School ski trip

[HiMatildaBye]

Dd is 13, in year 8 and will be going skiing for the first time in February half-term. As a non skier myself, where do I get the gear from and what do I need? Any other top tips for a safe and fun school skiing trip? She will have a couple of lessons the snow dome before. What kind of clothes are good to take on a trip like this? They are staying for 6 nights.

base layers from uniqlo or decathlon (can be used as pj's after the trip).
a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.
a balaklava as hired ones can be a bit jucky.
dc school also specified sturdy waterproof shoes for the times not skiing.

If they have baselayer/skins and fleece for outdoor sport reuse those.

The school will provide you with a list of everything you need

EBay will probably have loads of ski gear from people who only went once

Fleece lined leggings are amazing as base layers, I wear Primark ones.

Decent ski socks, Decathlon are good. Or Aldi when their ski range is out.

I got my thermal tops from M&S, they're lovely. Then she will just need a midlayer, I usually just wear sweaters/jumpers I already have.

Glove liners are handy as an extra layer, and you can usually use your phone etc with them on without getting cold hands from taking mittens off. And as a PP said, mittens tend to be warmer than gloves.
A thin, fleece neck gaiter. I got a lovely plain black one off Amazon.

Usually the helmet will have been hired with the trip so check that. She will need goggles and sunglasses.

I take my waking boots (waterproof) as opposed to specific ski boots.
In fact last year I wore my Docs.

Thank you! Lots of good advice and food for thought.

Loads of good tips here. I'm a fairly experienced skier and I would suggest bright colours and light reflective strips on clothes. I would also consider looking on Vinted for ski boots (search Salomon). I know they will get hire boots but they are horrendous and you may be able to get some quite cheaply that are new or lightly used and have a chance to practice in them beforehand. Don't forget sunscreen and zinc based lip balm, you can burn easily on a clear sunny day. Plenty of light layers are key. Decent gloves. Hope they have a blast, it's such a lot of fun!

"I would also consider looking on Vinted for ski boots (search Salomon)."

Never do this. There is no guarantee that the boots will fit and you won't know what condition they are in. Boots are the most important pieces of equipment when skiing - if they don't fit properly, skiing can be painful and tiring, and a couple of big blisters will ruin the holiday and make it almost impossible to ski.

Since the price of the ski trip will include ski and boot rental, there is no financial advantage in buying your own boots, and if there is anything wrong with the fitting in resort (e.g. if the boots rub a bit or don't fit well after a few hours) the rental shop will replace them as many times as necessary.

Skiing for the last 30 years ( badly !!!) and you cannot ski without a helmet! As in I’ve never seen anyone do that . Madness .

You don’t need goggles and sunglasses. Just goggles.

Don’t over pack . You can get very warm skiing . My own teens often strip down to short sleeves underneath their ski jacket ! It’s very often warmer than at home and as you’re so active you warm up !

They absolute do need helmets.

our school allow them to take their own, but definitely check this and I wouldn’t buy one if it’s just going to be used for 6 days.

"You don’t need goggles and sunglasses. Just goggles."

Goggles are best for when the kids are actually skiing. Sunglasses are better when they are sitting around in the sun having lunch, walking into the village to go shopping and during the 16-hour bus journey.

For the whole trip they need both.

The school will give you a list, but make sure the items you get are designed for active wear. That is, don’t send a cotton t shirt as a base layer. The proper sports wear will dry quicker, and will be breathable.

But, if your child already has “skins” for outdoor sports like hockey, then those will be suitable. But only if they’re designed for warmth - so not dance leggings.

Definitely 2 pairs of ski gloves, and another pair (just their normal gloves) for the evening.

I prefer knee length base layers, because longer ones bunch up with your socks in your boots and I find this uncomfortable. But YMMV.

Definitely take sunglasses as well as goggles. Goggles are only for skiing, they usually attach to the helmet and leave in helmet for the week. They will want to put sunglasses on if they stop for lunch or hot drink outside as the sun can be blinding. And it’s not nice sitting relaxing with goggles on your face drinking a hot chocolate

Pretty much everything has been covered.

Factor 50 suncream. Buying suncream in resort is really expensive, so definitely send some. It's deceptively hot and sunny when you ski.

We always stock up on the mini bags of Lidl own Haribo and put a couple of bags in the DCs pockets for the day.

Agree about the layers being designed for sports. DS1 rarely wears base layers now. He prefers to ski in just salopettes on the bottom and a football shirt under his jacket.

Salopettes can make you look and feel like the Michelin man. If your DD prefers a more fitted look, look for slim fit salopettes on Vinted.

I imagine you'll get a packing list from school. Just to add:

Re: socks:- get proper ski socks, otherwise the texture can rub the feet. It's personal choice as to how thick/thin but I'd say don't scrimp on socks. I hate having cold feet in my boots so need the warmest socks unless it's Easter and 15c on the slopes!

Helmet:- I'd almost guarantee this will be part of the equipment hire package with skis and poles.

Goggles:- good idea to try some on for comfort. You'll need lenses that cover a wide spectrum of conditions from 'flat light' (cloudy) to bright sun. Some people have several interchangeable lenses but I wouldn't be bothering with that faff for a beginner child.

Gloves:- don't scrimp on these, cold hands is miserable. The ones with attached cords so they dangle off your wrists are best. Gloves that have been left on a lift are no fun either.

Jacket and salopettes:- try to go second hand for these as others have said they get very little wear before they're grown out of. If the school has offered trips previously you might find some offered by other parents (meaning you can try before you buy!)

I adore skiing and it was a school trip that ignited my love. My parents have never skied so I love that I had this opportunity - I hope your daughter feels the same.😊

Aldi skiwear is available from 12th November

Hi there never used this before. Don't know how to post question. Can anyone recommend second hand site for parents who maybe selling used ski gear.

@Everylittlegoesalongway Vinted. I buy lots on there

@Everylittlegoesalongway Also find out if there is a ski club local to you - these sometimes organise exchange schemes where ski gear that's only been used a week before being grown out of is exchanged between members. I believe that some schools also do this if they have regular ski trips (it tends to always be the same Year - e.g. Year 8 - that travels). All our old gear eventually ended up in the local charity shop, so don't overlook these - some of the stuff had only been worn for three or four weeks and then sat in the loft for a couple of years.

Looks like until 12th

If you’re still looking for ski gear, Aldi have theirs in at the moment. Ski instructor recommended using them as they’re good quality but don’t cost the earth.

You can get the ski jacket, Salopettes, goggles (the tint is for different conditions), hat/gloves, ski socks, base layers and mid layers.

They also do lip salve with sunblock in. She’s need sun cream too.

There may be people at school who have gear they no longer want. Worth an ask.

Lidl have their ski range out now. I picked up some base layers for DS today.

Mountain Warehouse are also doing 50% off their own range and you can get another 10% off with promo code BFEXTRA10.

If you're going to spend money on anything, spend it on decent socks and gloves. Skiing is miserable with cold/wet hands and blisters. Everything else: jacket, salopettes/ski pants, base layers, goggles and sunglasses can be basic.

Decathlon 500 socks £10 a pair are good as anything out there unless you want a thin racing sock

Local Facebook pages also great for buying ski gear. If your child wears glasses, get goggles that fit over them; not all goggles do. I wear vision sunglasses skiing and occasionally goggles over them, depending on wind and snow conditions.

Can anyone advise on size of bag needed: 35l, 50l, 80l more?
Exact same position as OP - first time school ski trip for son, 1 week, I have no idea how much space all the kit will need and what litreage this equates too