yet another what to wear question - please advise

[fabhead]

We are going skiing with a 5y old and 2y old - first time for all except me. I used to ski a lot at school many moons ago. In my day we just wore jeans and lots of jumpers (but were cold of course). So now I have understood the concept of layering. Have got us thermals from M&S (kids) and the Uniqulo heat tech ones for us. Then am a bit confused as to what else we need for the middle and outer layers. My 3 questions which I would love an experienced family skier among you to answer are:

I have lots of long sleeved winter running tops - technical fabric ones, but not fleece. Would they do for me between thermals and ski jacket? Or should I buy myself a fleece?

Have got 2 pairs of salopettes for the 4y old and a fleece plus the thermals. Now, does he need a specific ski jacket? He has 2 winter coats at the moment - a Bench one with hood (but not waterproof) and a Sainsburys winter jacket which is quite thick and lined. Does he need a Specific ski jacket as well? What is the difference? They all seem to be made of polyester.

What does the non-skiing 2y old wear? No point getting him salopettes is there? Again, he has a winter jacket but not specifically a ski one. I have some of thos Tchibo lined waterproof dungarees? Would they do? So far have just got him a set of thermals and a fleece. What else does he need?

And finally, DP is fully kitted out - thermal long sleeve top, long johns, salopettes, fleece and ski jacket. Will that really be warm enough - seems very thin?

I'm going to Les Gets the 1st full week in March, let us know how you get on!

I was going to start a thread about apres ski boots. I nearly bought some for my 19mnth old from Mothercare but didn't because I thought the 'proper' brands would be more waterproof. Any thoughts?

And I need some, any recommendations?

I would recommend Julbo sunglasses for kids.

Right, off to check out that website, I fancy a new outfit!

We don't wear thermals as a rule - I take my yoga leggings to wear under my ski trousers if it's very cold, and then wear general (wicking) sports tops with a fleece and then a ski jacket on top.

The dc have skied with tracksuit tops and bottoms rather than a fleece and thermal leggings and have been fine - but that does depend on the warmth/waterproofness of the top layer.

Imo a good ski jacket, trousers/salopettes and gloves are the most important things, you can get away with non-ski specific sportswear underneath it, just wear appropriate layers and take a backpack to stow it in if you get too warm.

Dd2 when she was very small even used to ski with her pyjamas as a base layer - it was easier than persuading her to wear anything else!

DH pointed out its likely to be a lot colder this year than previous years. Ot at least it will be if going soon.

We're leaving next week to La Rosiere and yesterday the temp with wind chill was -18.

Never known it be that cold when skiing before. Infact 3 years ago in Chamonix I was skiing in just a thermal top and no ski jacket!

Agree with Rhapsody re: jacket and salopettes/gloves being most important items. My DCs usually wear thermals and roll neck tops with possibly a hoody/sweatshirt on top if it is bitterly cold. However, their outerwear is all performance gear, iyswim.

I have also known other children to wear pjs as base layers.

We had our worse weather ever this year (well, technically, last year on 30th December ). It was raining - horizontal, torrential rain . Thankfully it turned to snow after 2 hours but DCs were sodden and very sad We trusted their ski instructors who felt that it would stop within 10 mins of class starting.......it didn't. It took us ages to locate them and finally get them back to the cafe. DH has been skiing for 34 years and never ever skied in weather like this.

hmm - we have had down to -20 in the Trois VAllees, inc wind and white-outs - excellent powder but shockign visibility

Decathlon is great for reasonably priced ski gear, if you've got one near you. They do online ordering but only in some areas as yet, so check their website for details.

thanks again for the advice, I am starting to get a feel for what I need. I work near the surrey quays decathlon so am planning to go there on wed and see what's what. We are going to Les Gets week of 20th feb so I will let you know how we get on. I was hoping it wouldnt be too cold then but, you're right, it looks like a cold one. We are getting picked up from Geneva airport by the ski company (Ski Famille) but maybe I will try and get them to stop at the shops on the way!!!

Re: snowboots, the Muddy Puddles ones are fantastic - warm, easy to get on and off, waterproof and really lightweight too so great for wearing and packing. Ours have lasted two yrs before being outgrown and I will definitely be getting them again.

For footwear inside the Chalet, mine just wore their woolly sheepskin slippers.
Have a wonderful time!

There will be plenty of shops in the resort. All the ski hire shops sell loads of stuff such as goggles, gloves, hats, etc. Everything you could need and more. Just rememberthe euro rate isn't very good so the more stuff you can get here the better.

newsflash

if anyone is still looking for cheap skiwear, yesterday's Aldi Sunday Special included gloves, socks, thermals, fleeces, neckwarmers, jackets and trous for both kids and adults

fabhead at £20 a pop I'd get shopping...

The Mothercare Snow Boots are fine - I've used them for the past 2 years for DD.

right, am also off to Aldi tomo, thanks!

Nother decision have discovered - googles single lens or double lens, what difference does it make?

Shame I didn't read this earlier, not sure I'll make it to Aldi this week now.

We're doing Ski Famille too!

Maybe should've bought the mothercare boots....

Hi Bacon, well as we are there the week before you let me know if you want me to get you some stuff in Aldi and leave it in a ski famille chalet! Have you been before with them? First time for us.

We went with crystal last year and DS1 was adamant he wasn't going in creche this time, he's 4 now so going into ski school. I'm hoping Ski famille is worth it, I like the idea of them coming to the chalet and also the play room. Which chalet are you in, we've booked the grand mouflon. Will try and make a trip to Aldi tomorrow, but never been before so not sure how big it is/if it sells ski stuff. Thanks for the offer!

