1st Time Skiing - What do I need?

[Pollito916]

DH & I are going skiing with some friends in a couple weeks, but neither of us has been before. What do absolutely have to have before we go?

 

[Stacerita]

What do absolutely have to have before we go?

Pain meds!

 

[Beth76]

skis

 

[diznygirl]

You'll definitely need ski pants and warm gloves. Don't think you can get away with regular pants - you'll be falling down in the snow and getting all wet!

Good luck!

 

[Horseshoes]

Do the friends know how to ski or are they beginners?

Obviously you need to dress warm, and when you get there, sign up for lessons.

Its not as easy as it looks, and it depends also on the snow condition.

The first time I went skiing was with my DH that I was dating at the time. Well a bunch of us went skiing and I didnt want to miss out on the fun, so I figured I would "snow plow" all the way down.

As soon as I got off the ski lift, I fell. Then I continued to fall half way down the mountain. I took my skis off and walked the rest of the way. And waited for everyone in the logde. Of course I was only 22 years old at the time. I should have known better

Good luck

 

[Shutterbug]

Are you going just for a day or for several?

Several warm layers of clothes.

My base layer is a material that is 100% polypropylene inside and 100% cotton outside. It keeps you very warm while wicking moisture away from your body.

Your outside should be some sort of waterproof clothing.
They make outer shell pants that fit over your jeans that are both waterproof. Nothing quicker kills a day of skiing then falling down in the snow and getting your jeans totally soaked and cold.

My pants are similar to these:http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AXM4

Also waterproof gloves or mittens.

Another thing alot of people dont think about...SUNSCREEN.
If you are out on the slopes and its bright and sunny you can get sunburned. Happened to me a few times and let me tell you because of my goggles I had the wierdest sunburn.

Also that leads me to my next subject...goggles or very durable sunglasses.
I wear goggles. First to protect your eyes from the sun. Bright snow reflecting off the snow can really do a number on your eyes. Also if its not sunny they will keep the cold air from drying your eyes out. Also the lenses will help you to better see the terrain.

 

[jonestavern]

Depends on how cold you expect it to be If it's really cold, some face protection for the wind would be good. I have also taken to wearing a helmet. Considering it is your first time, you probably won't be doing anything too aggressive, but I have known people who learned to ski by being taken to the top of the mountain by "friends" and told "Okay... Go The snow might not be as soft on your head as it looks

One thing I have found, is that dry feet are warm feet. If your feet begin to sweat, you will be extremely uncomfortable when they later cool off and the chill sets in. The best way I have found to prevent this is to put a little baby powder in your socks/boots.

A little chapstick might be nice too.

One more thing to bring might be YOUR OWN FOOD The mountains know that they have a captive audience, and price their menus accordingly.

Anyway, enjoy (I didn't begin to ski until I was 30, and have enjoyed it ever since )

Chris

 

[Pollito916]

Do the friends know how to ski or are they beginners?

Obviously you need to dress warm, and when you get there, sign up for lessons.

Its not as easy as it looks, and it depends also on the snow condition.

The first time I went skiing was with my DH that I was dating at the time. Well a bunch of us went skiing and I didnt want to miss out on the fun, so I figured I would "snow plow" all the way down.

As soon as I got off the ski lift, I fell. Then I continued to fall half way down the mountain. I took my skis off and walked the rest of the way. And waited for everyone in the logde. Of course I was only 22 years old at the time. I should have known better

Good luck

Two other couples are going, and it's a first time for everyone, I think.

I can see the same thing happening to me, falling right away, then spending the rest of the time in the lodge. Luckily, we are just going for a weekend.

 

[Pollito916]

My pants are similar to these:http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AXM4

Wow, those are expensive! I knew skiing was an expensive activity, but jeez! Is there anything cheaper around?

Thanks for all of your other suggestions.

 

[mommaU4]

DH & I are going skiing with some friends in a couple weeks, but neither of us has been before. What do absolutely have to have before we go?

Lots of money!
I've never been but my cousins used to go to Mammoth every year and always spent a fortune! Of course they had to have top of the line everything!

 

[diznygirl]

I forgot to mention the sunscreen. And bring it with you on the mountain. We applied it beforehand. Then we got warm and took off our hats... which led to burnt ears! Ooops!

 

[Shutterbug]

Wow, those are expensive! I knew skiing was an expensive activity, but jeez! Is there anything cheaper around?

Thanks for all of your other suggestions.

Do you have a sporting goods store near you? You can go there and see what they have. They probably have somethings that are less expensive.

I myself will be hitting the slopes again this weekend!!!!

 

[Living with the Land]

Basic ski pants are on sale this week at Dick's sporting goods. 19.97 I think. They would be fine for a weekend with thermal underwear underneath. Then jackets, and thick gloves and hats.

Holly

 

[Shutterbug]

Basic ski pants are on sale this week at Dick's sporting goods. 19.97 I think. They would be fine for a weekend with thermal underwear underneath. Then jackets, and thick gloves and hats.

Holly

There ya go Pollito!
Thanks Holly I was just about to look myself.

 

[Living with the Land]

Apparently I am shopping too much. I have responded to almost every shopping thread in the last 2 days.

 

[Pollito916]

Basic ski pants are on sale this week at Dick's sporting goods. 19.97 I think. They would be fine for a weekend with thermal underwear underneath. Then jackets, and thick gloves and hats.

Holly

Thanks for the great tip!

 

[KelNottAt]

I wholeheartedly recommend goggles...especially if you wear contacts. Once you get the hang of skiing (and start whoosh whoosh whooshing down the trail) the wind in your face can really put a strain on your eyes. Keep them comfortable with goggles.

 

[Nicolepa]

Your best bet would be to see if you know anyone that has clothes for you to borrow. In order to have fun skiing you have to be warm, in order to be warm you need nice gear. I'd buy my own long underwear but try to borrow everything else.

Also check Costco. I got Dh a really nice pair of ski pants for $30. They also had nice ski jackets. I had ended up getting a great deal on a Columbia Jacket so I don't remember how much they were at Costco but they were reasonable. Costco also has decent gloves.

At a minimum you need Long underwear, ski pants & jacket, gloves, hat (if you jacket doesn't have one. You can use sun glasses instead of goggles if you have them.

This is the first year of skiing for my kids and dh. I told dh that the kids were finally old enough and he was going to learn to. (I started when I was 7.) He's not too sure about this! I got Dh totally outfited for <$150. I was pretty impressed w/myself.

 

[Mimi Q]

You can find some good prices on ski stuff on eBay.