first time going skiing and clueless!!

egscoros wrote:Yes I am a bloke but who knows a sports bra could be comfy

Best stay away from the thongs though... 8)

All the above is good advice, but I'd just add; if you've got a snow-dome anywhere near you it'll be well worth making the trip for a couple of hours of lessons well before you go. It'll get you familiar with skis, boots and bindings and give you the chance to ask a few questions of other skiers.

Oh, and welcome!

Welcome to the Sport!! you cannot make a better winter activity choice. Once you have gone a few times, the mystery of what to bring will be less of a mystery. You already have some really good advice from the others for the first few times out. The only thing I would add is, you do not have to spend a fortune! Expensive gloves, undergarments and other clothing type items can be purchased at stores that cater to outside workers. In Canada, Mark's Work Warehouse, is where I save hundreds of dollars getting items that are much more expensive at ski shops. Good luck and Have fun!

Hey, welcome to the slopes! Even if you're going to use a pair of goggles I'd definitely take a pair of sun glasses for lunch etc when you don't want to be blinded but don't need a rest from the goggles. Don't forget the evenings either; a sturdy waterproof pair of shoes or boots will treat you very well. Most importantly, holiday insurance doesn't usually cover skiing, so get some insurance that explicitly covers winter sports!

For new beginner stuff, I would check out Decathlon. They have all of the things you need:

Jacket
Salopettes
Gloves
Goggles
Socks
Sun Screen
Scarf/neck warmer

Hire in resort unless it's cheaper to buy:
Boots
Helmet
Skis
Poles

One thing to note - if you do buy any stuff from ebay etc.. be aware that you should still take your boots and skis to a shop to get the bindings adjusted for your weight/height and boot sole size.

Breathability in every item of clothing is seriously important. You will get hot and sweat, you will get cold if it doesn't wick away. Have some lessons and you won't be in the beginner group, beginner groups in Bansko don't leave the beginners area unless you pay more (this did happen).