My husband and I are going skiing for the 1st time in early April.?

Question

We need help with all the apparel that we need to buy!!

We are thinking that it will be warmer than most of the winter so.....do we buy un-insulated, and then just pack on the underclothes?

HELP!!!

Answer 1

from the feet up...

socks, only wear 1 pair, there are tons of different styles of ski socks out, thinner is better but in the end its just going to be personal preference

pant under layer, i wore long underwear (hot chili's for example, or something skin tight) for the first 19 years on the mountain and have switched to just wearing sweat pants and to be totally honest i can't tell the different except that i'm more comfortable in the sweats, i have been up there when its -20 and i'm just as warm in the sweats as the super expensive under layer

snow pants, you need snow pants, well you don't need them, who doesn't love seeing someone on the mountain in their jeans and sunglasses coming down the mountain? but really, snow pants are a really good idea, its your first time, you're going to fall, a lot, you're going to get wet! since its your first time though i would suggest not spending big bucks to get top of the line pants with really good mm, try and find something that is 8 or 10 mm, that is going to be how waterproof it is and how well the material breathes, ask a sales person for help.

upper body under layers, i wear a tank top, even when its -20 out, and build from there. but i'm used to the weather and know what i'm comforable with. i still don't think you need to spend big money on a real underlayer. the key is layers, you can take them off or add them. don't worry about whats under your coat as long as you already own t-shirts and a sweater or sweatshirt. i won't layer more then 3 things though because then your body heat can't work as well for you.

jacket, for spring skiing, something lighter, nothing down, with vents (zippers in the arms to let air in when its really hot). again you don't need a lot as far as mm go, look for something that is 8 or 10 mm again. getting a vest could work too in the spring, that i would get down.

hands, gloves, you need gloves, nothing cotten or any other material then waterproof real ski clothes, duh, you're skiing, on frozen water, you're going to get wet, even if you don't fall. you aren't going to be doing this year round so i would just find something that fits and feels warm, you don't need to spend tons of money on something like burtons combat glove or something that would keep you warm no matter what.

eyes, do not wear just sunglasses. you look like you don't know what you're doing first off but more importantly it is really bad for your eyes. the sun is really bad, duh, but having the wind blow on them all day is not good for them either. there are so many styles out there you're bound to find something you like and you can also buy different color lenses if you want to go at night. i would suggest an amber color for day time, good for almost every lighting condition. a clear lens for night is also awesome.

head, anything that covers your ears. if its nice enough i just wear my bandana around my ears instead of over my face. otherwise i just wear a hat that covers my ears.

Answer 2

No, do not buy un-insulated clothing. Even if you think it will be warm the rest of this winter, once you ski the first time you will love it and be hooked. You will ski next winter too. I've skiied in different places in Colorado and Utah, and believe me it does get cold.

Ski goggles are an absolute must. Your goal is to protect your eyes, not just to look cool with a pair of sunglasses. Also a good pair of insulated ski gloves are absolutely necessary. They should be impervious to water (such as Gortex). Here in Las Vegas I can ski with gloves most of the time. But when I ski in Colorado (higher altitude and colder) I have to use mittens which are warmer. You also need a pair of ski boots. A simple ear band will keep your ears warm.

You can rent skis and poles for now. You need some warm socks (wool or "thor-lo"). Your enemies in skiing are cold and especially melting snow which makes you wet as it melts against your body.

Those are the "musts." You should have either a ski suit or a "waterproof" bib and ski jacket. You may want a ski cap and a scarf. As you gain confidence you should buy a helmet. Everybody falls. Another nice accessory which I use for the colder days such as the high altitude slopes of Colorado is a few packs of heat. You open one, stick it in your mittens (and socks) and will keep your hands and feet warm all day. Another good thing is to bring some water or even better an energy drink to stay hydrated. Some snack bars or power bars that you can carry in your pocket are good.

Answer 3

If you are just going to try it once or twice, or just HAVE to be fashionable, don't go spending a bunch of money needlessly. Get some long underwear and a pair of pants that you already own. Get some spray water proofing for the pants. Layer on the top with whatever you have. Make sure you have some warm socks and something for your head and hands. Mittens are best, but don't scrimp here. If you don't have warm gloves or mittens already, go get some. You'll like goggles, but for your first time you can probably do find with sunglasses, but don't go with uncovered eyes. The sun reflecting off the snow, even when it's cloudy, will make your eyes feel like they're going to fall out on the ground after a while, plus it's not healthy for them. Go have fun, decide if this is something you're going to do regularly, and then if you are, go buy all the latest fashion clothes.

