Buying first skiing clothes!

[Feelingblue77]

Hello!
I’ve been having lessons and hiring ski trousers and jackets each time.
Ive been looking on Vinted and EBay to buy something and had a couple of questions!

Are the trousers with straps over your shoulders like braces good or better without?

Also any thoughts on Crane? I think it’s Lidl brand and there are some nice looking sets at bargain prices. Any thoughts on sizing and if it’s ok? Just for a beginner!

thanks!

Personally, I’m not one for braces. They can look cool but make going to the loo more difficult. In resorts, the loo floors are often wet because the snow melts off your boots. This can mean your braces get wet if they trail on the floor when you’re sitting down.

Skiers often like the dungarees style trousers if they ski in deep powder as the top helps keep the snow out when you fall over.

I haven’t tried Crane skiwear but heard very good things about the Aldi range when they first brought it out years ago. Decathlon also have their own range which is well priced and really popular.

Hi, the shoulder straps are personal choice, no right or wrong. The most important thing is waterproofing. Ideally, you'd want at least 5000mm or 5k waterproof rating for trousers and coat. Brand doesn't matter so much, you just need to be dry. Vinted and eBay are fine but check the items are 5k / 5000 mm.
Decathlon are a good option if buying new. Budget friendly and good kit for the price. Some stuff from Mountain Warehouse is also OK. Don't know do much about Crane but heard ok things.

You either need a high waist or straps ideally with a snowskirt on the jacket to stop snow getting inside when you fall. I would not buy own brand basics like lidl second hand, look for brands like dare2be, trespass, columbia etc. You need waterproof, windproof and breathable outer layers.

I don’t like braces. Annoying for the loo. DH rates them as he feels his trousers are falling down without. 7YO likes them too as reckons they’re warmer. So just personal preference. Never heard of Crane but the Aldi ski wear is supposed to be decent if it’s that. But I wouldn’t say ‘just for a beginner’ as tbh you probably needs better stuff than an advanced skier as you’re going to be moving slower so more potential to get cold and inevitably spending more time on your arse in the snow. If you plan to ski on the mountain and not dryslope/snow dome then my advice would be to look at the level of insulation and waterproof rating and go off that. And no light colours because they always look like crap by day 4!

Brilliant thanks so much everyone for the tips!

I will definitely spend plenty on time on my bum in the snow so good point about being waterproof 😆.

Going to take another look now. Thanks!

i prefer the straps on trousers, but not the bib style (definitely more for deep snow).

i wouldn't buy cheap stuff like lidl/aldi.its always "crunchy" and plasticky. insulation won't be as good. ive bought it in the past and been disappointed. fit is weird too like wide baggy trousers.

good advice above about better brands on vinted. or look for stuff in the sale. or decathlon?

There are websites such as SnowInn and Absolute Snow that do brands at massive discounts.

its worth looking at the brand sites and then googling the product name as there are loads of deals.

My best advice would be don’t skimp on gloves and socks - they are really important. I spent as much on gloves as I did on my trousers and don’t regret it.

Crane salopettes were seriously sweaty when I owned a pair. Buy better brands 2nd hand.
I currently have some decathlon stuff which I'm happy with. Bought my teenage daughter amazing Helly Hansen pieces on Vinted for a bargain price.