ski jackets - really necessary for skiing?

Soot2006

Depends on the weather (and altitude!).
I ski a lot and for it makes total sense to have 2 ski jackets, one for -12 and lower and one for the warmer days ...
As a beginner you're unlikely to be far away from civilization and a nice easy-moving winter jacket will be more than sufficient. Last year, I used an £25 Aldi jacket for up to -5, as mine didn't come back from the cleaner's on time ... Now I use that jacket as my dog walking jacket in all seasons here in the UK and I love it!

OR something like this?
https://www.sportsdirect.com/campri-ski-jacket-mens-408167?colcode=40816703

loskie

remember no cotton base layers. Cycling clothes do well for skiing too

wazza99

You'll be fine

Coolhandluke

Everything is painfully expensive in a ski resort :eek:

oldbrookmum43

Check out Facebook or sports direct

michele-p

hi, I'd recommend Aldi, I have their Merino wool base layer and mid layer, its just as good as my more expensive gear. My first 2 holidays I wore a £15 sports direct jacket and salopettes. They also have silk blend ski socks in now. I also wear glove liners, usually silk, but used Aldi merino ones at £4.99 this year. Cold hands are my biggest issue.

As a beginner you may be slightly warmer anyway, more effort is needed when you're learning! March again may be slightly warmer than -16 we had last week in France!

I saw a deal on hotdeals for a dare2b jacket tonight on Amazon, so good prices are out there: https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/dare-2b-mens-fervent-pro-ski-jacket-200-rrp-2159-delivery-starting-from-379-amazon-sold-by-portstewart-clothing-company-2894329

I'd recommend a ski jacket, as they let out sweat whilst keeping you dry from snow and wind.

silverwhistle

I'm not long back from a couple of weeks in Italy, which isn't as cheap as Bulgaria but a lot better than expensive French and Swiss resorts which, as a beginner, you don't need to go to.

Plenty of decent advice here. I'm experienced but don't buy the top brand names unless they're in somewhere like TK Maxx. I've bought from there, Decathlon (good for under layers and bits and pieces too) and Aldi/Lidl.

Lots of the stuff will come in useful in other circumstances if you ever go outside into the variable British weather, so don't see it as money wasted on 'ski' gear. Even my proper ski socks get occasional use in my wellies!

ciderboy2009

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned looking on eBay.
We're getting to the point of the year where people have been on their first trip skiing, decided they didn't like it & are therefore selling off their kit - loads of bargains to be had.

AubreyMac

Thanks guys, I did pick up a jacket from sports direct for £42, I tried the one as recommended by @soot2006 but the one I bought was a better fit and feel and I intend to wear it in very cold weather here too, I just love the amount of pockets it has.


I'll look for trousers next, what is the difference between skiing trousers and salopettes? do I really need the shoulder straps?


The package I have with the ski resort already provides boots, skis, poles, helmet and goggles. I was told all I need to bring was jacket, trousers, baselayers, socks and gloves. I already have thermal baselayers along with long sleet tees and leggings.


ps - someone mention not to wear cotton under the ski stuff, why is this?

waamo

Get whichever trousers you prefer. I've tried both and found very little difference on the slopes.