Help for new skiers

[simonethebeaver]

Our family is going skiing for the first time at Christmas. I have absolutely no idea what kit is worth buying, which we should hire, and what we CAN hire. I'm asking now because I've found an excellent online sale of decent ski wear and I'd like to buy anything we need to buy now to save adding it to the autumn expense.

Any advice?

[womanofdulwich]

You wont know exactly what to get until nearer the time but I would suggest getting layers so you can adapt to warmer /colder days. so you could get your thermal vests, ski socks and long johns now.I would also buy helmets ( dont fancy wearing someone elses). For younger children an all in one snow suit might be better- to keep snow out.

[Bumpkin]

I'd try to borrow as much in the way of clothes as possible if it's your first time and buy stuff once you know that you all enjoy it! Decathalon does good cheap thermals and ski jackets / trousers. Not sure when they start selling, but we got all our stuff at the Canada water one LY. Definitely Hire ski's, boots, poles once you are there (personally I'd hire helmets too as not much storage in our flat). My 7 yr old wore his school coat as it was a decent waterproof one and he was a beginner and we got him Decathalon trousers that have extending legs so they should last longer. As WoD says, layers are sensible, you don't want a mega warm ski jacket if it's going to be warm and sunny (can get quite hot with the sun in the Alps if you're lucky). Better with a thinner jacket with fleece + thermal vest. You will want long johns and decent socks although if you wear a thin pair of normal socks underneath, you don't need a pair per day of ski socks. Have fun!

[midivydale]

Hi, echo what has been said already about layers but last time we went I hired helmets as well which worked fine. Depending on where you are going (alps/scandinavia/us) you will have different weather conditions. In Scandinavia it would not really be an issue with too warm a coat (was -15C where we were) but obviously more of an issue in the Alps.

Whilst I would agree in principle about an all in one snow suit for children, a two piece may be better if they are in nappies/early stages of potty training. There is ALOT of layers to get to before a nappy change or toilet visit for eager little ones can take place.

Don't forget skiing glasses for the little ones, we bought these on the resort, clever things that you can attach to the helmet and it stops snow/sun from getting in little eyes.

Skiing boots can be very tight on little legs so it might be useful to rub vaseline on before putting them on, it can hurt! Also worth making sure that leggings etc are sitting smoothly on the legs inside the boots. Creases can cause extra pressure of the boots to the skin (we had alot of bruises after a week).

Have fun!

[simonethebeaver]

Thanks, all. Very useful advice. We'll be in the Alps at Christmas, so probably intermediate in terms of coldness for skiing. I've bought the little ones (4 and 2) 3 in 1 coats which can double as winter coats and fleeces this year, so that didn't seem too extravagant. They were ?20 - is that an OK price for this sort of stuff?

[midivydale]

Sounds very good price :)

Good job!

[ACBP]

Also recommend some dry slope skiing lessons beforehand if at all possible. Not because a dry slope is great (it certainly isn't!) but probably closer than indoor snow centres... but it does get the little ones used to the idea and feel of boots and skis so there is less of a shock when you are actually on the mountain.

[simonethebeaver]

Oh, good idea. Although scares me stuff! (I personally am not a natural skier.)

[LondonMix]

Ski googles are good for adults too. For our first ski trip I bought ski pants and jacket, a fleece, thermal layers (long johns and tops), ski socks, helmet, gloves and neck wrap, small bag pack. This was for the alps.

We rented boots, skiis and poles.

We loved it so I?m hoping to invest in a good pair of boots before my next trip. Let me know where this sale is on as it sounds great!

I agree one lesson is helpful before you go so you at least know how to put on your skis, clean your boots etc. Wasting time and money learning that up in the Alps is a bummer. They have good indoor skiing where you can learn in Milton Kenyes as well as dry slopes.

[simonethebeaver]

Thank you!

The site sadly only has kids stuff but it's www.muddypuddles.co.uk.

I found it when looking for wellies. They have great wellies.

[OrinWeker]

Hi simonthebeaver! I have read this thread and would love to try skiing this coming Christmas with my loved one. The information seems to be helpful especially on what to wear, equipment and other important things that we have to consider. Well, I guess I'll start to look for catered ski chalet France for the next couple of days.

[OrinWeker]

Hi simonthebeaver! I have read this thread and would love to try skiing this coming Christmas with my loved one. The information seems to be helpful especially on what to wear, equipment and other important things that we have to consider. Well, I guess I'll start to look for catered ski chalet France for the next couple of days.

[Dulwich13]

This is also a website worth checking out for any outdoor clothing. Based in Barnes (if not moved). Got sale on some items and last years collections.

http://www.vikingkids.co.uk/