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As per title, followed the main ski thread and on the strength of a few comments, have booked for Passo Tonale for 23rd March. Going with Crystal and we have booked an all-in package so we have boots, skis, helmet, passes and morning ski school.
We are going to need outerwear. I have an Animal down filled snowboard jacket bought some years ago for dog walking. It has a snow skirt and thumb hole cuffs. Will this be ok?
We do have a local outdoor shop that hires clothing to the local schools and they do the trousers for £20/week. Seems fair? Jackets are £25 but I suspected they might be low end and my bones are more vulnerable to cold than High School students.
They had some goggles for £35 but they didn’t look dissimilar to my MTB goggles. Would I be able to use them or should I pony up for ski goggles. Or, I have some quite full lens Melon cycling glasses, with tint and low-light lens. Will they do?
Socks and gloves are then the crucial bits to keep the extremities warm. Any guidance on what to look for , or where to get good basic stuff?
Im also a little confused about what people do in resort after the skiing. We are in a half-board hotel. Is it the normal to go out to bars and clubs in the evenings or do people tend to stick to their accommodation?
I’ve been wanting to go skiiing for the best part of 40 years and the stars have only now aligned to make it possible but now I’m fretting a bit. Any guidance, pointers to where to get kit and what to expect would be grateful received. Group of three, all absolute novices.
Are your goggles the double-glazed variety? that's the norm for skiing/snowboarding to stop fogging up. I'd take both those and the glasses though so you have both the choice depending on weather and a backup if you lose/break them.
Socks - ski and snowboard boots are generally fairly warm in themself so no need to go mad - a good pair of calf height walking socks is fine - several pairs actually as hire boots will make them get whiffy pretty quickly!
Gloves / Mitts - same as for wintery mountain biking is what I use and if poss some silk liners you can take in and out as you see fit / get too sweaty / etc. ideally with wrist loops to avoid the danger of dropping them when you need to dig things out of pockets / take pictures on a lift / etc. My son was just using a pair of PlanetX / Carnac lobsters last time. but i do tend to take a spare set of buffalo mitts in my rucsac just in case one of the family lose theirs or they get soaked from throwing snow balls / carrying wet skis/boards.
if this is the first time you've done it I would be looking up YouTube videos on stretches you can do and start doing them every day. It can make a huge difference to how enjoyable it is if you aren't very flexible (which seems to be true of lots of cyclists, certainly me)
Oh yes - take all your Buffs! perfect for keeping drafts out of your neck, pulling up over your mouth and nose in a blizzard, wiping goggles, etc, etc. and a spare to use as a makeshift beanie when sitting out in a mountain restaurant/cafe after taking your helmet off.
Ebay for clothing, look in the sales for goggles etc.
If you are planning on keeping going then get your own helmets as the rental ones are nasty, plus you can get goggles that fit well
Don't forget your DH bike + mudhugger + spike tyres.
Take photos of your lift pass
Re the rental Helmet, I dunno if this will be the start of a new hobby so I’m not buying one this time. Would a thin balaclava be advisable? The resort doesn’t look too wild for runs but should we be racking a rucksack out with bits and bobs in it, flapjack, layers of clothing….🤷
A balaclava or helmet liner might make it a bit nicer. Honestly you can get reasonable helmets (the equivalent of the ones in resort) for about £40. Plus at least that way you know it hasn't been crashed.
Depending on the resort packs work, but if you can get back to the accommodation easily i wouldn't bother.
I wear mine for boarding but it has back protection built in, so i use mine more for that than as storage (i'm mainly a boarder so my risk of crashing is a little higher)
Hopefully it'll be warm. If the weather's bad, you probably won't be skiing too much as a beginner as it's hard work.
Buying the kit is what makes skiing even more expensive. To be honest when you're starting out, if you've got decent outdoor (waterproof) jackets and trousers and lots of layers then that would do you. Your snowboard jacket sounds fine.
If I was new to skiing and a cyclist, I'd be tempted to buy a pair of sealskinz waterproof winter gloves that could be used for both as others have mentioned.
