what clothes do we need to ski??

[bella01]

ok I know that sounds really dumb but let me explain.......
We (DS, DS 12 and DS 4) going to fly to Smugglers Knotch Vermont in March and will be sking snowboarding and all the fun stuff.
Problem is....I grew up in Florida....I have only seen snow like 2 times and I have never skied. So what clothes do I need to get. I am buying the package through the resort so I don't need the equipment....just the clothes.
Please keep in mind that I don't want to spend a ton of money. Thanks so much

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Well, Vermont in March is cold...obviously, or you wouldn't be skiing. Getting everything will probably be pretty pricey. Warm socks, snowpants, wintercoats, gloves, hats, goggles...does the resort rent helmts, if not, you may want those too, especially if they are just starting out. I usually wore either long underwear or leggings under my snowpants, , turtlenecks, sweaters. Extra gloves and socks, too.

 

[NotSoNewMommy]

I am from Florida too and we just got back from a ski trip to Colorado with our 18 month old DS. Of course he did not ski, but as far as what to pack for all of you, this is what we did for layers:

Bottom layer: Long underwear or thermals - DS wore his PJs instead (tights are also ok)
Next layer: ski pants on bottom, turtle neck on top
Next layer: fleece sweatshirt
Top layer: ski jacket

on feet: ski socks
on hands: ski gloves (with or without liners)
on head: tight fitting hat under helmet

 

[bella01]

Wow...thank you guys so much. I have already gotten us all 1 pair of ski pants. I was told by some friends that will be fine since the condo has a washer and dryer. The resort does rent ski helmets so we will have those for sure. What kind of boots or shoes do we need????

 

[latexscooter]

Hi, I'm a Florida gal myself now living in the (not so frozen this year) tundra of Western New York. You're going to have so much fun!

You would be fine with getting some "duck" boots at Wal-Mart or similar big box store. If you have any clothes that wick away moisture I highly recommend wearing those while you're out on the slopes. People who have never gone skiing or snowboarding don't realize the amount of energy you exert and how easy it is to over-heat. You'll be fine with a long sleeved shirt, maybe a sweatshirt since you're not used to being in the cold, and some jeans/long pants or something similar underneath. Like I said the moisture wicking stuff is the best (Target carries a whole line of very inexpensive Champion brand stuff right down to the sock and undies) because it keeps the sweat off of you and stops you from getting cold.

Have fun you're going to have a great time!

 

[almburr]

it is so fun to ski. Im sitting in our house with over a foot of snow out side the kids were out earlier today but came in it was only 19degrees, they are fine when it his 30.
For running around get some boots a wal-mart or target to run around in. pack plenty of jeans and long sleeve t's, regular sneakers will do also. Get gloves that velcro around the wrist keeps snow out, try to get thinsulat, dont forget SUNGLASSES, and SUNBLOCK.
one more thing if you have never been on the snow watch out for black ice, a thin sheet of ice you cannot see, it wipes you out even a car.

 

[jetprincess]

You would be smart to invest in some ski pants. You don't have to go to LL Bean or Land's End. They have them at Wal-mart and Target. If you have never been skiing, you are probably going to fall down quite a bit. You will be much more comfortable in snow pants. I usually wear my jeans or thermal underwear under them.

The first time I skiied, I tried wear jeans with layers underneath. BIG mistake!!

Have a blast!!

 

[momocay]

Someone mentioned ski socks. There are particular socks for skiing, that are very warm. These are important. While your snow boots may be warm, ski boots are not. Have Fun!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We went to Smuggs last March and had a great time! For families with young kids the convenience factor, and the other amenities like the pool, funzone etc . . . . can't be beat.

It was definitely not cold when we were there (end of March). Probably 50 degrees in the base village. They told me it was much warmer than average. The only snow was on the mountains, the rest of the place was a sea of mud! So bring mud friendly boots and really old sneakers.

On the mountain, my son wore ski pants with nothing under them (other than boxers), a longsleeved Tshirt, a shell (like a windbreaker) , helmet (you can rent them) and gloves (which came off a lot because his hands got too sweaty). He needed the waterproof outer layer because he still falls a lot, and the snow was soft.

I wore jeans (brought long underwear, didn't end up needing it) a turtle neck shirt, a fleece (which came on and off) gloves (also came on and off) and a hat. I knew I wouldn't be falling much (or at all it turned out) because I'd be sticking with him on the easier slopes.

Oh, and the most important things -- sunglasses or goggles, and ski socks that are padded and go up to your knee, to protect you from getting blisters at the top edge of the boot. You can save on everything else but get good socks!

