first time skier

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menor95

Original Poster:

188 posts

125 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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Hi all. I am looking for some advice on skiing gear for my trip to Val Thorens in December. Sports direct currently have some very good offers on gear. Does anyone know if the quality is any good? Two examples of what I am looking at.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/campri-ski-jacket-mens...

http://www.sportsdirect.com/nevica-vail-ski-pants-...

Pascal

Edited by menor95 on Saturday 22 November 18:00

waterwonder

995 posts

175 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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The pants sound better than the trousers.

I would aim for 10k/10k as a minimum for waterproofing and breathability. You can probably get away with less but I wouldn't bother.

I don't recognise those brands but trespass is quite popular with first timers. Indeed my first set of kit was from them. TK Maxx used to sell it and they have factory stores. Should be able to get something for a similar price.

Just make sure it fits and you can move around freely. Be prepared for it to be cold, so buy something warm or layer. VT is high up and exposed and can absolutely Baltic in dec/jaN


Snow skirts, pass pocket, zipped pockets are all good things to have.

You'll love it! I've never met anyone who went for the first time and didn't.

waterwonder

995 posts

175 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
On a very quick look something like this should do the trick. However it's a bit difficult to judge just looking online.

http://www.trespass.com/mens-byers-03433

This a fairly comprehensive guide on what to look for:

http://m.ellis-brigham.com/advice-inspiration/guid...


As a beginner ironically it's quite important to make sure you get the right kit mainly because you'll probably end up falling over a fair bit.

Edited by waterwonder on Saturday 22 November 18:51

bint

4,664 posts

223 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
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Is there anywhere local that will rent you gear? First 3 years I went skiing it cost me less than £30 for jacket and trousers. Just means you can work out whether skiing really is for you, and how thick a jacket you need, before deciding what kit to buy.

I learnt to ski in VT, one of those free lessons and ski hire packages, great place to learn I thought an the toboggan run is a scream!

IanMorewood

4,309 posts

247 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
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Aldi shortly to launch there 2014 skiwear range, if you can wait it could be well worth your while.

HaplessBoyLard

1,546 posts

187 months

Monday 24th November 2014
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I'll second TK maxx if you can get to one. Our local one has got plenty of ski gear in at decent prices. Should be able to get a decent jacket and trousers for under £100, plus they usually have base layer sets cheap too.

LdnShtr

2,929 posts

242 months

Monday 24th November 2014
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I would check TK Maxx for clothes. On an unrelated note I learnt in VT and it is still right up there as one of my favourite places to ski. You'll have fun!

Lost soul

8,712 posts

181 months

Monday 24th November 2014
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Use lots of layers , I have skied in Val Thorens in December and it will be VERY cold

IanMorewood

4,309 posts

247 months

Friday 28th November 2014
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Aldi skiwear on sale 4/12, it's perfectly adequate stuff and you could kit out for about £120 including helmet goggles gloves thermals and socks.

CAPP0

19,532 posts

202 months

Friday 28th November 2014
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waterwonder said:
As a beginner ironically it's quite important to make sure you get the right kit mainly because you'll probably end up falling over a fair bit.
Also as a beginner you will sweat like a <insert noun of choice> so breathable fabric is quite important.

Simon Brooks

1,517 posts

250 months

Tuesday 2nd December 2014
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Don't forget to buy a skid lid, as mentioned on other threads for sake of a few £'s they could save your life

CAPP0

19,532 posts

202 months

Tuesday 2nd December 2014
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Simon Brooks said:
Don't forget to buy a skid lid, as mentioned on other threads for sake of a few £'s they could save your life
I've got to second this. I took a heavy fall on the black under the Grand Motte cable car two weeks ago, landed on my head and shoulder, my shoulder is proper fubar but if I hadn't been wearing a lid I don't think I'd have been getting myself off the glacier.