Two pairs of reasonably warm long socks and decant a small bottle of handwash fabric detergent to take with you, wash one pair each night, wear the other the next day. Ski specific socks won't be needed as you'll be in hire boots, so ski socks won't make much of a difference.
A buff is helpful, as is a hat for when you're not wearing a helmet.
Your MTB goggles would probably do, if you could get a snow specific lens for them. Any sunglasses you take need will need to be quite strongly tinted as the glare from the snow if it's sunny is ferocious. In general goggles are best with flat light (high contrast) lens and sunglasses for stronger sunlight.
A rucksack is useful if you're saving money and want to take a picnic with you up the mountain, if not it's not needed there'll be loads of cafes and snack bars dotted around the mountain.
If you can, go and get some lessons and practice before you go in a snowdome or on a dry slope. Being able to master the basics of turning and stopping before you get there will give you many more options of places to ski in the afternoon outside your lessons. Watch a few videos for tips on how to get on and off chairlifts and drag lifts.
Most people "apres" rather than go out in evenings. These are bars, often with terraces, where people will be drinking and dancing in their ski boots in the hours between the lifts closing and dinner in the hotels. Some hardy souls manage to go out after dinner, but most people are knackered by then and in bed. Most evenings out tend to be a little disappointing to be honest.
As novices, just get the cheapest lift pass, you won't be needing the more expensive area pass.
Enjoy.
Start your thigh exercises now.........
It's worth doing a few lessons on a dry slope locally if possible, I did that and then got streamed into a higher ESF group my first year, which was good.
Subsequent years think of doing the Warren Smitth ski school - he is excellent. ESF and the like are just lowest-common-denominator production line type schools.
Don’t overthink it. I’ve rarely found cold/underdressed to be the issue. More so potentially in March. Bit like biking you’ll fair heat up and sweat when skiing. So layers and be able to unzip / zip up as necessary. But warm enough on lifts etc. you’d get decent enough salopettes or trousers in go outdoors for not much.
Not sure anyone has mentioned legwear? You will need salopettes or boarding trousers as they are thermal and a bit waterpoof.
It's all going to be fine, you'll have a great time and most of all, you can relax a bit on the planning!
You are going late March, practically April. Sure, you might get cold weather and snowstorms - but equally you may get sunny warm weather - you won't know just yet. Don't make the mistake of thinking sunny will be bad either, sunny spring skiing is the best especially for learning.
In many ways, let yourself think of it as just another 'outdoor holiday' and the kit all works the same as if you were walking or taking a bike. You don't need to worry about stuff like if your jacket has a snow skirt - it won't matter in your first week.
Look at the weather the week before you go and try and make a call. Looking cold and snowy? Have a think about your taking your goggles. Sunny and warm, or rain? Maybe not the down jacket! Point is - don't buy a bunch of stuff now and assume the weather, most first timers buy too much 'harsh winter' kit and find themselves sweaty and running out of suncream in the Spring.
Being comfortable is key. Dry hands, comfortable feet. Layering works for skiing same as for everything else.
As for after ski socialising - do what YOU like! Same as a holiday anywhere else. All I can suggest is that the reason for 'apres' is that after dinner most people feel quite tired, so a late night out is less appealing if you are over 30!
Decathlon for decent value gloves and goggles. For clothing, layering is important as the temperature can vary a lot day to day, during the season, and by altitude. At the top of the glacier will be much colder than down at Ponte di Legno.
Rent a helmet, buy a helmet, be definately wear a helmet. If your boots hurt, go back to the shop and see if you can change them.
Passo Tonale is a nice open resort and is a great spot for a first trip. If the weather is nice then decent dark sunglasses will be better than goggles, but I would take goggles too. I have some CAT4 from Decathlon that are perfect for sunny ski days. Do not forget decent 50+ Suncream. Take a larger tube (stays at hotel, use every morning) and a smaller pocket tube (top up during the day). Take a lip balm with sun protection too. DO NOT FORGET THE UNDERSIDE OF YOUR NOSE/CHIN.
As for what to do after skiing, I don't have social atom in my body, so I am not the guy to ask, but:
Stop skiing, have a beer or coffee, head back to hotel, put away skis and poles then SORT BOOTS AND GLOVES so they are dry in the morning. Hang up ski clothing. Shower, nap, dinner, beer/coffee, sleep like a baby!
