Eastern Ski Wear - Beginners' Guide

The weather in the mountains is extremely variable and skiers and snowboarders must be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions. The following list is intended as a basic guide to the items you should take with you whether they are hired, purchased or borrowed from friends.

For first time skiers it is advisable to hire the jacket and salopettes.

One Piece Ski Suit

An expensive item of ski-wear and in our opinion rarely worth buying for the one week ski trip. However, they are ideal for very small children as they are much warmer than having a separate jacket and salopettes and prevent snow going up their backs.

Ski Jacket

This is the outer most layer of your ski wear and needs to offer you protection from the elements. Your jacket should be wind and snow proof and not be excessively bulky. It should be close fitting at the cuffs, waist and neck, where a high collar and a hood are an advantage. Breathability is important to allow moisture from your body to escape. Remember you will have a few layers underneath and that you will need a wide range of movement. Lots of pockets and a hood are very useful.

Salopettes/Ski Trousers / Board Pants

Again these provide outer protection from the elements and need to be wind and snow proof. There are many different styles available. The more traditional salopettes are ideal for beginners and children – they resemble padded dungarees and incorporate a bib at the front and back to protect the kidney area which helps prevent snow going up your back when you fall. More experienced skiers who fall less often will choose ski trousers to reduce bulk and allow more freedom. Many skipants now have a high waist or back to ensure a good overlap between jacket and pants. Snowboarders should also check that their board pants have reinforced knees and seat as they will spend a lot of time on those areas. Again check that you have good freedom of movement when trying on and make sure trousers are not to long so they will not get trapped in your bindings!!

What to wear under jackets and salopettes

Keeping warm and controlling your temperature is all about layers - trapping multiple thin layers of air between the clothing layers to increase the warmth without increasing the bulk. Temperature is controlled more easily by wearing 3 thinner layers eg thermal base layer plus long sleeved polo neck & thin fleece are much better than one thick garment. Our thermal sets are fully breathable and wick away moisture allowing your skin to breath. Our cotton polo-necks are an ideal mid layer or can be worn as a base layer instead of thermals on warmer days. Between the thermals or polo-neck and the jacket a microfleece is best. Microfleeces are very comfortable and lightwight and again wick away perspiration.

Headwear

Most heat loss takes place through the head - so wear a hat! It must be capable of covering the ears, but after that the choice is yours.

These days, more and more people (both adults and children) are choosing to ski and board with a helmet for protection. Wearing a helmet is a choice, but a smart choice. If you choose to wear a helmet, it is important that it fits properly, is comfortable, and offers the appropriate level of protection for skiing.

If you are wearing a helmet you may wish to consider purchasing a thin balaclava or helmet liner before you travel for warmth and comfort.

Eyewear

Eye protection must be worn at all times when skiing or boarding. Goggles are essential if it is snowing and to protect from the wind. Single lens goggles, though cheaper, are prone to misting up and hamper vision in bad weather. Glasses are necessary to protect from the glare of the sun on the snow and should be UV400 rated. Goggles are often not sufficient in bright sunlight, and can result in "panda eyes". Ideally both should be taken.

Glass retaining cord/strap

Adjustable cord holds glasses firmly on head and prevents them being lost when falling over.

Socks

A minimum of 40% wool is needed for warmth and sweat absorption. Tube (no heel) socks are best and cheaper for beginners. Make sure they come well up the leg and there is no gathering around the ankle or toes to avoid blisters! Beginners should take three pairs for the week. Football socks should not be used.

Mitts/Gloves

These essential items should be insulated and waterproof. You should not go out on the slopes without them There are a wide variety of both gloves and mitts on the market offering differing levels of waterproofness, insulation and breathability. Mitts are recommended for youngsters and those who suffer from cold hands. Gloves are preferred by older children and most adults as they give more feel. Ideally there will be about ¼ inch at the end of the glove/mitt to allow air to circulate and warm around the fingers – you should also be able to clench a fist in order to grip a ski pole. Snowboarders should look for stronger and more waterproof palms.

Apres Ski Boots / Moon Boots

Clumping around in ski boots after a day's skiing is not fun, and not recommended for the disco! Wellies are not suitable either – a good pair of après ski boots will be warm and water resistant with non slip treads and have warm fleece liners.

Ski Clips

These are small and inexpensive but are essential for keeping skis together making them much easier to carry- you can also identify your own skis quickly and easily.

Lift Pass Holder

A small plastic holder to attach your lift pass to your jacket – will ensure the lift pass (probably the most valuable item carried) is safe and immediately accessible.

Sunscreen / Lipsalve

Sunburn from high altitude sun can be much worse than summer sunburn. You must take a high altitude ski cream not leftovers from summer. For Easter skiing and for those who burn easily, at least Factor 30 should be used. Our Suncream has a convenient lipsalve with SPF attached and comes with a neck cord so that you carry it at all times.

Neckwarmer

These small lightweight thermal fleece tubes give immediate warmth to the neck and prevent snow and cold going down the jacket. Often "borrowed" by Mum's after the ski trip!

Ankle Protecors and Wrist Guards

Ankle protectors are made from hese protect against chafed ankles if the ski boots do not fit perfectly, which they do not always do. Wrist guards are useful for snowboarders to help prevent injuries to wrists.

Bum Bag / Small Rucksack

This is useful for carrying suncreams, lunches and anything else you would prefer not to fall on! Do not take a large rucksack as this may unbalance you and may be awkward on the ski lifts.

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