Confused over skiwear for Austria in early April

[LittleBonnie]

Hi we are going to Austria the first week in April and are hoping there will be some snow left on the slopes!! I'm confused about what to take to wear though. From looking at the monthly average temperatures they can vary from 0 degrees to 20 degrees in April, but I'm assuming that means in the towns and resorts, not on the mountain slopes.
For skiing would we need the usual padded salopettes and ski jackets or would just thin waterproofs suffice with warm clothes underneath??
I don't really want to have to purchase proper skiwear if I don't need to as we will possibly not go skiing again for many years. Also, we're flying Ryanair so obviously suitcase space will be at a premium. However, we don't want to get all the way there and hate it because we're too cold!! Advice please

The key to this is layers. You do need to be prepared for all eventualities as you could be skiing in a t shirt or it could be very cold still. I would take a shell jacket, fleece plus some thermal layers.

I think you probably will be ok with just waterproof trousers. DH just wears shell trousers and thermals usually.

If you are beginners then padded salopettes are still a good idea (for cushioning and if you fall in slush) , you can opt to wear thermals under or not as required. When you are not skiing the lifts can be quite chilly and windy and you cool quickly while waiting turns in skiclass or in a lift queue. You might get away with a lighter waterproof jacket or be glad of something a bit heavier but breathable with fewer layers underneath. Morning can be chilly and crisp but we've had 20o on slopes after lunch ! Be prepared for extremes.

If you're not wanting to spend much then keep an eye out on gumtree and eBay. There will be plenty of bargains after the half term.

We have been skiing the Ryanair way, and once I managed to do it for all four of us with hand luggage only. Each person needs as a minimum:

1. Hiking type jacket, not too hot, snow skirt at the bottom is useful, removable warm liner is useful. Wear this onto the plane as your main coat. You can use it for walks afterwards. Aldi were selling these for £30 just before Xmas.
2. Padded salopettes or special ski pants.
3. Thermal leggings and top.
4. Two wicking t-shirts, preferably long sleeved.
5. Quick dry warm top with a zip up neck (normal sweater with separate ski snood will do for little people)
6. 2 pairs gloves.
7. 2 pairs good socks.
8. Fleece beanie hat.

Put number 2-8 in a vacuum bag - you can get these for £1 from Poundland, the type you squash to get the air out. These items will only take up about 1/3 of your case after that.

Also pack a pair of trousers, a paid of indoor shoes, a couple of light tops and a light sweater for evenings. Often it is very hot indoors with people using a lot more heating than we are used to. Also 3 sets of undies (with my packing system you will be washing these out in the sink with the hotel/chalet shampoo, and also some socks/t-shirts from time to time). Add a swimsuit in case there is a local pool or the weather goes funny and you don't want to ski, and pack a small toiletry bag which includes a small suncream/lip screen combination within the 100ml regulation size -sometimes this is cheap on Amazon but expensive in resort. Piz Buin do a good one for about £3 on Amazon.

To travel wear a pair of jeans, some snow boots or walking boots, a warm jumper and a light vest (cotton/silk mix is good). Scarf might be handy, as well as a pair of woollen gloves in your pockets.

This way you will have plenty to keep warm with, although you may find yourself skiing covered in sun cream in a t-shirt as I did at Christmas. And you can easily travel with a wheelie suitcase and your handbag.

Optional extras:

Nightwear, obv.
Cheap backpack for your bits and pieces while on the slope. I got one for a fiver from a ski shop.
Empty reusable water bottle, again useful to fill up for use on the slope. £3 from John Lewis.

Thank you BoffinMum! I'm going to copy out your list right now so I don't forget anything!!

Glad it was helpful!

Agree on layers. One point though (based on DD's experience witnessed by me). Never ski or snowboard with bare arms. If/when you fall going any speed at all you will take off all the skin. The snow at speed acts like sandpaper. Ouch!