First time skiing. What gear to buy and where to buy it?

[plunk10]

So my girlfriend and I won from 98Rock a pair of free "first class package" ski trips to our choice of Whitetail, Liberty, or Roundtop.

The package includes ski rentals, lift tickets, and a class of our choice.

What else do I need to buy? I think I'll need a ski jacket and gloves. (ski pants? boots?). What else do I need?

I stopped in Eastern Mountain Sports in the Annapolis Harbor Center, and I was like looking at the prices of the jackets and gloves.

Does a ski jacket make a difference compared to a regular jacket, same with ski gloves and boots?

I do have some camoflague hunting coveralls but I'm sure in those every other skiier would look at me like then probably hit a tree because they are so dumfounded someone would wear that

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[SkToBe]

Don't worry about boots, they come with the rentals.

And if you have a gortex jacket (or the like), plus some warm layers you will be fine.

I would get some good gloves and a good hat, your hands can get quite cold. Do NOT get leather gloves.

I would also strongly recommend getting some warm ski bibs (pants) - if this is your first ski trip, you will be spending some time on your butt. You will be glad you purchased them. (no jeans, no cotton layers)

[EvasionOfTruth]

Good info, I'm going snowboarding in a few weeks for the first time. Knowing me I would have worn jeans. Then my frozen body parts would've hated me.

[dsmperformance]

Goggles are nice if its snowing or if they are making snow.

[mav1c]

Try to get a snowboard instead of skis. Much more fun!

[Saunders]

If you are going snowboarding, the two most important things are gloves and pants. You will spend allot of time on the ground (especially if you are a n00b) and nothing sucks worse then having both your pants and hands cold and wet while on the slopes.

As both nice pants and gloves are expensive, and this is your first time, see if you can find a co-worker or neighbor or somebody that has all the right gear that you can borrow for the day. No since in buying a $100 pair of gloves and a $150 pair of pants if you are only going to use them once.

Other then that, allot of new snowboarders like to wear both wrist and head protection. You can pick up some of those wrist protectors like rollerbladers wear for not to much, and they will save a sprained wrist. Also, a helmet is a good idea, espically if the conditions are icey.

Saunders

[xjohnx]

snowboarding hurts...a lot.

i went skiing/snowboarding for the first time about 2 years ago.

within an hour of starting to ski, i was skiing black diamonds without a problem.

Snowboarding? I got halfway down the bunny slope and decided to walkthe rest of the way. yes..walk, not even sit my butt on the snowboard and slide down. that stuff HURTS.

[Endlesshine]

I've seen tons of people ski in their hunting gear. It's not as uncommon as you think. I don't know anything about hunting gear but water proof material is highly important. The last thing you need is to be cold, let alone, cold and DAMP.. ugh.. that just ruins your day.

I think the main difference between ski jackets and regular winter jackets is that most ski jackets offer ventilation pockets. That is, zippers on the arm or chest area that you can unzip to allow for some nice cool air if you're soaking wet with sweat. Great for people with sweaty armpits

But again, key here is just to have something water proof. You don't need a thick jacket, it will immobilize you. I choose to layer like crazy instead and wear a waterproof/windproof shell ontop. Layers can come of with relative ease. Thick jackets on the otherhand, you're stuck with the whole day no matter what the temps are.

A hat that covers your ears or a nice fleece gator. Mmmm, i love me my fleeces!

Have fun!
-Ron
(PS, skiing is the bomb, I don't know what you guys are talking about all this snoboard business for:P )

[WRX11]

Ever seen pictures of girls skiing with their bikinis? You don't need any jackets, sissy... J/k. Water proofing is very important. If you're wet and cold, you're not going to ski long and enjoy. Since you'll be on your rear a lot, you'll be wet. therefore,

ski(noobs) + nonwaterproof clothing = wet rear + frozen limbs = no fun.

[plunk10]

Originally posted by WRX11
Ever seen pictures of girls skiing with their bikinis?

I have Kaori with daisy dukes on SSX 3 for the PS2


Thanks for the replies. Now where should I buy this stuff? I'll check with friends to see if they have attire that I can borrow first. Thats a good idea, as many friends broke limbs their first time on the slopes , so they probably don't need the gear.

Any recommended shops that won't rob me blind?

[Endlesshine]

where in MD?

[plunk10]

all over the place

I live in southern anne arundel county, but I my work floats between Columbia, MD and Baltimore, MD. I also spend time on the eastern shore as well. (hence the reason I've put about 43,000 miles between my 2 cars so far this year)

[robmarch]

Originally posted by WRX11
Ever seen pictures of girls skiing with their bikinis? You don't need any jackets, sissy... J/k. Water proofing is very important. If you're wet and cold, you're not going to ski long and enjoy. Since you'll be on your rear a lot, you'll be wet. therefore,

ski(noobs) + nonwaterproof clothing = wet rear + frozen limbs = no fun.

TTIWWOP

[beastcivic]

If you're like me... and deathly afraid of heights. Lots and lots of alcohol is needed to get you up the lifts!

But I concur with everyone else, a hat, gloves and pants are essential. The jacket isn't that important. But make sure whatever pants you wear won't allow snow to get down them easily (no low riding pants). Something with suspenders or something like that are best.

Good luck!

[c_hunter]

Dress in layers so you can adapt. On top, I typically wear thermal underwear, followed by a turtleneck, sweater, and then lighweight shell. You can add/remove layers depending on the weather. Try to stay away from cotton and get synthetic blends. The outer shell should be breathable (straightup nylon is fine if it's not raining).

Gortex gloves are an absolute must. You want to keep your hands dry and let any sweat out. You can pick up decent Gortex ski gloves for $30-40.

On bottom, I wear thermals and nylon ski pants. I have both insulated and un-insulated (shell) pants and choose based on the temperature.

On your feet, wear a single thin pair of ski socks, usually made of a nylon/wool/poly blend ($12-18 a pair).

If you dress right, you'll be a little cold on the lift ride up but comfortable while skiing down. If you get really good and ski agressively, you may actually work up a sweat (or at least get warm) while skiing, in which case you can unzip your shell on the lift ride up to vent and cool off.

Whatever the case, you don't want to sweat a lot and have it soak your clothes. It's awful uncomfortable when it gets cold! So make sure your clothing is breathable.

Have fun, and keep a sense of humor. My first day of skiing (when I was a kid) totally sucked, but I was a pro within a couple years. It's an awesome sport.

EMS is pricey and they don't really cater to skiers. Check out a regular ski shop, and ask locals where the best deals are. Some ski shops have awesome sales, so keep an eye out for those too. You may find deals on the mountain, but they tend to be overpriced.

Craig