Take painkillers, voltarol & KT tape with you, but enjoy yourselves.
I like Passo Tonale - have been there a few times. Where are you staying? Crystal use the Paradiso quite a lot, but there are other places in town.
Plenty of bars near the bottom of the main lifts at various price / quality points - we always used to gravitate to the 'Magic Pub' for beers after skiing (and of course the odd Bombardino). Didn't tend to go out after dinner - too knackered, but there are a couple of late bars (one opposite the Paradiso IIRC).
I'm not sure where you are, but I would highly recommend an intro course (or taster, whatever) at one of the indoor skiing places (Chill Factory near Manchester, Snow Dome near Tamworth, etc.) This will get you used to the gear and moving around on skis - I reckon it'll give you a day or two's head start at the resort.
You will need a pair of salopettes - Places like Decathlon sell decent gear, but also look out in Lidl & Aldi this time of year. Their stuff is generally very good for the money.
I'm sure you will enjoy it.
(P.S. The private medical centre is on the right hand side of the main street, but at a lower level. DAMHIKT.)
Roller Blade lots. Learn to parallel slalom, one-leg slalom on both legs, jump over small obstacles... then be as dynamic on the skis as you've learned to be on the roller blades.
Suncream. Stay sober.
Your jacket and some ok salopettes should be fine that time of year. It’ll probably be sunny and quite warm so layers is good.
Likely you’ll need eye protection from snow glare rather than blizzard conditions but take what you have and you’ll be fine. Get good quality high ski socks - helly Hansen or whatever you can find in TK Maxx. Not really for warmth, more to cushion from ski boots.
You can end up carrying equipment a fair way, ski glove help with that. I run hot so ski gloves with removable inners is what I wear.
You didn’t say if you are skiing with a child/kids but that changes the equation wrt carrying stuff and apres ski.
Either way, sounds like you’ve thought of the main stuff - it’s bloody brilliant and Passo is a nice resort to learn in, you’ll love it and then wonder how to do it again next year!
Ah yes, almost forgot, always do up your boots before you put them away in the evening, and if boot heaters are available then use them.
If your hotel is more than a few minutes walk from the bottom of the ski lift/nursery slope, then hiring a locker is worth it's weight in gold, which is pretty much the price you'll be charged. 😉
If your rental boots are painful then you may have done them up too tight. If this doesn't fix them, go back to the shop. If they are comfortable, then they almost certainly are too loose. Do not be afraid to give yourself a decent amount of time in the shop trying on different pairs if you don't feel that they're right.
Shorter skis are easier for beginners. Just pay for the basic package.
Try again
As I can't quote Kramer I'll just ask why pulling the inners out of the boots, the insoles out of the inners and throwing the lot in a heap to dry somewhere warm is not the best option ?
Why do them up ?
Edit: I hear you Tilly dog, no boot driers here, it's the doing up bit I'm intrigued by.
why pulling the inners out of the boots, the insoles out of the inners and throwing the lot in a heap to dry somewhere warm is not the best option ?
Pretty much everywhere we've stayed in Passo (and elsewhere) have heated boot driers in your ski locker - just upend the boots (toes pointing up) and they're toasty warm and dry next morning without having to do anything with the liners, etc.
If you can, book yourself an hour’s lesson in an indoor ski centre. You won’t learn much but you’ll get a feel for what boots are supposed to feel like, so when you go the hire shop in resort you’ll be able tell (a little bit better) if they’ve given you the worst pair on the shelf. That’ll make your first day of real lessons much much more comfortable.
And, like bikes, don’t expect to become an expert on your first trip - there’s loads of fun to be had doing whatever you can, then go back for more next year.
As I can’t quote Kramer I’ll just ask why pulling the inners out of the boots, the insoles out of the inners and throwing the lot in a heap to dry somewhere warm is not the best option ?
- Putting them back together is a PITA, especially if the shells are not warm.
- Leaving the shells open makes them harder to do up the next day, and is not good for the shells.
