How much do I need to invest to start skiing???

Question

I llive only 30 minutes from Mt. Hood and I want to learn how to ski, I only have gloves and that's it! I have Levis but don't want to get laughed off the hill. How much sould I expect to pay and where should I start?..Thank you

Answer 1

Enroll in the discover 1,2,3 program at the ski school at Timberline. This package will get you started at the best value.  The following items are what you must have for your ski trips.

1. Goggles, watch cap or ski helmet, socks that are designed for skiing, warm under wear, and a ski jacket.  

2. Ski pants that should be water repellant.

3. Sunscreen, SPF 45 or more.

  The first items can probably be purchased at a Goodwill, or St Vinnie's, or Value Village. Do not be concerned about small tears in jackets or ski pants. Every thing on the slopes is used equipment, some more than others.

  As to price for your gear, maybe $150 total, and another $100 for the lessons and equipment rental and lift tickets for a total of 3 days.  

When you put your ski boots on, kick your heel HARD several times to move your foot back in the boot. Now buckle the lowest 2 buckles, do the powerstrap around your ankle and pull it tight. At this point, you can just stretch your toes to touch the end of the boots.  Buckle the remaining buckles as tight as you can stand.  If you can not reach the end of your boot by stretching your toes, they are too long.  Your boots are critical to good skiing.

Answer 2

Ok, first of are the gloves warm enough? They have to have a waterproof exterior can't be woolen ones you know normal kind. A half decent ski jackets coasts a good 50 pounds 100 dollars, if you buy one in the summer it will be cheaper because of the summer sales. Ski pants decent pair I would say about eighty dollars, forty pounds, if you want to get decent ski gloves I would say 40 dollars 20 pounds, (I am guessing here from experience buying my own equipment.) You may want to invest in some proper ski socks, hand warmers, thermal sweater etc. If you want to rent skis that is about another 150 dollars per a day for one person, and of course you may want to buy a helmet, or a warm hat, google or sport sunglasses, skiing can be very expensive! If you want to buy your own ski is and poles that could be around 1000 dollars or 500 pounds if you want a decent pair of skis, as your only beginning I wouldn't bother getting your own ski is yet. You probably would have to spend a minimum 300 dollars for a days skiing including ski passes. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Well now is a good time to go shopping, because a lot of places will have end of season sales.

Skis and bindings: $300 and up

Boots:$100+ (make sure they feel good)

Snow Pants: $30+

Jacket: $50 for a cheap one, $100+ for a better one

Goggles: $20+ (important)

So you are looking at over $500 for gear at the least. You can easily spend twice that depending on the gear you choose.  Then you also need to get the pass to the mountain.

Just start sopping around some ski shops and comparing prices.

Answer 4

Hire some gear or buy 2nd hand then it wont cost too much at all. Some resorts do a complete package when you learn so that you can hire everything when when you book your first lessons. Also as it is the end of season you should be able to get some good deals.

I have decided that any money spent on skiing is worth it - life is far too short to not do it so go on have some fun!

Answer 5

If you want to get into it, it will cost a lot. If you live so close, you will want to buy a season pass (around 600-800) and ski with good equipment:

A good pair of gloves will be around 40

ski pants around 60

jacket around 120

helmet around 70

skis and poles and bindings around 300 (expensive around 1200)

boots around 100 (custom around 400-600)

Answer 6

I just invested in skiing equipment myself. I was lucky enough to get every more than half off - including great brands!! The only thing I don't have are gloves.

I spent about $350 total. That included k2 skis, poles, marker bindings (+ $25 binding installation) Nordica boots and SPY goggles.

I happened to be very lucky with everything in my size (last pair too!).

I suggest getting out to the stores as end of the season sales are going on (and have been going on). Ski season ended here (where I am) a few weeks ago so I doubt any winter apparel & equipment is even left!

If you get everything at a more than half off deal, I propose you would spend between $300-400.

All the best!

Answer 7

You better figure on spending well over $100.00 for starters. Gloves are important & you may have a good ski jacket already because of where you live. I'f you have a warm jacket, I wouldn't go out & buy a new one. You can ski in Jeans & you won't be laughed off the mountain-- a lot of skiers still ski in jeans & some skiers think this stylish.

I would make sure that you can fit a pair of long underwear, preferably thermal, under your Jeans; so you're very warm. That's all you need.

You do need a good ski hat but you can buy these at any Wal-Mart & they are cheap. I would recommend buying ski goggles. I always use them & they're great when it snows & they also keep the wind off your eyes. Snow can get in your eyes & the wind can make your eyes water.

Make sure you have warm socks. Don't worry about style but you should worry more about staying warm. If you get cold you won't to ski. Riding up a lift can make you cold.

Layer your clothing under your jacket. Start with thermal long underwear, then wear either a thick sweatshirt or thick sweater under your jacket. An excellent choice is to wear something that has a turtleneck under your jacket. This keeps the wind off your neck--or wear a thick scarf.

Remember, the ski area is always much colder at the top than at the bottom. You may feel alright at the bottom but by the time you ride the lift to the top, you might start getting cold. Make sure you wear things that are at least windproof & waterproof.

You may spend a lot more but I don't know what your budget is!!!  Remember to rent all your ski equip. {skis, boots, poles} until you can afford new equip. provided you love to ski after renting. Rent short skis & tell them at the rental counter that this is your first time skiing & they'll know what to do.

Renting equip. isn't that expensive--it should be about $25.00 or less for the day & may include a lesson. Check & see if they have a deal which includes equip. rental, lift ticket & lesson--it would be a lot cheaper. Some combine the rental & lift ticket so you can save.

I do know that Mt. Hood has one of the best ski areas in the Cascades so have fun. It's as good as the Rocky Mountains  & the Lake Tahoe areas in CA & NV.