Help! First time going skiing..Questions?

[Tine731]

I just found out that we are going on a family ski vacation (my husbands family) and it will be my first time. Help...What do I need and where can I purchase it for a decent price? What do I need to know so I dont kill or hurt myself? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

FYI...I am from Biloxi, MS so I have no winter clothes...I will be starting from scratch.

 

[lazarru]

Don't worry about skis, boots, poles etc, those you would just want to rent. The things you would want to buy is a good winter jacket, hat, gloves and depending on where you are going winter pants or ski suit.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

I second renting the ski equipment. You might be able to borrow the winter coat and skipants from a family member that your same size.

 

[canwegosoon]

www.campmor.com Has great ski clothing at reasonable prices. You will Need Coat, pants, goggles or sunglasses, hat. You will also need to dress in layers...Depending on where you are skiing you might want several layers Fleece,turtleneck and silk longjohns or other layer. Most important is that your outer layer is very water resistant. If you fall, you do not want to be wet.

 

[luvdzny]

Where are you going?

 

[pattyT]

HOT CHILI's

thin undergarnemtns that keep you REAL warm and can be worn under your jeans, regular sweaters etc...

relax
if you are stressed or tense about it - it will be harder...
my sister could NOT do it at all because she was way to tense and stiff.

have fun

 

[Tine731]

Where are you going?

Vail, Co...we will be there Jan. 28-Feb 5th.

 

[froglady]

I agree with everyone else about renting equipment. Even our in-laws, who are black diamond skiers, do it.

I also highly suggest biting the bullet and paying for ski classes. I've heard too many horror stories from people who let their friends, relatives, etc try to teach them. It's much safer to let the "pros" handle it.

The amount of "stuff" you need depends upon whether or not you have a washer/dryer available. When I have one, I bring two sets of thermals, two sets of socks, one ski sweater, three turtlenecks (I wear one with regular pants for going out) one hat, one pair of gloves, one bib, one neckwarmer that is long enough to pull over my mouth, one jacket that I use as outerwear when not skiing, also. You will also need goggles, even though good sunglasses may suffice. If it's cold, the googles give more protection, and they work better in low light conditions.

This is the MINIMUM of clothing needed. I also suggest trying to borrow things, and check in "used" sporting goods stores (although most in FL don't carry very much) JC Penney usually has clothing that can be used for skiing, along with Sports Authority.

I'll warn you; skiing is VERY expensive. Makes WDW look like a bargain.

 

[OhMari]

When learning to ski, "snowplow" AKA -knees bent, feet pointing inward with ski's but don't cross, bend your butt down like you are almost sitting in a chair, and drag your poles behind you. Good luck, and skiing is a lot easier than snowboarding.

 

[Pugdog007]

The best advice I can give you is to learn to snowplow and stay on the green slopes.

 

[ElizaB39]

get good ski socks, pay for these, it is like getting an updated guidebook when you travel - worth every penny! Do NOT wear two pairs of socks when you ski, the layers of sox will slide against each other and you will have less control over your feet and thus boots, than if you are wearing just one pair. Agree with most other posts here, snowplowing is also called, "making a piece of pizza" with your ski tips - make a wedge with your skis, bend your knees, and lean slightly forward. take a group lesson or two.

Don't forget the importance of apres ski! ENjoy.

 

[BavarianPrincess]

www.rei.com will have everything you need. Check the "outlet" area for great deals. I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Shutterbug]

Make sure your health insurance is active.

And please DONT ski above your abilities. I was skiing on Christmas Eve and I saw a bunch of teenagers who really had no idea what they were doing. They had to keep stopping the lift cause these kids would fall trying to get on or off the lift. They were skiing fast and recklessly. Well with an hour left before closing one of them going extremely fast could not make a turn and got clotheslined by a rope fence and ran smack dap into a snow making machine pole. Hit the control panel so hard causing the machine to turn on. The ski patrol had to place him on a backboard before before putting him on the rescue sled and bring him down the hill. An ambulance arrived a few minutes later.

So please for your safety and the sake of others dont ski beyond your skill level and DONT let anyone talk you into doing other wise.

Now having said all that...Have a good time! I have been skiing for 20 years and truely love it and it makes me look forward to winter!!!!!

 

[Mskanga]

I also highly suggest biting the bullet and paying for ski classes. I've heard too many horror stories from people who let their friends, relatives, etc try to teach them. It's much safer to let the "pros" handle it.

That is the number one rule, trust me it will pay off !
Stay on the beginner slopes ( green ) until you feel comfortable enough to advance to intermediate and most of all , have fun!

 

[tiff13]

Do not stop after getting off the lift
Vail's awesome, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[lindalinda]

Someone mentioned this above, but i'm gonna say it again....layers...that really thin long underwear (not the waffle kind grandma had), and a thin soft turtleneck, then fleece (thin also). And just dont overdo it....you are gonna be sore......be ready..hot tubs are great!

 

[Tine731]

Thanks for the great info...keep it coming.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

The first day you are going to have a numb bum from sitting on it so often, even with warm, protective layers. Ouch...I can still remember my first time and thawing out that had to occur after. But after that, it was much better. I miss skiing.

 

[chyam]

First off..........take the ski classes, try some morning classes for a few days then ski with the family in the afternoons, they will give you confindence and you will also learn the "right" way and believe me even if family members try to convince you that they will teach you.......DO NOT do it!
Secondly look at some of the Columbia jackets there are styles that have a fleece inside and a type of outer windbreaker, these jackets are great for those of us that live in a climate that we don't need a winter jacket. You unzip the lining and can either wear that or the outer windbreaker, that way you would get more use from them other than skiing. Check JCPenney or do a search for the Columbia line. Try and borrow some ski pants, mittens or gloves. What was important for me was to have my feet warm, you do not want to go to thick since sometimes it makes the boot to tight, my advice is a thin pair and then a little thicker pair, and perhaps some of those disposable toe warmers. You actually only need a couple pairs of the socks since you can wash them out. Next get yourself a warm hat, mine has ear flaps on it, although sometimes I think I look hokey........I would much rather be warm! And being from a warmer climate I get colder easy. But I would also like to add that the cold in Colorado is not half as bad as when you are in the south here and it is 30 degrees, the reason being is it is a dry cold unlike the bone chilling damp cold we have.
You will have a wonderful time..I am looking forward to my trip in Feb.
Oh I also like the cuddle duds line of undergarments, they are very soft and comfortable, they too are something you can wear down this way in the winter months.Oh and do not forget the sunblock, you would be amazed at how burned you get when the sun is out reflecting off the snow!! Good sunglasses or goggles.I like the googles better because it keeps the cold wind out of my eyes and prevents tearing. Any other questions feel free to pm me! I think I am more excited for you than you are!!