- Warm shells are easier to get on in the morning and more pleasant to put on.
- Starting the day with warm feet tends to keep them warm during the day
Further to this:
Leaving the shells open makes them harder to do up the next day, and is not good for the shells.
If you leave the shells open whilst they warm up, they develop a memory for being open, where as you want them to have a memory for being closed, because you need them to support your ankle and lower leg.
"Leaving the shells open makes them harder to do up the next day, and is not good for the shells."
Don't tell my boots that, I'm sure that if they don't know they'll be fine. I didn't think about my prostate till the age of 50 when my doctor suggested I start doing a PSA test every year, now I think/worry about it at least once a day. 😉
Edit: more seriously: I do keep them done up when stored for long periods simply because I can get more pairs on the shelf but I'll not worry when drying them. My boots spend more time open than closed even when in use - ski touring boots are open for climbing and my alpine Head Raptors spend more time flopping open on lifts than closed skiing down.
@tillydog, yes, staying at Paradiso. It looked nice and also appears super handy for the slopes and has the ski hire shop attached, albeit some horror stories of five hour queues on change over day coming out of TripAdvisor.
Honestly, though, I’m really grateful for the comments and advice. I’m guilty of over thinking things in life and tend to live by Jack Reachers, “Hope for the best, plan for the worst” mantra.
“Kids” are 21 and nearly 18.
albeit some horror stories of five hour queues on change over day coming out of TripAdvisor.
Unlikely in late March. 🙂
If you find yourself with a bit of a walk at the start or end of the day try fully opening the top (shin) buckles of your boots. <br />I find I can pretty much walk normally (or as normal as possible in plastic shoes on frozen pavement) like this, rather than the Lego man walk with the boots done up. <br /><br />
Lidl/Aldi or Sports direct are good for skiing clothes and at decent prices
yes, staying at Paradiso. It looked nice and also appears super handy for the slopes and has the ski hire shop attached, albeit some horror stories of five hour queues on change over day coming out of TripAdvisor.
We stayed there last year, and I was pleasantly surprised having read the Trip Advisor reviews. Some Fawlty Towers style rules on taking food / drink out of the dining room, but we really enjoyed it. Did tend to go into town for the atmosphere though.
It's well worth the effort to get your skis sorted on the afternoon you get there (if the option is available), rather than waiting for the next morning.
It is very handy for the slopes & ski school meeting point (up a metal staircase to start with, which is 'interesting' if you're not used to ski boots) but a short walk to "town". You can easily ski to and from town, but you need to take a lift to gain a little height to be able to ski across (probably not the sort of thing you'll be doing in the first few days) otherwise it's a bit of a schlep on skis. Walking boots are better.
Some lovely runs there, especially if you get nice weather.
I'm sure you'll love it.
Helly Hansen are great value for decent salopettes and jackets - I once bought some Trespass salopettes in an emergency, which were reasonably priced, and they were nasty and clammy.
And no-one should wear anything cotton, ever...
If you're absolute novices then get lessons before you go. You want to go on a skiing holiday to actually ski.
Just dont twist your knee. Insane levels of pain.
I prefer thin waterproof mitts with a fleecy glove inside to give layer flexibility on the hands (keep the mitts ditch the fleece).
if you can find a way to fit anything you need to carry in your jacket rather than take a bag. I do sometime ski with a bag - but thats because I become the family pack horse.
definitely take the advice about stretches etc. above
I expect to be too tired for apres ski.
advice about “just one last run” is good - worst crash I’ve had has been squeezing in one more run in a rush when tired.
I’ve been wanting to go skiiing for the best part of 40 years and the stars have only now aligned to make it possible
Excellent
It's the source man
Swear to god, it'll change your life.
We are certainly going to look at getting some lessons. Based in Halifax so midway between Xscape and Chill FactorE. Also have a dry ski slope in town but I’m not convinced it’s representative? Might be ok to get used to boots and skis.
I did go to Xscape around 15 years ago for a four hour tutorial and it went ok, but it felt like the beginner slope they used was sheet ice.
