Ok, so what do I...

[Wuxiapian]

... need, equipment-wise, as a complete newbie to skiing?

My friend's invited me to Geneva for a hol and I don't know where to begin.

What exactly do I need and any specific shops I should be purchasing the goods from?

Many, many thanks for any responses!

Outer layer should be a waterproof/windproof jacket and salopettes/ski trousers plus gloves. Long thick seamless socks (known as tubes) and hat are essentials. Underneath you can wear a lightweight fleece and/or long sleeved cotton top, maybe a thermal vest and leggings. Waterproof boots with solid soles (walking boots may be ok ). Goggles and strong sunglasses.

Good cheaper outlets are Tchibo, TK maxx, Decathlon, brands such as Trespass (who have ther own outlets and stores) and Regatta/Dare2Be are available cheaply on the internet and ebay. Hire skis, poles and boots when you are over there.

This is a website we've used before. They also have a few stores and do roadshows around the country.

google shopping is a good place to start looking for the cheapest online retailers...

and sur la piste (not sure if it's .co.uk or .com but you can google it) have a sale on - their micro fleeces are an absolute bargain (if they have any left...they did yesterday!)