Given that you're newbies (so you'll be falling at least a couple of times) I'd plan on wearing -- the socks, a helmet (for the kids at least -- for you it's your choice) or hat, gloves or mittens (waterproof), a layer of long underwear (or pyjamas! work just as well and you probably already own them or longsleeved shirt and long underwear bottoms), a lightweight waterproof jacket, ski pants or bib, and a fleece or sweater. That way you can take your middle layer off if you get too hot (fleece and long underwear bottoms) and just ski in the ski suit and a long sleeved shirt.

Have a great time -- you're going to love this!

 

[c&m]

We ski in Whistler/Blackcomb every 4 weeks. You would be expending a lot of energy skiing so it's easy to feel warm. We like to layer. I do have a couple of tips for you:

1. Don't wear jeans under your ski pants. If you should fall and snow does get under your ski pants, your jeans will get wet and heavy, and you will feel very cold and damp. Tip: Wear thermal underwear, as another poster suggested, or my personal favourite, fleece pants underneath.

2. If you plan to go on a ski lift/gondola, you may want to wear a balaclava or a neck tube. The higher the altitude, the more the cold may hit you in the face. If you wear a helmet, there are thin-materialed balaclavas (not the thick woolly ones) designed for that.

Have fun on the slopes!!!

 

[tacomaranch]

Ex Boca girl now living near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I also teach underground snowboarding lessons. I ask for a wicking layer on the bottom. NOT COTTON! Don't get thermals, when they get wet from sweat, and you will sweat, they keep the moisture next to your skin and it gets cold. That is when problems start. I recommend hot chili, silkies, etc.

Next layer is fleece pants and fleece tops, again the acrylic types that now come in cool designs. I make them at home all the time for the kids and grown-ups.

Finally a good coat and ski pants. Water proof is available. If you are snowboarding you spent time on your assets and it gets cold!

Beenie, good warm waterproof gloves and a helmet. I won't teach unless the brain has a bucket. You may be fine but there are the other people who are not.

More accidents happen on the greens than anywhere else.

Have fun!

 

[woodchuck]

Hi. Just to let you know I live in Vermont and we have no snow! The Ski areas are not doing so hot!! They can make snow a night but the rain or the warm weather melts it away. I'm hope there is some snow for you when you come. I miss the snow!

 

[bella01]

Thank you to everyone that has replied. I heard this is supposed to be a warmer then normal winter.............in Florida it has been in the 70's........but I am really hoping for some snow and not mud.
Again thanks.....I am printing this and taking it shopping with me

 

[Syrreal]

We went snowboarding last year for the 1st time. It was so much fun!
We were up in Whistler and here is the basic wear we did-

Moisture wicking long socks (wool or blend- NOT cotton)
snowboard pants (in your case, ski pants)
Neither DH nor I wore a layer under the pants b/c we get hot very very easily (even ended up opening the vents on the snowboard pants)
Under layer was a Helly hansen long sleeved shirt (these are nice b/c you can wear them as a regular tshirt once you get down to lower altitudes- they are pretty expensive though- around $30-$40 each)
Fleece jacket on top of the underlayer
Snowboard jacket/waterproof jacket (ours are also Helly Hansen)
Also wore a beanie/toque/watchcap hat (whatever you call them)
and waterproof gloves with a fleece inside

 

[woodchuck]

I want SNOW !!! It was 67 here the other day 1-6-07!!!

 

[Esteri]

Ditto what everyone else said. Just adding one more source for outdoor gear (of al kinds)

www.campmor.com

I was there yesterday and noticed they had some of the ski stuff on sale.

 

[mericletwins]

I want SNOW !!! It was 67 here the other day 1-6-07!!!

We went to VT, Pico, over NYE weekend and while they had some snow made there wa shardly any other snow to be found when we arrived. Luckily, it did snow one day while we there and the kids had a blast! The next day the temp shot up and it rained and that lovely snow started disappearing.

On Saturday, here at the bottom of NJ it was 76 degrees.

 

[solgent]

I live in VT and ski at Smuggs every winter, but we haven't had much of a winter yet this year.

Don't buy too much stuff. It can be pretty warm in March-- some days you don't even feel the need for gloves. You're just learning & won't be going up the mountain where it is colder. My first winter here I wore a long sleeve cotton t-shirt as a base layer & I was fine. Now I have nice thermal wicking whatever, but for beginners I really don't think it's vital. Smuggs has a shop if you find you need something.