Daughter (21) is very giddy. Son (17) is now hawking for a Canada Goose jacket. No chance, trespass at best. Although I did find this on HUKD.
https://thesalelab.com/collections/columbia/products/500310802
Also have a dry ski slope in town but I’m not convinced it’s representative
There's no comparison (IMHO), and it really hurts when you fall over. I think the value is very limited compared to one of the indoor places.
Skipass in the back of your glove. Beep beep, easy. Some gloves even have a little zip holder for it.
Not one of those ridiculous lanyard things that everyone is told to buy on their first school ski trip!
Decathlon or TK Maxx for clothing
Don’t take a backpack on the slopes
Lift pass goes in the lift pass pocket of your jacket
Take some crocs or Birkenstocks to walk down to the ski box in
Check helmet and goggles work well together.
Enjoy
March can be really warm. I'd focus on layers, far more flexible than an insulated jacket. Base layer, fleece, shell and maybe a puffy for cold days. I wore my walking and biking gear after a big break from the snow and it was great. None of my outer wear in insulated, I just add what I need.
Get good eyewear. I always wear goggles and have two lenses. There's a good selection on line, TK Maxx etc.
Dry slopes are awesome. I started, and still race regularly, on one and it's great and cheap way to hone the skills and keep them sharp all year round. I skied for 3 hours this morning for £18! A young man called Woodsy learnt on one and now has a few gold medals to show for it.
Also have a dry ski slope in town but I’m not convinced it’s representative? Might be ok to get used to boots and skis.<br />
They’re not the same, groomed snow is generally easier. However they’re great for learning technique on, and if I had easy access to one as a beginner, I’d be down there as much as possible, building confidence and learning technique before my ski holiday.
The reason being is that in a ski resort there are the nursery slopes, then green, then blue runs in order of difficulty. You need to be able to ski the green runs (and ideally the blue ones too) in order to start to be able to move around the mountain.
If you already have some technique, then your lessons will take you off the nursery slopes, ideally on the first lesson, once they’ve seen that you can control your speed, turn and stop. This will mean that you’ll start to be able to go to different parts of the mountain for lunch/apres etc, which makes it much more fun.
Worth looking at Sport pursuit for ski gear, loads of kit at v good prices on there
First couple of mornings will feel stressful if you are trying to get yourselves to ski school on time, so give yourselves plenty of time to faff w skis and boots and dropping skis on each others heads, leaving gloves behind etc, trying to do boots up.
Have a great time, it's stunning being in the alps
Further to the dry slope bit....
I worked at one for about 5 years and taught loads of beginners. The first two hours are generally the hardest. Just learning about the kit, how to move etc.
I'd recommend doing this for the last cost... Two hours into will get you moving, possibly even turning a bit. This will leap frog you into a higher group on holiday and effectively save a day out there so you'll achieve more when you are out there.
I'm not saying you need to get great, but it's about opening up the mountain to exploration. That's where it's at for me!
As for evenings, some folk go from the piste to the bar to the club and roll in half and hour before they get up, still in boots. Some go straight to the apartment and an early night. Do what you want to do, it's a holiday! I always see it that I've spent a load on lessons, gear, passes that skiing is the focus. I'll be in bed by 9 this year probably!
We'll be there (same resort, same hotel) a few weeks before you so I'll check back with anything worth knowing about in advance.
Back just last night from a week in Tignes, having stepped into a ski resort and onto a snowboard for the first time four trips ago at the tender age of 40. (I grew up in South Africa.) It’s tough feeling like a total newb when everyone around you looks like they were born skiing. I had imposter syndrome something bad for my first couple trips, feeling like I was going to get escorted off the piste for not having a clue what I was doing. Be stubborn with it. Enjoy it. You’re going to fall. Pick yourself up. Fall again. Smile. Learn what you did wrong. Get better. Feel the buzz when you get down your first blue in a oner. (Or don’t stack it getting off that icy chairlift.) And don’t forget to look up at those beautiful mountains, and raise a toast to playing out amongst them on a gorgeous day. <br /><br />
Have a great time!
One legged squats will strengthen the required muscles. As will sitting against a wall. You will use muscles you didn't know existed learning to ski.