Answer 4

First of all, you'll both need a nice pair of ski pants.(don't be afraid to spend a little) and obviously some nice ski coats. Most importantly, I suggest getting some long underwear(top/bottom) and ski socks(other socks don't work) Keep in mind, all this stuff will last several seasons and you will only have to do it once. Furthermore, get some nice gloves(preferrably the ones with liners so you can reduce the warmth. Anyway, if you need any more help, I'll check on your additional details later and Good Luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 5

This is what I ski in nearly year round.. it's flexable in temperature range, so if it's hot or cold you can adjust it... (I am assuming you are coming from someone warm, as most skiing gear is just specialized cold weather gear...)

Long underwear set (both tops and bottoms)
Ski bib (this are like overalls)
Ski Socks (a bit expensive, but very worth it)
A mid weight layer (I usually wear a turtleneck)
A ski jacket.
Winter Waterproof gloves
A stocking cap.

Borrow these items if you can.
If you cannot borrow them...
Buy ski socks, and the gloves, hat, and ski bib, long underwear.
All of these items can be found pretty cheap if you shop around a little.. donot go to the name brand skiing store.. any general sporting store will be fine. (GI JOES, ACADEMY, SPORTS AUTHORITY, whatever you have in your area)
Each of these items other than the ski bib, can be reused for other times.. (ski socks work fine rollerblading, hat glove, long underwear all good if it gets cold whereever you are.. etc...)

The coat is the only other component.. Any winter coat will be fine... I have had friends ski in their high school letter jackets, or other such generic coats... (ok not leather) A real ski coat has been designed for skiing so they usually include good handy featuers like zippered pockets, zip out liners, venting, detachable hoods, cell phone pockets, map pockets, etc... But they are expensive I suggest being sure you like skiing before you purchase one.

The mid weight layer... this layer goes on over the long underwear and below your jacket. It is what you will have on when you go into the lodge and take your jacket off. I usually use a turtleneck. If it is really cold I might choose a sweater, if it is warmer I might choose a simple long sleeve shirt.

A good tactic to use for late season skiing is lighter weight layers... if it s cold the layers kep you warm , if it is hot, you can take off a layer until you are comfortable.

Answer 6

I would say.. the three valleys in the alps. There are hundreds of miles of runs and you can go far into the mountains, even if you are a beginner. There are a range of runs from beginners to masters and there is snow on the mountains up until early May so it won't be too icy. There are many resorts. My favourite is La Tania. Its a little snow village near the bottom of the mountain and the chalets are nice and cosy. But if you want more nightlife, chorchevel 1850 is just bustling :) Hope this helps :)

Answer 7

Even if you go tomorrow, it's usually not necessary to pile on the clothes. If it's windy or snowing, you may need more, but typically you'll tend to overpack the first time you ski.

DO NOT wear double socks, as one person suggested...unless you want blisters and discomfort. Go to a sporting goods store and find ski socks...they are tall, padded, and made for ski boots.

DO wear sunglasses or, if it's very cold, ski goggles.

DO wear a hat or at least ear wraps.

DO bring gloves...warm ski gloves may be a bit much, so you'll want to bring a pair of fleece as well, in case you need to change during the day...keep your extra stuff in a rented locker at the ski place.

DO bring a ski coat and ski pants.

CONSIDER long underware, but you may not need it. Be sure it's not cotton, but a fabric that will wick moisture (otherwise you'll get too hot or too cold).

DO wear one layer of "underarmour" or other brand of moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt under ONE sweater or tshirt.

DO NOT wear cotton as your base layer!!!

DO NOT forget sunscreen and sunglasses and chapstick that has sunscreen in it!

Answer 8

You will need the following...

-pair of insulated gloves that will not allow your hands to get wet
-head gear of some sort, basically a hat or ear warmers to keep your ears warm
-double socks
-buy insulated pants, some people prefer the overalls because they stop the moisture from getting in and keep your back warm too
-eye protection, goggles, or sun glasses the glare can be pretty brutal.
-a jacket, that again will not allow youto get wet

Answer 9

I've been snowbording before and the apparel is the same. just get some water prof pants some longunderwear skiing socks, goggles,undershrt,fleece jakit,and ski coat that is watterprof,and good gloves and ski mask. and don't get it at wal-mart it won't be the right stuff get it at a sports store. don't rent on the slopes rent in town. And get your ski pass in town like at king-sopers it will save you mony. and you will have a good time.

Answer 10

Dress in layers, loose layers. That way you can take off what you need when you need to. And you can also have air circulating around inside.