Hi Beginner here, Have I got all the right gear?

Dont leave your Ipod behind

Ian Wickham wrote:

sami_glasgow wrote:I just got back from my first ever ski trip.

This is what i think you need:

boots for walking when not skiing
ski socks - at least 2 pairs
base layer trousers
salopettes
base layer top
fleece jumper
ski jacket
good gloves with wrist protector and removable linings
balaclava/neck warmer
goggles
sun glasses
hat
backpack
snacks (1 snickers + cereal bar per day)
flask + cuppa soups
camera
LIP BALM
sun cream

I see some of this stuff has been suggested - it was easier to list everything i took to make sure i didnt miss out on anything

have a great trip

What you wear is very individual I have never worn thermals, my preference is for a cotton under top, but these are getting more difficult to find, I do have a neck warmer brought a couple of years ago for -24 conditions, a jacket, salopettes and old pair of socks which I have had for 10 tears which are really comfortable, gloves, I'm a non helmet wearer so I wear sun glasses and goggles for poor light, and a hat, plus the most important item my hip flask with my preferred tipple at the moment cognac. Last piece of equipage is my vid camera which of cause Mrs W carries in her rucksack.

WARNING! Do not under any circumstance use cotton under tops, the reason they are hard to find is they are useless, when they get wet (sweaty) they stay wet. Wet and cold is a bad mix, years of suffering with Army Norwegian shirts proved that. I always stick with a good wicking thermal base layer like a Helly Hansen Lifa Top a water resistant fleece and a Gore-Tex Outer that stays in the bag for when required, I also carry a fleece 3/4 Zip top for when it gets really cold. On my legs I wear merino wool long johns (a 'must buy') with gore-tex sallopettes, I can't stand the big bulky jackets and sallopettes they are not very versatile when temperatures fluctuate. Cherry Brandy is great for a pick me up and will warm your cockles and prove a morale booster. If your lucky enough to have plenty of snow during your week I would suggest you take a pair of Waterproof walking boots. I take a pair of (best you can afford) socks for each day skiing, unless you can get them laundered; wearing socks for more than one day is not a good idea and handwashing just won't cut it. Fresh Socks everyday will ensure you don't end up with sore spots. Have a look on the Army AARSE website as the Royal Marine Arctic Warriors are the experts.

Skiing is a bug and it will bite you!

JamesH1972 wrote:. Sounds like you're all set, the buff is a great idea though.

A Buff WOULD be a great idea if they were not all - every single one of them - so bloody ugly. Who designs them, anyway??

I used to think a Buff was essential but I am at the point now where I don't even bother with it.

Pablo what are you talking about, I have one pair of socks for the whole week never had a days problem with the old feet have you been drinking too much of the old columbian coffee :shock:

Ian Wickham wrote:Pablo what are you talking about, I have one pair of socks for the whole week never had a days problem with the old feet have you been drinking too much of the old columbian coffee :shock:

Stinky!

BTW I think Pablo is more likely to enjoy a tin of Tennants over his home made sausagemeat and bacon roasty type thing.....what do you reckon?

Tony_H wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Pablo what are you talking about, I have one pair of socks for the whole week never had a days problem with the old feet have you been drinking too much of the old columbian coffee :shock:

Stinky!

BTW I think Pablo is more likely to enjoy a tin of Tennants over his home made sausagemeat and bacon roasty type thing.....what do you reckon?

I think they eat deep fried mars bars in Columbia :shock:

HI All
I had to laugh when someone further up to queue mentioned packing too much! The first year I went (not four years ago but three trips ago - thats how my mind is working now....) as a woman I thought I needed every pair of the six pairs of shoes/boots I brought - black, brown / boots, shoes etc.
This time I left my ski gear there from the last trip and am only bringing hand luggage. Washed ski socks (for each day Ian!!!), knicks, polo necks and that;s it. Oh and the wheel barrow.

No one cares what you wear unless you look cold because you didn't bring the right things.!! then they sneer and rightly so. Don't worry you have the gear.

This will be my fourth time skiing and still got the jitters - can't wait.
I also started in my thirties and yeah my only regret that I didn't make the effort to go earlier when I was much much fitter!

Don't forget to let us know how you got on