Take Ibuprofen for the evening. Stop at happy hour and have a few beers , usually 4pm .
Learn how to get up
Learn how to stop your self sliding after a double eject,
Take multiple lenses for your goggles
Go to chill factory a few times before you go.
Spend time before your session putting your boots on and off
Do not buy a white ski jacket, or let your family , looks great in the bar becomes invisible in snow or fog
It’s sliding around the snow in mountains. Don’t stress! With a decent thermal base (cycling kit works) then waterproof top and bottoms (again cycling kit works, although ski trousers will fit over boots which is better than mtb ones which have tight cuffs) you’ll be fine.
Unless you get unlucky, it will probably won’t be that cold. You’re in Italy in spring, so the sun will be hot if it comes out.
We are now looking at lesson at either Chill Factore in Manchester or Snowzone/Xscape at Castleford. Not much in in travel time for us and £/hour not much differance.
Just wonder if we go all in for the five hour training, supposed to be to level 4. Or two x 3hours, the first 1-2 then the second 3-4?
Either way, it appears we will get some sort of certificate or pass that we can take with us to skip the basic lessons. I presume they cant stop you leaving the nursery slopes once you are on your own in the afternoons anyway?
Perusing Sports Direct website (yes, I know I know Mike Ashely etc), seems to be some decent discounts on gloves and socks, assuming the RRP was legit in the first instance. I do have some "vintage" Pearl Izumi Amfib gloves which will probably/maybe do and someone mentioned earlier seal skins gloves, which I also have. The only benefit I can see with specific ski gloves if they have a pocket on the back of the hand that I believe is for the lift pass?
And again, very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this thread. Helpful and reassuring in equal measures!
Just wonder if we go all in for the five hour training, supposed to be to level 4. Or two x 3hours, the first 1-2 then the second 3-4?
If you can run to it, either would be excellent preparation.
IMHO it's better to split it into two sessions: It gives you time to physically recover as it's quite strenuous until you have some idea of what you're supposed to be doing and you will be finding muscles you never knew you had; Also, it gives you a chance to process the experience and advice mentally. I think 5 hours straight would be hard physically and a lot to take in mentally.
Either way, it appears we will get some sort of certificate or pass that we can take with us to skip the basic lessons. I presume they cant stop you leaving the nursery slopes once you are on your own in the afternoons anyway?
The piece of paper won't mean anything in the resort. The ski instructors will assess you 'as presented'. They'll likely split off the ones who say they have never skied before, then get the rest of you to ski a few yards down a gentle slope and split you into groups of about a dozen based on that. Then there's usually a bit of shuffling through the week to even up abilities between groups (the better people move up a group and the weaker move down so that everyone within a particular instructor's group is of a similar ability). Your family could end up split between different ability groups, but don't fight it.
You're free to go anywhere you want outside the lessons. The 'nursery' slopes at PT are a really wide swathe of snow that forms the bottom of a lot of other runs and you can ski pretty much any direction you want. There are a couple of nice, long, easy blues (one at either end of the resort) that you'll be on before the end of the week. They have a couple of 'magic carpet' lifts in the 'nursery' area now that are less intimidating for beginners, so I think you'll be skiing independently quite early on.
Enjoy!
P.S. Lift pass works fine in one of the top pockets of your jacket (on the left hand side) - or jacket sleeve pocket. It's all RFID stuff.
Just beat in mind the indoor slopes are mental busy at the moment as everyone seems to only realise they need lessons just before their holiday.
May be good practise for busy slopes though.
The ski school will decide which class you need.
Wear the sun sceen even if its really cloudy and there's a blizzard.
I always wear a very thin smear of vaseline around the ankle, shin and lower calf.
Enjoy and don't poke the other skiers in the life queue, with your sticks, unless they're pushing in.
Dave Ryding learnt to slalom ski on a dry ski slope. Google him 😊
Edit - take out the insurance on your lift pass.
I'd only do the 5 hours session if it wasn't possible to come back for the two three hour sessions.
Pockets in gloves for ski passes are "nice to have" rather than essential. As others have said they also work in chest pockets, left jacket pockets, and left trouser pockets, although be careful about not having other stuff in there so that they don't fall out and get lost.
