Reasonably priced, but good skiwear...

[Wuxiapian]

Which brands would you suggest?

Or, as long as it's waterproof, do brands really differ that much?

Going skiiing in 2 weeks and haven't shopped yet!

Many, many thanks for any responses.

[LIZS]

Visit TK Maxx , they often have previous year stock of brands reduced. Other budget ones are dare2be(Regatta) , Trespass, Brugi, Columbia, H and M, Tesco, Next and Asda have done some in the past. M and S had some too this year. Go for the most waterproof you can afford and ideally windproof/breathable and features such as underarm zips and internal snow cuffs. Goretex is great but most brands do a similar fabric.

[Lapsedrunner]

Another vote for TK Maxx, also Millets if you have one near you.
For what it's worth I have ski trousers but I only ever wear my normal walking jacket (gortex style, not padded) with a fleece and layers underneath. You may not need to splash out on a ski jacket as such.

[tulpe]

Yep - TK Maxx definitely worth a look - for everything including gloves, socks and base layers.

Also try Trespass. They have some really reasonably priced stuff too.

[Wuxiapian]

Thank you, all, for replies.

Ok, tried on a few bits in town today.

Ski trews: what's the fit supposed to be like - snug/baggy?

The ones that fit my waist were pretty snug of the rear/legs and I'm michelin-man reincarnate as it is without the extra baggage about the middle!

Tut.

Help?!

[BikeRunSki]

TK Maxx, or GO Outdoors if you have one
go outdoors

TKM sometimes get Patagonia stuff which is absolutely superb, and lasts forever! ( I have thermals that are 15 years old and salopettes that are 9 year old).

I would spend money on decent base layers (long sleeved vest and long johns), and get merino wool ones if you can - super warm, lovely feel and doesn't smell! And get some decent socks, with high wool content. Don't get them so thick that you won't be able to wiggle your toes in your ski boots. If you are hiring boots, then maybe wait and get some socks in resort, once you have your boots.

Ski trews should obviously give you enough room to bend in, but don't have to be super baggy - there are lots like this but more for a fashion thing amongst "yoof".

I ski in longsleeved merino top and long johns (Howies), stretchy fleece leggings (Lowe Alpine), fleece jacket/jumper, maybe also thin fleece jumper too, goretex salopettes (unlined, Patagonia), goretex walking jacket (also unlined, also Patagonia), Buff and helmet. But I carry a decent hat for "vin chaud" breaks. And good gloves - separate shell and inner are easier to dry over night and warmer than "one piece". I wear mittens, I find them warmer than gloves. And I usually wear a pair of thin "magic gloves" as a liner.

And get some decent UV chap stick too.

[BikeRunSki]

Brands do matter, yes. You want soemthing breathable as well as waterproof and really want "taped seams" - where the seams ) to keep rain/snow/drips out. Also look ouhave tape over them (on the inside of the garmentt for waterproof zips (look like they have been put in upside down), chunky zip pulls (to use wearing gloves), hooks on wrist to attach gloves to and a "snow skirt" - like a seperate lining below the waist to keep snow out.

[BikeRunSki]

Don't forget goggles.

[tulpe]

The brands I really like are North Face ( for jacket and trousers) and Icebreaker (for merino base layer tops and mid-layer half zip merino tops).

My children wear Columbia jackets with Muddy Puddles salopettes.

[shockers]

I got some organic bamboo base layers from TK Maxx last year... really silky

[greygirl]

i really like the aldi skiwear - it's called 'crane sports' - but you have to spot it coming in. i bought it for my DD and the spec is impressive - powderskirt, lift pass pocket, really well thought out, and i think the adult stuff would be the same.

[Wuxiapian]

Thanks, everyone.

Well, TK Maxx saw me right.

Jacket - waterproof/windproof, with skirt, hood and enough pockets.

Bottoms - on the snug side (all others were way too big on waist - chunky legged beast that I am), plenty pockets and zipped vent areas down legs.

Thermal base layer tops, tube socks, gloves. Also now have goggles.

Anything else me or my son could possibly need?

Thanks again, muchly!

[greygirl]

lip salve, pocket hankies, neck gaitor(like a snood really) and don't forget to hire a helmet!
have a terrific time.....

[LIZS]

Ski sunglasses, fleece neckwarmer.

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Snow boots for while you're there.

[Wuxiapian]

My DP reckons it'll be just the DS who needs a helmet, but maybe you're right, grey...

Goggles and sunglasses, LIZS?

Snowboots. Oh, cripes. I have no clue where to start the search. Could anyone point me in the right direction? DS has wellies - would they suffice for him?

Thanks, you guys!

[Ponders]

Def TKMaxx - who cares if it's "last year's"? My son got a very cool Billabong jacket there for £70 this month (less than half price)

Oh, agree also that aldi stuff is great quality & fantastic value (as long as you don't care about cool !)

[LIZS]

No wellies won't; keep the snow out or feet warm. Definitely snowboots. Next have some online and M and S had some at Bluewater. Re. sunglasses , don't underestimate the glare if it is sunny, you can't sit at a restaurant in goggles !!

[Wuxiapian]

LOL, LIZS!

I think this skiing expedition is going to break me - financially as well as phsically!

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Next have kids snow boots in stock. I got ours in Lidl a few weeks ago.

[Wuxiapian]

Do you think these would be ok to trudge about in?

May be better to buy boots I'll get more wear out of?

Thanks!!

[tulpe]

Muddy Puddles do excellent children's snow boots.

I have a cheapy black pair from Ellis Brigham. Incredibly basic but cost £30 and do the job adequately.

[Iwishitwouldsnow]

They would be fine.

I usually wear my normal walking boots

[Wuxiapian]

Ordered the Timberlands and awaiting their arrival - hopefully before Christmas!

Thanks for link to Muddy Puddles, tulpe. Will certainly remember them for future reference!

Dragged my son down to NEXT today and found him some great snow boots - thanks, Iwish!

DP advocates proper ski-socks as opposed to the tubes - so may buy them once there. Tut.

So, apart from that, I think it's just goggles (for DS) and shades (for piggin' out in resto) for the both of us.

Have I forgotten anything?

Cheers!

[Wuxiapian]

Oh, and by the way, "ski sunglasses".

I take it this means another splurge?

Won't normal sunglasses do, at all?

I WILL enjoy skiing! I WILL enjoy skiing! I WILL enjoy skiing!

[Iwishitwouldsnow]

Close fit ones are best, with bits around the side or wraparound style otherwise you can still get the glare (and damage to your eyes).

Make sure they have got a good UV rating.

You're right though - you WILL enjoy skiing!