Hi, Hoping someone can help -
My kiddies (well teens really) are going skiing with their dad in feb and I have not got the slightest idea what to pack for them - need to start planning now because ski gear is not cheap!
I%26#39;ve got long thermal underwear for them and they%26#39;ll need jackets and trousers, but what gloves and hats, goggles, sun glasses, sun block etc are recommended?
what clothes are good for when they are not on the slopes?
footwear - are trainers OK or will they need boots?
Are there any must packs items - what about snow safety, avalanches etc are they supposed to have special gear for incase of avalances?
I usually tend to go to hot countries when I travel with them so I know exactly what%26#39;s needed but this has really thrown me and my budget!
Thanks in advance for any help
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Pack exactly what you would if you (and the kids) would be skiing here in the US. Except, if you normally drive to the slopes here in the US, keep in mind that you want to keep luggage weight down for your flights.
I don%26#39;t know where you usually ski here in the US. It%26#39;s been my experience that winter temps in the Alps are generally a bit higher than, say, in the Rockies. For one, the ski areas in the Alps are mostly lower than those in the Roskies. For example, the ski area on the top of Germany%26#39;s highest mountain - the Zugspitze - is not much higher than the BASE station at Copper mountain in Summit County, CO.
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Thankyou for all the info Treplow - but, unfortunatly I%26#39;m in the UK not stateside and we%26#39;ve never been skiing before - my old bones don%26#39;t cope well with the snow-lol
So, I%26#39;m still no wiser!
Any affordable specifics would be most appreciated.
I would presume that Piz Buin would be the sun block of choice but I%26#39;ve used it this year and I don%26#39;t particularly rate this brand for my family.
We were in the U.A.E and followed the instructions to the letter and the Sahara tested stuff just didn%26#39;t stand up to July in the U.A.E and it really should have. But maybe the snow version is better?
I just have no clue when it comes to snow - really not my element - don%26#39;t really want my kiddies getting frost bite or going so wrapped up the get sweat rash, and avalanches - I%26#39;m sure there must be some sort of avalanche safety/rescue kit or something, surely they don%26#39;t just let you up on the slopes with nothing - how would they find you if the worst should happen?!
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You do not say were your ski trip in Austria will be but you can find info about the areas at: http://skisnowboardeurope.com/resorts.html
Clothing for skiing would include: thermal underwear, socks and moisture absorbing liners, turtlenecks, sweaters, heavy shirts, water-proof insulated ski pants, ski parka, gloves and liners, ski hat, sunglasses, SPF 45 sun block, and Lip Moisturizer. After ski clothing would be normal winter wear plus warm boots for walking in snow and a swimsuit.
If you are skiing in a new, unfamiliar area, you might consider a half-day or 1 full day of lessons. We don’t need the lessons but have found them to be a very helpful orientation guide service. Other than following the person ahead of you, skiing in Europe can be confusing because it is above tree line and the trails/runs are usually only marked with signs in German, bamboo poles and orange ropes. I would stay away from any areas where special safety equipment was needed or required.
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Hi, thanks for the info - unfortunatly I have no idea where exactly my ex-husband has booked to take the kiddies other than *Austria*.
We have *NEVER* been skiing before! Snow is just not my element, I%26#39;m more of a sand person really.
Being in the UK we don%26#39;t really have winter to speak of - the weather is pretty uniform all year round - we don%26#39;t even buy winter coats any more.
Are ordinary sunglasses OK, just the ones left over from our summer sun break?
Boots - are we talking the Timberland type lace up boot or something more substantial - we all have hiking boots, will these be OK?
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WARNING!
This will be my first ever attempt at fashion advice. Teenagers should follow at their own risk.
Rent your ski boots, skis/boards. Rent a helmet. It is warm, and it keeps those skis from making nasty little dents in your head.
Buy goggles. If you can find ones with lenses that change out-dark when sunny, clear when overcast-that is better. I find sunglasses don%26#39;t block enough wind. It is hard to ski when your eyes water
Dress in layers. adjust frequently. If you sweat too much, then sit still, you get very cold very quickly.