On that topic, when you get your ski passes they'll have receipts with them, keep them in the hotel safe in case you lose your pass. If the passes have any numbers on them it's also worth taking photos of them on your phone, again in case you lose them and need to replace them on the mountain.
don’t poke the other skiers in the life queue, with your sticks, unless they’re pushing in.
He's going to Italy! That's how queues work 😀
(Actually, the resort is generally very good for queueing - it's unusual to have to wait very long unless you happen to arrive at the same time as a bunch of ski school groups.)
One last thing I thought of: you will fall, and you will almost certainly fall onto your side/hip/thighs. Dont put your phone or anything else solid or pointy in the side pockets of your snow pants.
I learnt to ski on the Halifax dry slope back in uni days (like 1990 / 91). I'd suggest absolute beginner lessons there (if you can ski on a dry sklope, you can ski anywhere), then go to the snowdome of your choice, then onto resort.
The Paradiso is a nice enough hotel, Mrs NBT and I went there for a week when she returned to skiing after a hip replacement. Passo Tonale is a great place to learn to ski, you'll have a great time.
We went through this a few years ago.
Did a full day course at Castleford that got us off their nursery slope and on to the main run and being able to do really basic snowplough turns. Brutal day, but got it done. The "certificate" is sod all use to anyone - even when you go back to the snowdome you self-certficate than you're safe to use the poma and the slope.
The first day and a half in resort was pretty hard work, but by the end of the second lesson a couple of us were well on the way to skiing parallel and we'd done a red with the instructor; by the end of the week I'd done a black run - slowly, cautiously but with no sit downs and I could make my way around the resort with a modicum of confidence.
Bike fitness goes a long way towards ski fitness. Once you've got making the skis work semi-sorted, an MTBers eye/head for reading terrain goes a long way to making steeper and more technical terrain accessible too.
Kit.
I started off with general outdoors stuff for base and midlayers, and I'm still very happy with my Mountain Equipment Goretex walking shell as a ski jacket. The first year I wore a pair of soft shell walking trousers with fleece tights underneath; since then a pair of top end Decathlon salopettes have been flawless; significantly cheaper than the cheapest "ski brand" kit and I've felt no need to upgrade to poncier ones. Lift pass just goes in the LH trouser pocket and stays there all week. It works fine for me there. (take a pic of the number on your pass in case you do lose it - you can generally get a replacement that way!)
Buy good ski socks. Especially if like most MTBers your shins have seen some abuse and the skin is fragile.
Gloves. Heavy winter MTB gloves may well work; I have rubbish circulation so have some big Black Diamond ones for winter walking. Cold hands are ****ing hideous on the lifts. Wrist staps/leashes are ace for not dropping gloves off a chair lift.
Goggles - I used my MTB/MX ones for a few years - darkish tinted lens. Didn't have any fogging issues. I now have a fancy pants pair of Oakleys with posh lenses, which are just "nicer", but they're still rubbish in flat light/whiteout when your brain suddenly decides vertical is 90° off where it was 2 seconds ago.
Lids - rented the first year. Bought as soon as we decided we were going again. Mine has now seen some proper action and probaby needs replacing... Wear one!
Boots - rental ones are always going to be suboptimal. They need to be tight but not painful - don't be afraid to go back to the rental shop if you're in pain or you can feel your foot moving. Do them up from the top down, and store them done up. Use the bootdriers when offered/provided. Depending on where you are staying -v- lifts, it may be better to leave the kit at the ski shop or in a locker overnight rather than carting it back and forth everyday.
Above all - enjoy it. I reckon it would be better than bikes if I could do it more often. First runs on freshly bashed pistes are lovely and your first powder day will be just magical.
Do them up from the top down
No. Sorry to contradict you, but there is actually a correct way to put ski boots on and tighten the buckles.
Start by kicking your heel back into the heel of the boot as far as possible. Do the bottom leg one first as this holds your heel back in place in the boot, then the top leg one, then do up the closest foot one (gently, it doesn't do much), then the toe one last (again gently). That's on a four buckle ski boot.
