the layer system, thin base, mid and top layers. The top layer can be a thin fleece. Trespass are a reasonable cost and TK Maxx will have base layers too. Get too hot and take a layer off, colder then add one. Long johns may look strange but keep those legs soo warm and lets face it no one can see them except the other half etc.
All my ski socks are thin ones and keep my feet warm all day, however for a first timer I'd advise med thickness. Buy from a specialist ski shop such as Ellis Brigham, Snow & Rock or whatever is local to you.
Hire ski boots and skis. The boots aren't like gloves but shouldn't hurt or pinch the feet. If they do get back to the hire shop and try another size/brand. Most ski hire shops are very helpful.
Sunglasses are a must and some goggles for those days where visability is poor. And suncream, seen too many people badly burnt over the years!
Gloves - an essential and worth buying good quality and waterproof, cold fingers can be hell. I'd go for Hestra as good value for money again at specialist ski shops. I got a cheap pair as a spare from Tesco and have thrown them after 1 wear as they got all wet (and cold) inside.
If you have circulation problems and get cold fingers then consider mitts, not as versatile but much warmer
Hat essential, whatever you feel comfortable with beenie, bobble or funny.
Neckwarmer/Buff can be useful when it gets v cold
For apres ski then walking boots are suitable for walking round resort.
And as said above the Snowheads site is a mine of information. The best ski site on the web for my money. Got a question and there will be someone who will be able to answer it.
Have fun on the slopes it's great!:D0 -
Thanks guys, I feel much more confident about what to buy and where to look, there is a TK Max in Basingstoke, so I am gonna have a look there from September. Will also check out the one near Reading for hire, a good excuse to go to TGI Fridays!0
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Underneath that use the layer system, thin base, mid and top layers. The top layer can be a thin fleece. Trespass are a reasonable cost and TK Maxx will have base layers too. Get too hot and take a layer off, colder then add one. Long johns may look strange but keep those legs soo warm and lets face it no one can see them except the other half etc.
thats something a lot of people don't realise. Everybody says to wrap up warm but when the sun comes out you do suffer if you've too many laters.
Something nobody has mentioned... take one of those extendable key / pass holders
for your lift pass. the last thing you want is the hassle of messing about taking your gloves off to get your ski pass.0 -
Never Enough, keep your eyes out on Aldi's offers as well. They always sell ski gear at some point in the winter around Xmas/new year. The prices and quality are very good. Not the most up to the minute designs but warm and weatherproof and absolutely ideal for beginners at a fraction of the price of other brands.
As another poster mentioned TK Maxx often has ski stuff at very reduced prices.Just because somebody is certain doesn't mean they are right!0 -
I dont know if you havea decathlon anywhere near you, but they are excellent for ski wear and Ive seen plenty of people wearing Quechua on the continent
funky too, and they have good reductions all year round on ski-wear.
Also youll need small rucksack probably to put in ski-creams and oher paraphenalia.
Good quality ski sunglasses ( reducing glare) are worth buying as well as goggles for in the resorts, normal sunglasses are usually not that great for the job as I found last time I went.:beer: Well aint funny how its the little things in life that mean the most? Not where you live, the car you drive or the price tag on your clothes.
Theres no dollar sign on piece of mind
This Ive come to know...
So if you agree have a drink with me, raise your glasses for a toast :beer:0
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