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Help me make a proper list of stuff I need for first time skiing?

84 replies

TiredOfEverythingNow · 05/01/2025 18:59

I am going for 4 days skiing trip at the start of Feb. I have never been and none of my friends have been either.

I know I need skiing gear which is fine. But what do I wear when I'm not skiing? Do I need normal winter coat? Boots ? Trousers ? I am mighty confused what to take especially as I haven't been in the snow in many many years.

Budget is also limited...

Help 🙏

OP posts:
Scottishskifun · 06/01/2025 10:18

Vinted is your friend if you can go for the better ski/outsoor brands in good condition. Avoid the likes or roxy/billabong etc it's stylish but the waterproof rating is pants.
Get yourself a bottle of tech wash and nitwax and rewaterproof jacket and trousers.

I always wear my ski jacket out and about. 2 sets of thermals will usually do - if you have a costco nearby and know anyone with a card they had decent women's ones in.
Other thing for skiing is layers so a good zip up fleece which isn't too thick will keep you warm for standing about. A fleecy buff or ski mask is a definite.

I take a pair of thermal leggings with me to put under jeans for out and about.
I stay in my walking boots for out and about.

Sunscreen is a must but also a good moisturiser and lip balm for afterwards. I take crocs with me for the boot room - easy slip on and keep your feet dry.

Theredjellybean · 06/01/2025 10:25

I only ever take my ski jacket.
I also don't buy expensive thermal layers...I buy cheap long sleeves tshirts from Primark and wear two of those.
So...I'd say you need:
Ski jacket and saloppettes
Two to three long sleeves tshirts
Two pairs of leggings for under saloppettes..I use fleecy lined ones again from Primark.
Ski socks
Gloves

Then I wear joggers or jeans to travel in , a couple of clean casual tops , a hoody
Pj's, underwear

A SPORT bra !

If you are a beginner definitely do not take a backpack skiing...you fall over a fair bit .
During the day you need lip salve, lift pass, tissues, credit card and a snack bar...all fits in your pockets.

Id definitely take snow boots or walking shoes for when not skiing as paths etc are often slippery.

I've skiec two - three times a year for 45 yrs ...you definitely don't need loads of expensive gear or massives of clothes.

LIZS · 06/01/2025 10:55

TK Maxx can be good for ski jacket/trousers, goggles, socks

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 19:47

Okay I have compiled a list and starting to purchase.

Notice that mountain warehouse seems to have good sales. What's the quality like?

Also where would you recommend I purchase snow boots from? Don't mind spending money on those as weightloss won't affect as much

Thank you

OP posts:
GreyDuck · 06/01/2025 20:11

What accomodation are you staying in? I find a pair of crocs or slides useful for going to/from the boot room, especially if the floor is wet, you don't want to start the day with wet feet. I can't fit normal shoes over my ski socks, and can't be bothered to lace up walking boots. If you're keeping your skis and boots in a slopeside locker then you'll be in outdoor boots anyway.
For outdoor boots, any comfy waterproof walking boots or snow boots will be good. I'm sure mountain warehouse will be fine.
Some hotels will only let you in the dining room in proper shoes. Most are more relaxed, and in chalets most people would be in just socks. Look at review websites to check.
I agree about avoiding a backpack, they're a hassle on the lift, and you really don't need it when you are a beginner.
Mini mars bars etc are great. You can buy there, but ski resort tend to be really expensive.
I've never taken a second coat, but I wear mine all winter at home in the cold and rain too! If you haven't got your coat yet, make sure it has the lift pass pocket on the arm. It makes it so much easier.
Have fun!

BruisedNeckMeat · 06/01/2025 20:18

Heavy flow period knickers.

Scottishskifun · 06/01/2025 20:20

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 19:47

Okay I have compiled a list and starting to purchase.

Notice that mountain warehouse seems to have good sales. What's the quality like?

Also where would you recommend I purchase snow boots from? Don't mind spending money on those as weightloss won't affect as much

Thank you

Mountain warehouse isn't great it's "snowproof" fine if its OK weather but if wet snow etc then you will likely get wet over time.

Go for decathlon over mountain warehouse you want a waterproof rating of minimum 8000 h20 rating or look on vinted I got a high spec jacket on there for £35!

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 06/01/2025 20:40

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 19:47

Okay I have compiled a list and starting to purchase.

Notice that mountain warehouse seems to have good sales. What's the quality like?

Also where would you recommend I purchase snow boots from? Don't mind spending money on those as weightloss won't affect as much

Thank you

Their thermals are good. Merino if you can afford them as they won't smell as quickly as manmade fibres. Two tops and one leggings will do you for a few days. I've also gotten thin fleeces from them to wear over which were warm.

I don't recommend wearing a couple of standard cotton tops as a beginner. You work pretty hard as a beginner and get sweaty and it gets very cold in cotton T-shirts if you get chilled on a ski lift. Thermals will "wick" the sweat away.

Warm pjs and slippers for the chalet. Packets of tissues as your nose runs a fair bit and mountain loos rarely have toilet paper

HolidayHappy123 · 06/01/2025 20:46

Uniqlo Heatech are great as base layer.

DC's Mountain Warehouse jacket wasn't warm enough and I ended up having to buy her a second jacket.

Zara have excellent ski wear if you can get hold of it.

LIZS · 06/01/2025 20:49

Just get walking boots or snow boots from decathlon, Blacks, MW or Trespass.

