When planning your first ski holiday EVER, your ski holiday will seem quite intimidating.

We do recommend getting a lesson prior to leaving the UK, at your local dry slope, or even your nearest indoor snowdome. This can be a great introduction to skiing/snowboarding. There is loads to think about. We’d like to offer you FREE advice for that first ski holiday such as  “what kit you need for your first ski trip”.

It’s no secret that skiing/snowboarding is potentially quite an expensive sport. Getting started you only need the basics, and they don’t need to cost the earth.
Yes, it’s possible to spend thousands of pounds on a designer ski/snowboard jacket if you want, but it really is possible to kit yourself out for a relatively small amount of money.

Here’s our beginner skier’s shopping list to get you started.

Skis/snowboard, Boots and Poles

The good news is that the bulky and expensive hardware – skis, boots, and poles – can all easily be hired from local shops in resorts. So, for your first couple of trips, until you are truly hooked, you don’t need to worry about purchasing your own.

As for the cost, expect to pay about £100 per person, per week for a full set of equipment in a typical French resort. Most good rental shops stock modern kit, so you’re guaranteed having the latest and greatest technology, not to mention gear that is specifically suited to your level and should be well cared for by the shop technicians.

Ski/Snowboard Jacket and trousers.

Borrowing or even buying a 2nd hand  jacket or trousers, that is in a friend’s or family member’s ski bag is the best option for newcomers to the sport. Online, fb market place etc

Do not underestimate the power of a standard outdoor jacket either. Many modern outdoor waterproof jackets use Gore-Tex or an equivalent and will work perfectly well in the mountains.

If you want to  buy new, then don’t go crazy just yet. Wait until you’re in love with the sport before you spend £1,000+. It won’t take long…

The trick to staying warm underneath waterproof outerwear is layering, so as long as you have a good base and possibly also a mid layer, you’ll be good to go.

Base Layer

Layering while skiing/snowboarding is very important, so that you can add and take off layers throughout your day, depending on the weather conditions and your exertion levels.

The most important layer is your base layer. Base layers, which used to be known as ‘thermals’ are designed to keep you dry, and therefore warm, no matter how sweaty you get, or how wet the clothing on top of it is. They are all made of either natural quick-drying fabrics, such as Merino wool, or long-lasting synthetic fabrics. Helly Hansen baselayers can be bought from around £30, but check out shops like TK Max for even more savings. These are an investment that will last you years and will continue to be useful for camping trips should you never pick up the skis/Snowboarding again.

Mid Layer

Ideally wear a good-weight fleece or a lightweight down jacket this gives you an extra layer between the base and your outer jacket. You’ll likely need this between December and March, and sometimes later in the season. However, provided you have a good base layer and jacket, you can wear more-or-less what you like in between. The idea is to build up a layering system under your jacket. Then you add or subtract layers according to the temperature. We’ve found a Trespass fleece can be a bit of a bargain, and even useful on cold days at home.

Goggles

Much better than sunglasses – which won’t help you when it’s snowing or windy. But make sure you try them on first before you buy, so you’re sure they fit. If you’re buying, go to your nearest ski shop, which could be an independent or one of the big chains. Take your helmet along with you. The top of your goggles should sit closely against the brim of your helmet, with no gap. Don’t be suckered into spending a fortune on them, as it’s possible to buy a pair of Salomon goggles at £50 (it is advisable to go with an established brand so the UV protection is great.

Try to get 2 lenses with the goggles. The shop may have a deal on. Yellow or orange and a mirrored lens we would recommend, so it doesn’t end up being too bright on a sunny day and during a white out, snowy storm, you can change to the yellow/orange lenses. It can become pretty blinding if the sun comes out. The weather can change so fast through a single run or even chairlift up.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet while skiing is essential for everyone. Experts sometimes assume they are ‘too good’ to invite an accident and beginners are often under the impression that helmets are only for experts. We hear the words “I don’t ski fast enough to need one” But even nursery slopes can be rock hard and bad news if you fall on your head, and there is also the risk of being hit by another skier or snowboarder.

As well as the safety element, helmets also keep you warm, keep your goggles in place, and give you more confidence on the slopes.

Expect to pay anything from £30 to over £300, depending on the style and technology featured. Most ski shops also have helmets for hire. If you haven’t got time, you can often rent one with your skis and boots from a hire shop in resort.

Gloves or Mittens?

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good pair of gloves or mittens. A basic ski glove will get soaked both inside and out if you are falling over a lot (which will happen during the early stages of learning) there is nothing worse than a soaking wet/frozen glove. Waterproof and breathable gloves perform much better in the cold and wet, but they can end up costing alot, especially ones from established ski brands (although you might find some good deals in the off-season, so it’s worth shopping around).

For really cold hands, mittens tend to be warmer than gloves. If you avoid high-spec branded models, you won’t need to spend more than £30 on your gloves or mittens. You can also purchase hand-warmer packs at local ski shops for an extra boost the warmth, just as you could find some well-priced spring season gloves if your mitts are overkills for the sunshine you are gifted.

Neckwarmer

This one is optional, However, neckwarmers
made from soft fleece, Merino wool or a breathable fabric will be warmer than a scarf and will stay in place all day long. They are also much safer than scarfs. We think that, despite their small size, neckwarmers are equivalent to an extra mid-layer over the torso in terms of heat retention. They help fill that nasty draft between your jacket and helmet, stopping that chill down the back of your neck. They can also prevent your jacket’s cold metal zip from rubbing against your chin.

Ski Socks

Don’t underestimate the power of ski socks. They can transform a pair of boots you’ve been too cold or cramped in. They can also cushion vibrations. It’s popular misconception that really thick ski socks make for warmer feet. But in fact, too thick and you risk numb toes and lack of control. Modern boots
are well insulated and thinner socks allow for a tiny cushion of warm air between your foot and inner boot. You should be able to wiggle your toes.
We sell Merino wool socks here at Pulman’s Ski And Snowboard Servicing.

Backpack

Very handy for storing extra layers in case it gets cold, or for stripping off, if the sun comes out. A rucksack also gives you the option of taking a water bottle and some snacks up the mountain each day, saving a little on the cost of lunch. Ideally, you want a rucksack with straps across the chest and around the waist to stop it swinging around. Note: Backpacks can be tricky at times on the chair lift. For your first week, any small sports backpack will do.

Suncream

It may be winter, but the sun can be brutal. Buy a small tube of SPF30 to SPF50 for your face before you leave home. Pop it in your jacket pocket or backpack and be sure to reapply each lunchtime, even if it’s overcast. We also highly recommend lip balm.

Wintersports Insurance

Don’t leave home without it. Many tour operators charge more than they should for ski travel insurance, so check out the specialist brokers first. Check that other wintersports such as snowmobiling, husky sledding, tobogganing, paragliding, zip-wiring, ice skating and ski racing (even the weekly ones the ski school puts on) are included, just incase you plan to do any of these.

Do Your Research

Either go with a tour operator or book your own ski holiday. If going with an operator, it may be worth finding one who will help you with lift passes, equipment hire, and ski lessons.

Feel free to pop us a message for any more free advice.