What To Take Skiing
What to wear when skiing, what not to wear and what to take with you
One thing that beginners often needlessly worry about is what to take skiing. Due to the inescapable fact that ski
clothing can be pretty pricey to buy, it has been recommended that people hitting the slopes for the first
time should rent their equipment. However, it is possible to purchase cheap and decent ski gear – primarily
from outlet malls, discount stores like TK Maxx and also by buying your stuff in the end of season sales. This
final point is particularly worth bearing in mind, as stores often begin their sales before the ski season is
even over. This means that it is possible to buy some excellent value ski clothing as early as the end of
February. Thanks to the fact that skiing is thrillingly addictive, chances are you'll be back again, so it may be
worthwhile to view this purchase as something of an investment!
Don't forget the Ski Socks!
So what clothes should you take skiing? Ideally it is best to wear lots of layers, with an outer layer of breathable
waterproof clothing. This follows the obvious rule that it is far easier to take layers off once on the slopes
than it is to add additional layers if the temperature falls! I opted for a thermal vest and leggings, followed
by a long sleeved t-shirt, a fleece top, a pair of salopettes and a waterproof jacket. This was more than enough
to keep me warm, even on the coldest days. It is also advisable to wear a nice snug hat that covers the forehead and
ears. Waterproof and well insulated gloves are essential, as on a cold day, your hands will quickly get numb and
wet – particularly if you're having difficulty staying on your feet. In your first year you can probably get away
with using sunglasses instead of ski goggles, despite the fact that they are a godsend during snowy conditions.
However, the golden rule of what to take skiing is this – YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH SKI SOCKS!
However bad you look, people will look even more ridiculous!
Whilst you may be worrying about what clothes to wear and what to take skiing, beginner skiers will quickly realise
that this a wasted effort. It may come as a surprise that skiing is less of a fashion parade than many imagine –
largely because there will always be a large amount of people who look more ridiculous than you. So long as you
can avoid the fluorescent 1980s tight outfits, or the hideous all-in-one ski suits, chances are that people won't
bat an eyelid at what you're wearing. Novelty clothing is somewhat popular, with a smattering of people choosing
to throw themselves down the mountain wearing a hat that resembles a jesters crown. This is best avoided until
you have some skiing ability, as it is likely to draw some unwanted attention to you. As a beginner, it is best
to take clothes that will keep you warm and dry, and leave the 'comedy' outfits to those that have been skiing
so long that their brains have frozen underneath their novelty hats.
Get off to a flier...choose to hire!
If you're wondering what equipment you should take skiing – don't! Equipment such as your skis and ski boots are
best being hired in resort. You will soon realise that the hired equipment is not particularly fashionable –
although this does not matter as everyone is in the same boat. One tip is to try and wangle the boots that look
the least smelly. This can be achieved by complaining that your boots feel too loose until you are rewarded with
a suitably less smelly pair. Ensure that you have chosen a ski boot which is neither too tight nor too loose. The
ski boot is the most important piece of ski equipment, so it is vital to make sure they fit comfortably. A strong
sun cream of at least factor 25 should also be worn even on cloudy days to protect against sunburn. Mountain sun,
combined with the reflection from the snow, is far stronger than normal so it is important to be very careful.
Getting Started / Learning to Ski / Why Go Skiing / What to Take Skiing /
Apres Ski / When To Go Skiing / Best Beginner's Ski Resorts / Ski Resort Pronunciation Guide