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 20:51

Thank you.

I am definitely buying merino wool based on recommendations and research.

Managed to get surfenic second hand jacket which meant to be decent.

Trying to find winter snow boots to wear out and about. I think my skiing will be part of the day, then walling around the town / snow / viewing areas.

No idea where we are staying exactly yet. My work is taking us and we are due to find out soon.

OP posts:
user3827 · 06/01/2025 20:54

Paracetamol! Softens the aches 😆

Neurodiversitydoctor · 06/01/2025 20:54

ChimneyRock · 05/01/2025 22:29

Also, the single-most important thing to do when you get back to base in the afternoons is stretching exercises, particularly calves and thighs. The agony of muscles that feel like slats of wood in your legs the next morning is hard, otherwise.

I have be skiing for 25 years never heard of stretching afterwards- straight to the bar surely.....

Scottishskifun · 06/01/2025 21:13

user3827 · 06/01/2025 20:54

Paracetamol! Softens the aches 😆

Ibuprofen! Better for muscle ache 😊

Scottishskifun · 06/01/2025 21:31

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 20:51

Thank you.

I am definitely buying merino wool based on recommendations and research.

Managed to get surfenic second hand jacket which meant to be decent.

Trying to find winter snow boots to wear out and about. I think my skiing will be part of the day, then walling around the town / snow / viewing areas.

No idea where we are staying exactly yet. My work is taking us and we are due to find out soon.

Surfonic is decent, if its not got the label on techwash it followed by nikwax it will clean it then rewaterproof can pick both up from amazon.

cestlavielife · 06/01/2025 21:32

Try and do an intro session at a dry slope or indoor ski place so you a step ahead

TiredOfEverythingNow · 06/01/2025 23:06

cestlavielife · 06/01/2025 21:32

Try and do an intro session at a dry slope or indoor ski place so you a step ahead

Oh I tried, fully booked 🤣 clearly popular.

I will get onto those with DC once I get back. I'm so excited to get back in the snow. Born in snowy country but haven't been back in years and not in winter. Fear I will be hooked again 🙈

OP posts:
ScaryM0nster · 06/01/2025 23:24

I’m in love with my Sorel boots. Toasty warm and waterproof.

Worth a look to see if they’re you’re kind of thing.

Starseeking · 06/01/2025 23:48

This is useful for me too, thanks for starting it OP!

BellissimoGecko · 06/01/2025 23:52

We have just done this for ds!!

Definitely get a thin pair of under-gloves to go under ski gloves.

Thermals x2
Ski socks x2
Goggles
Hiking boots
Lip balm
Neck warmer

He could borrow jacket and salopettes, and hire a helmet.

Have a great time!

minipie · 07/01/2025 00:25

I take (may not wear depending on temps)

Helmet
Goggles
Ski jacket - I do wear this for everything
Salopettes
Ski socks
Buff
Ski gloves - Get good ones, warm hands are crucial to enjoying the holiday!!
Normal 60 denier type tights - these are thin enough to go under ski socks without bulk if I need an extra layer. I find thermals on legs too hot
Thermal vest (heattech)
Long sleeve sports top - not therm but warmer than cotton
Cashmere/merino jumpers

For non skiing (evening)
Normal hat/gloves
Nice t shirts and jumpers
Jeans
Warm socks
Insulated boots with grip - mine are Columbia winter boots (not specifically snow boots) I also wear them a lot in cold or muddy UK weather
Slippers
Comfy joggers for lounging

minipie · 07/01/2025 00:27

Oh yes and goggles and sunglasses! But rarely wear sunglasses skiing these days as goggles work so much better with a helmet.

Ski hire shops sell little tubes of suncream with an SPF lip balm attached to the lid - these are great for piste side top ups! And hard to find outside ski resorts.

cestlavielife · 07/01/2025 09:59

On amazon Manbi Sun Protection/Lip Balm SPF 50 Combi Suncream Loose
11.00
Ski Suncream and Ski Balm, Perfect for Skiing or Snowboarding

TiredOfEverythingNow · 12/01/2025 17:19

Hello lovelies.

Think I have done all the shopping 💪

Merino wool base layers sent back. Can't stand them. Still itchy like normal wool 🙈

Now for the dumb dumb question...

How does it work when you go skiing?

I assume you start with breakfast. Then head over to get your skis and go on for the lifts and on the slopes?

Then what ? What when you get hungry, want to pee or anything else ? I'm trying to get idea how that works 🤣 can't imagine being stuck on the mountain all that time.

Thank you 🙏

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 12/01/2025 17:37

I was a late learner in my 40s.

You doing lessons right?
When are you collecting the skis? On arrival day?
identify where you will store skis. Identify where lesson gathering point will be
Or will you collect skis on first lesson day? Allow enough time
Have breakfast
Go wee.
Go in trainers or clogs to ski room to put on ski boots and helmet and carry skis and poles to lesson gathering point
Ski boots are hard to walk in allow enough time
Do lesson
It will be 2 to 3 hours max so when you finish you can go to a cafe with a toilet leaving skis and poles outside

You cannot stop on slopes, to wee. but some lift stops when you get off might have a toilet attached or cafe toilets etc . So you can ask group to wait for you before going down.

First lessons will be on a small slope close to cafes and toilets.

You will probably want to repeat what you did in lesson in the afternoon on your own til you get confident to use piste map.