I grew up in Norway where the winters are long and cold. There is a science to layering and keeping warm: try to avoid cotton as thermals next to the skin. cotton gets cold when wet or damp and dries very slowly. If you look at the science, wool thermals (you can get thin, soft ones that does'nt itch) or heat tech material are best. they are breathable, insulates and keeps skin warm even if damp or wet. Middle layer should be a poleyester or wool fleece, or a thin wool jumper, top layer should be wind proof, insulating and preferably water proof jacket but doesn't need to be too thick. It might not seem enough, but the trick is to use the right fabrics and avoid cotton next to the skin. Always, always bring extra gloves and socks with you, as these always get wet! For 2 year old, snow suits are best. Good Luck!

So finally got to aldi not much left of course but did get what seems like a v nice jacket and salopettes for the 5 y old. It is red White and black similar to the trespass caboo have been trying to get him, if anyone knows it, but 19.99 stead of 50 quid. Seems to have all the requirements, taped seams, snow skirt, storm cuff etc. Doesn't seem terribly thick to me but is layered, padded etc. Do y think this will be ok. I've also got him a trespass all in one snowsuit and gave been given a couple of trespass salopettes. That will do hom do you think?

i'd go for salopettes rather than a ski suit because he may find it a little chilly going to the toilet in an all-in-one (if not slow to get undressed!). i know the set because i strongly debated it for my DD but i knew i had to go for pink because she would adore that. we might deal with 'alternatives to pink' when she's over barbie (she thinks tinkerbell's ok so we might be there soon...)
anyhow (moving back to topic) the ski suit is excellent quality and you should be pleased with it. i think it looks rather nice and bright too.

oh good, glad you think it was a good choice. We were all so freezing when the snow started I suddennly had a panic about the ski holiday! But now we have got to grips with the layering concept (and waterproof gloves, finally - THE most important thing for snow days really, I have discovered), I think we should be ok. Just got socks, goggles and possibly helmets to get now - tho am wondering whether to try and rent them at the resort because I think the suitcases are going to be full with everything else!

On that note, for a weeks ski holiday, I am hoping I don't need to take much more in the way of clothes? I guess we lounge around in the thermals/fleece in the chalet and for apres ski you wear the ski stuff anyway? Was thinking maybe to take Pj's and a few jumpers, pants etc plus normal outfit for journey there and back - is that about right?

Did you see the pink set in Aldi GG? I thought it was nicers even that the red one? Maybe you could still get hold of it.

thanks for all the advice on this thread.

i would take different clothes for the evening - as comfy and casual or as glam as you wish, but something else. after a week of sweating in your ski kit you really won't want to wear them after a bath/shower. also you may wish to go out for a meal (chalet girl's night off once a week) or even a drink, or moonlit sledging, or some other fantastic activity. i wouldn't take 7 outfits though - maybe 2 or 3, no more.and warm jumopers. and night-time gloves (ski gloves get very wet and sweaty) i am renting the helmet for my DD.
she has the pink ski set (i arranged to meet a mate in aldi at 10am on the sunday, and then we went for a coffee and child-free gossip (how sad am i?but i met 3 other women i knew in there doing the same thing)). i have also bought about 10 pairs of ski gloves to give as presents/replace lost gloves.
we had the ski set last year and it has been fab, which is why i wanted to get it this year. honeastly, i really like the aldi kids ski stuff.

Fabhead - I always take 1 pair jeans and 1 pair leggings together with several smart but slouchy jumpers to layer with long sleeve tees/vests and pashminas for apres-ski wear. Also always take either sweat pants or comfy wide-leg lounge pants and hoody for changing into when I first get back from skiing (but change before dinner). Definitely take PJs even if you wouldn't normally wear them. After the fire alarm going off at 10pm one eve in Belle Plagne hotel last year, I am determined to be prepared for anything!

Rent your helmets from the resort and also buy your goggles/sunglasses there too. They will be much cheaper and a better selection than you will get in the UK (even with crappy Euro exchange rate).

Be creative with your packing...stuff socks and base layers inside boots or ski trouser legs. My boot bag is always packed to the rim with additional stuff but they rarely, if ever, check contents. Wear your ski jacket and a fleece on outward journey. My hand luggage is usually stuffed with thermals, hats, scarves and gloves (for me, DCs and DH).

Finally, don't forget to pack mini snack packs in your luggage. My DCs are always starving hungry half way through ski classes (as am I) so we always take packs of mini-Mars bars with us to put in DCs pockets for snacks. My DCs do not do chocolate as a snack, as a rule. However, they need the sugar rush in this situation, ime and DCs see it as a major (but essential!) treat

We skiied in bright sunshine every day, (17 January) but it was still cold. The best thing we bought were hand and feet warmers.

Bumping for the coming season !

TK Maxx and H and M (shops and online) are starting to stock their skiwear again.

i am having to dress my father too! that will be harder me thinks!

Could I ask a question about brands, particularly childrens clothes.
How good are brands that I've never heard of?
By which I mean- I know that North Face, Salomon etc will be great quality, and properly waterproof and warm etc, but what about brands like Trespass, Dare2Be, Cross etc?
Children grow so quickly and it seems outrageous to pay for a North Face jacket say, when others are a quarter of the price.

Is clothing from aldi/H&M etc really up to scratch?