Skiing, what, how, why??

Question

I'm going skiing for the first time, in about three weeks,what can I expect, how should I dress, and why should I do this?

Answer 1

What to expect - expect to take a lesson.  It's the best way to get you comfortable on your skis and understanding the basics.

For clothing there are three basic layers you will want to wear.

The inner layer (goes over your underwear) is long underwear. Long pants, long shirt. It's best if this layer isn't cotton.

The middle layer is for warmth. You'll want to wear something fleece or wool. Something warm and preferrably not cotton again. Wear as many or as few middle layers as you feel you need depending on weather.

The outer layer is protection from the weather - wind and snow. Pants and jacket.  It doesn't have to be sport specific - as long as it'll protect you from the weather.

I usually wear two layers as my middle layer, but will wear more or less depending on the weather. Generally I wear long underwear, fleece pants & snow pants on my legs and then long undershirt, fleece jacket and snow jacket on top.

Avoid cotton whenever possible. When it gets wet it's heavy and won't keep you warm. "Cotton kills."

Also you'll want good gloves, a hat and probably some goggles. Wear sunscreen also.  A helmet isn't a bad idea either.

If you don't own any of these things you can often rent them (helmet, goggles, ski pants) at the mountain or at a sports rental store in town.  Friends are good to borrow from too.

Don't carry anything extra in your pockets. You might be falling and it'd suck to break your cell phone / iPod / camera. I just carry a few dollars and some ID with me on the slopes.

Why should you do it?  It's exercise.  It's fun and it's good to try everything at least once!

Answer 2

What to expect depends on where you are going and who you are going with. If you're going with an experienced skier or someone who has been to this mountain before, they'll know the answers to your questions.

Go to the resort website and see what lessons they offer. If you've never skied before, a half-day lesson is well worth the time and money, and will probably get you comfortable enough to carefully navigating down green or beginner hills.

Check weather.com for a forecast, and dress accordingly. You will need these basics:

1. Sunscreen.

2. Jacket -  This doesn't need to be a $500 Spyder jacket; just something waterproof and insulated enough to keep you warm wherever you are going. Sport specific jackets are better than regular winter jackets because they allow for movement and ventilation. Layer your clothing under the jacket -  a base layer of thermal, capilene, silk,etc., and then a wool or sports performance sweater.

3. Snow pants - At this point in the season, you can find great deals on pants. They need to be waterproof, but don't need to be insulated. If they are just "shell" pants, you can wear sweats underneath. No matter what type of snow pants you get, you should have a base layer - long johns, thermals, capilene, silk, etc.

4. Socks - Medium weight smartwool, and high enough to stick out of your ski boots (you don't want to rub your shins raw). Also, do not wear cotton socks. Do not wear cotton socks under your smartwool socks. Do not wear layers of cotton socks in place of smartwool. You will sweat, the cotton will never dry, and your feet will freeze.

5. Gloves - Again, waterproof and warm. Leather is not your friend.

6. Goggles - you need them, period. Get a decent pair with good ventilation. If you wear glasses, you need OTG (over the glasses) goggles, or you will need contacts.

7. Hat - beanie, skullcap, etc. If it will be snowing or super cold, think about something that will cover your ears as well.

Other things that are useful but might not be necessary - glove liners, hand warmers / foot warmers, scarf, face mask, hydration pack, helmet, and ear muffs.

Shop around before you go up to the mountain where everything is more expensive. Places like Burlington Coat Factory and Ross have tons of winter wear (jackets and pants) and are even cheaper than sporting good stores.

Have fun!