What clothes/kit do we need? Snow newbie

[HanleyGirl123]

We (2 adults, 2children) are booked for our first ski/snowboard holiday over the Christmas period in Tignes. It's going to be cold! We have never done this before and have no idea what to buy and how much in terms of equipment, clothes and layers.

Can anyone help with some lists or direct me to where I can find one? It's so confusing when our only experiences of snow has been the odd UK snowy day.

You need to book the lessons in advance not ask when you get there because they’re popular and can sell out over peak weeks like Christmas, and as beginners you need them on day 1 before you do any skiing on your own, then you probably want at least 2 more over the course of the week.

Definitely get lessons over there - for the kids and for you. Why do you think the kids won't get on with ski school? It's the best way for beginners to learn. And is fun too.

Everyone is saying the same about clothing, so I have nothing to add there, except that I always take hand and foot warmers with me (the ones which activate when you open the packet). I wouldn't ski in Dec or Jan without them.

But get your lessons sorted!

Thank you, I've googled a couple of places and sent them emails about private lessons. Day 1 of any holiday is a write off for us as the children will be far too overwhelmed (despite a lot of advance prep). Meeting a stranger for a lesson would be a recipe for disaster. We plan to just check out the place, let the kids play in the snow near where we are staying and do some sledging if possible so they are comfortable with their surroundings before going anywhere near ski equipment and proper ski runs etc.

We have to take things slowly and easy otherwise the holiday will be a write off. Yes I will book lessons in advance but we have to go at their pace and may actually end up doing very little skiing and just enjoy the other activities in Tignes.

Sounds like a good plan! In reference to day 1 what I really meant was whatever you don’t attempt to ski on your own before having a lesson first. Going for every other day might be a good shout depending on instructor availability.

That sounds like a really good plan. Like a previous poster has said, I was also just raising concerns about taking the children on the slopes without any lessons first. I hope you hear back from the ski schools you’ve contacted and can arrange some private lessons.
Have a great time, it really is a super family holiday.

My kids just wear their thermals in the apartment/chalet when we get back from skiing and don’t get changed. We used to stay in a hotel and all the kids did this. So I don’t pack many other clothes for them. Therefore the thermals get grubby so I always take 3 sets per child. You can get nice ones from M&S that are reasonable price. I’ve also had nice ones from Odlo but these cost more. I get the kids fleeces etc from Mountain Warehouse, Trespass or dare2be.

Our kids had lessons with Evolution 2 in Tignes Val Claret - they were brilliant. Our dd needed private lessons to start with (also has SN) and then joined a class the following year - they gave her the same instructor she had had previously, which gave her a lot of confidence. Do book in advance - you run the risk of instructors being booked up well in advance during peak weeks. Ideally you'd all do lessons in the mornings (separate for adults and kids) and can then spend the afternoons on other activities or skiing together.

I can second Evolution 2. Fantastic with kids whereas ESF brought DS back with a black eye and a split lip and just shrugged when I asked what had happened.

My kids also have just stayed in their thermals in hotel/chalet so any normal clothes have mostly returned unworn.

In your ski boots you should have one layer of Technical ski sock only. And pulled up so there's no wrinkles. No second pair of socks, no Fanny pads (wtf?!) and don't tuck your thermals in. I've seen terrible bruising from wrinkles inside ski boots.

I suggest buying hand warmers - they are about £5 a pack from decathlon. Basically hot teabags. If it’s chilly and you’re hands are cold, they are fab.

think carefully about the lessons. Understand that your kids might struggle day 1, but you won’t be able to join a class as a beginner (on day 2) if the others are skiing down the hill. Can you have lessons at the snow dome/dry slop before you go?

I wouldn’t overpack the clothes. A couple of base layers and a couple of sweatshirts (the cheap decathlon ones are perfect). They are unlikely to get mucky or sweaty so you can re-use!

Do heed this advice about boots. Never had bruising but had fluid filled blisters the length of the seam! Owowowow, never ever again!

Definitely need some private lessons in Tignes, can recommend the cheaper lunchtime lessons from Evo 2. It’s a huge ski area and you need to be an accomplished skier to take your beginner kids out. If you’re based in lac you need to figure out your route home so you don’t end up on the black run home.

Pack swimming gear for everyone in Tignes, Christmas is a great time to go, lots going on the snow front for kids. We will be there on Boxing Day and are there 8 weeks a year through the season.

Pick up some snacks for Sherpa/ carrefour montagne. Pair of normal gloves (pub gloves) for evening so you don’t risk losing your good ones.

3 x socks
3 x base layers
2 x fleece
buff
goggles
gloves
sunglasses
lip balm
suncream
jeans, jumpers, boots for evening

Day one will feel like a faf but it gets way easier as you go. Free buses that are hop on, hop off and loop around town. Loads of kid friendly restaurants and pubs (loop, le moose and la cantina are our fave lac/ lavachet way).

Bonne Ski!

I'd go for goggles rather than sunglasses, especially for the kids. Mine would never wear sunglasses although can be handy when stopping for lunch etc.

Definitely goggles and then sunglasses for lunch/ walking around resort.

Check decathlon for goggles and base layers, you only need 2/3 sets each.

Check Vinted for snow boots, often kids will only wear them for 1/2 weeks then grow out of them.