Going on a ski trip?

Question

I'm going on a skiing trip to colorado in december with my boyfriends parents. I never went skiing before so this is my first time!

I'm excited but I'm just so confused on what I need to get. I know i need to bring like pj's & big ski jacket but what else?

I'm going to get some ski pants but what about shoes?

I have no idea about anything else..

What do people wear usually under their ski clothes? Please help. I just want to check out a few places online and compare prices. We are also going to a resort so I do not need any skies. Thanks

Answer 1

Go to any sporting goods store and they will help you out, but usually under armor is good to wear under stuff. Hope that helps

Answer 2

http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Catego...

http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Catego...

Answer 3

For clothes you will need in December, several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer, take some snow boots to walk in the snow. A swimsuit for the pool or hot tub, dancing shoes, and 3 spare sets of clothing, so you do laundry once every 3 days.  A long sleeve turtleneck shirt, long johns, a hat that will cover your ears, jeans and a sweater. Ski attire is very casual, but still neat and warm. When actually on the slope, use sunscreen SPF 45+, also stay hydrated,  eat well.  Your boots must fit tight around your foot and ankle, your foot should not move in the boot, except to wiggle your toes. Take a series of lessons from a qualified professional instructor.  You will progress faster and have less stress than taking the lesson from your friend. Do enjoy your trip, also take money.  Do a search for questions on ski clothing. We have answered this a few times and maybe I forgot something.  

Answer 4

Well if you don't need skis then you're in luck, you wont need to spend too much money on much else.

Here's what you may want to pick up:

1. A ski jacket:

This is the most vital thing to have, and make sure its good (this doesn't mean expensive). Some ski jackets have high price-tags and do nothing for your warmth. A waterproof model may be in your interest as well, especially if your not a skier and may be falling a fair amount. A good brand to try is Phenix. Even their cheapest model will keep you warm with some good layering. Remember - you are layering, so keep it thin: its the material, not the thickness, that makes a warm jacket. (around $350 CAD)

2. Layers:

Layering is important for skiing. Start with an Underarmour shirt - it wicks away the sweat which will otherwise freeze and make you colder. Don't go for the spandex ones though, there are thicker Underarmour shirts that will wick sweat away and add insulation aswell - just look for a fleecy inside but a spandex-like outside. (around $35 CAD)

As a second layer, go for a cheap, basic, fleece pullover, but not the baggy variety; it shouldn't be tight but close fitting. (around $10-$20 CAD depending on brand)

3. Ski pants:

These can be expensive, but they don't have to be. The big name ski brands don't necessarily make the best snowpants for your level. Whatever you do, make sure it has a snow-guard. A snow guard is a "sleeve" at the bottom of your pants that tuck into your ski boots. The outer part still goes over your boot - this configuration will keep snow out of your boots which is extremely uncomfortable and easily avoidable with the proper pants. (around $100 CAD or less - try Ripzone)

Make sure you put on a pair of pyjama bottoms underneath your ski pants, and pull your socks over the pyjama bottoms: this is a very comfortable and warm way to ski, and most people who aren't racing do it.

4. Socks:

You only need one pair, but must-haves are ski socks, which are special socks made of insulating materials. They also often have extra padding on the shins, where most beginner skiers feel bruising from their ski boots. DO NOT double layer your socks, it causes foot pangs and does not help insulation. The most common brand you'll find is probably Hot Chillies - which are my favourite. Lange also makes good ones but they are more expensive. (around $10 CAD if you find a deal)

5. Gloves/Mittens:

You probably have a good pair of gloves that will do you fine on the mountain and in the village. The warmest are mittens, which group all four fingers together - this keeps them warmer than gloves which separate each finger meaning less heat. A good brand of mitten that is affordable is Kombi. If mittens are uncomfortable for you, there are also some thinner ski gloves which will be slightly more expensive but warm as well - Soloman makes good ones. (around $20 CAD for Kombis)

6. Toque:

Any old toque will do you fine, but if you rent a helmet, you may need to make some adjustments - try to find ear-flapped helmets that cover your ears more snugly than others.

7. Coat:

I'm sure you have a fashionable coat already for wearing around the ski village at the resort. Don't try to be a "snowbunny" though by wearing it on the mountain! You'll regret it. If you don't have one warm enough for the winter (I don't know if you live in sunny Florida or snowy Montreal!), you can buy one, but don't feel that you have to - many people will wear their ski jackets at night and when not skiing, so you won't look out of place wearing your Phenix jacket around the shops.

Its alot to read and remember but trust me, after years of skiing experience, and all my frost-bitten mistakes, I know my ski-town attire needs! Follow these guidelines and you should be good for a comfortable trip with your boyfriend's family.

Happy shopping, and enjoy the skiing! Its a great sport.