I like Nike dri-fit long underwear. It wicks the moisture away from my skin, and is not bulky or heavy. any polypropeline gear designed for running sports is fine. Avoid cotton as a base layer. Once it is damp, you are done.
Top layer should be a thin waterproof jacket and pants. Gore-tex or another breatheable membrane works best. You need to be able to vent out that sweat.
Middle layer is for warmth. I like fleece. Heavy for cold peaks, thinner in the valleys. Some like a sweater for this.
I keep a down vest, a spare set of thin glove liners, and a pair of heavy gloves in a backpack. A neck gaiter is nice if your jacket collar does not stand up high enough.
You don%26#39;t need avalanche gear. Lip balm and any old sun screen work fine. I use dermatome. It is thick, and doesn%26#39;t rub off by noon.
In town, I wear climbing boots and blue jeans under a long black wool coat. Good luck. Hope I can help dress your teenagers. Havn%26#39;t had any luck so far with my own.
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Absolutely fan - flipping- tastic! Thank you just what I needed-specifics!
So, the Trespass, Regatta type will be OK infact better becasue of the layers - yes ? eg - Trespass do a girlie one in Micro-fibre PVC, waterproof, taped seams for only £24 half the price of the cheapest *ski* jacket.
This would be much more cost effective for me as I can spend the money I save on not buying thick *ski* jackets on buying fleeces and woolies which they will wear at home.
The trousers don%26#39;t need to be the thick *ski* ones either then? just warm and waterproof!
I am certainly not so afraid for my budget any more, although it%26#39;s still not going to be cheap I can at least utilise some of the clothing they already have - wish he%26#39;d just decided to take them all to the beach!
Once again thankyou
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We take our kids, now 11 and 9, skiing in Europe every year, and many of our friends do as well.
They must have ski jackets and ski trousers or an all in one ski suit, light weight waterproof overtrousers and jackets are are not adequate, how ever many layers are underneath. These can be hired in the UK, ask at the local sports shop, or bought reasonably cheaply from Millets, Aldi (early january),Regatta etc. Try e-bay, visit the local dry ski slope and put up an advert. Ask friends, there%26#39;s generally someone prepared to lend.
Helmet (hire with skis), goggles or ski sunglasses, but if you are buying only 1 then goggles, good ski gloves or mittens, warm clothes for underneath, preferably fleece. Thermal underwear may be useful, but then half term was about 15C all week last time we went at half term.
Other necessities - sun cream - don%26#39;t go for the name, just the factor, and a small tube that lives in a pocket. A sun block stick from Aldi is currently 99p. lip salve, about 99p a stick, tissues, ski socks - loop knit, 2 pairs each.
For apres ski, it really depends on where they are going. We take walking boots, but wouldn%26#39;t buy them just for a week, send them in trainers and if they aren%26#39;t adequate then let their dad buy them something suitable in resort - don%26#39;t forget that ski resorts will have all they need. They will need a hat and another pair of gloves, the ski gloves will need to dry, not get even wetter throwing snowballs.
Give each child a card with their name on, their home address and phone numbers, their resort address and contact and their insurance details. This must go with them everywhere.
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Just read the message again - if they are going anywhere where there%26#39;s a chance of an avalanche they must be with an experienced local guide, who will supply the kit, but the basic rule is never ski off piste (that is off the marked and prepared runs) unless you know all the rules and follow them. It%26#39;s possible they may be caught on-piste in an avalanche and some markers would help, but for a single week don%26#39;t worry, the risk is very small. A much more relevant safety precaution is free - learn the ski way code, the 10 rules for skiing safely - get their dad to send them a copy or ask on the Ski Club of GB site.
Send them with some mars bars or similar, useful as a mid-morning snack for an energy boost. A scark or fleece to wear around the neck will make a very cold day seem warmer as well.
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HI, thanks so much!
I%26#39;ve found out just where they are staying - it%26#39;s the Alpenpark, in Seefeld. Does this location make any difference to any of the great advise so far?
many thanks
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Seefeld is near Innsbruk if I remember correctly? You could probably buy all the kiddies ski jackets and pants there, and much cheaper than the branded stuff you get in the UK. Dont shop in Seelfed as its pricey. But there are loads of sporting shops in Innsbruck and there will be a wide selection available.
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