Kramer -Interesting as i've always done my boots up toe to top (but they were properly fitted)
Rear entry boots are making a big come back.
there is actually a correct way to put ski boots on and tighten the buckles.
Normal routine is plonk yourself onto a seat, wincing at the knee pain. Bend at the waist, fighting the resistance of 10 layers of clothing. Grab boot and stab foot into it, fighting the dizziness of blood rushing to head. Attempt to close a boot clip, again grunting. Gradually fight clips to tighten. Repeat for other foot.
“can you hold my boot open so I can get my foot in”
Which is why we leave them on boot warmers. 😉
Reet, lessons booked.
We have a three hour, level 1-2 at the end of Feb then a three hour, level 3-4 mid-March. If we need to squeeze another in before we go it's possible but I hope this intro will give us a bit of a feel for the boots and skis, and a bit of mobility and we aren't flailing around on day one of the hols. Not too bad, £55 for a three hour lesson.
You wouldn’t necessarily need another lesson, but a practice session wouldn’t go amiss.
If you have a few lessons before hand you can progress quicker so you can ski an easy run from the top of the mountain rather than be stuck on the lower slopes.
If tired stop and take a rest that's the safer option.
Shorts under salopettes unless it’s proper cold then Lj’s / tights will work.
Put your ski socks on nice and straight and pull them up straight.
A palm just returned from a lads snowboarding week in Austria.
Week £1400
Drink £800
New board as he lost one drunk £860
The absolute earbashing he got when he got home (and that prob continues now) priceless.
I was instructed bottom up when putting on boots.
Plus , the two buckles across the top of your foot should be clipped over with your little finger. No more force than that required. Then crank on the leg straps.
If purchasing jackets always check the amount of pockets available.
Before carrying a pack with Ava kit I used to pocket.-
Sunglasses for the terrace
Scooby snax
Lippy/ top up sun tan cream
Piste map
Water bottle
Wallet
Phone
Tissues/ wipes
Spare goggles lenses
Gum
23rd of march you say.... It'll be sunny and warm
A great time to go on a first trip, you don't actually want it to snow when learning, its cold, damp and flat light makes it much harder.
So that being the case, bet you only use all your gear on the first day realise you're double hot and then ditch it for the rest of your trip ..... hopefully 🙂
You're skier so sunglasses will be fine don't forget good sun screen, keep a little lip balm type one on your person.
Whether you do your boots up top to bottom or bottom to top, put them on before your coat or you'll be a hot mess before you've even stepped out the door.
Have fun.
Plus , the two buckles across the top of your foot should be clipped over with your little finger. No more force than that required. Then crank on the leg straps.
It's pretty much the same outcome. The point is to get your heel as deep into the boot as possible and keep it there as comfortably as possible.
Normal routine is plonk yourself onto a seat, wincing at the knee pain. Bend at the waist, fighting the resistance of 10 layers of clothing. Grab boot and stab foot into it, fighting the dizziness of blood rushing to head. Attempt to close a boot clip, again grunting. Gradually fight clips to tighten. Repeat for other foot.
Don't forget that you will also be dripping sweat as you are layered up to the max but in a shop / ski locker with a big roaring fire. And if you have kids with you, the stress and effort is multiplied many times more than the number of children.
And if you have kids with you, the stress and effort is multiplied many times more than the number of children.
If t = the amount of time to put on your own ski boots, n = the number of children that need their ski boots putting on and T = the total amount of time to get the family's ski boots on then T = t raised to the power of n + 1.
This implies that if you have more than 3 children then it's not worth going skiing.
Do loads of stretching before you go.
Most outdoor type jackets will be fine.
Don’t be tempted by “one last run”.
Go for a nice meal at night.
There’s no need for a helmet at all.
Expect to ache all over, but in a good way.
Sunglasses are often better than goggles.
Have a brilliant time.
Don’t be tempted by “one last run”.
Excellent advice .... and also never EVER call ... "Last run !"
There’s no need for a helmet at all.
Terrible advice.... If you wear one riding a bike in the woods, wear one on the hill.
There’s no need for a helmet at all.
“Kids” are 21 and nearly 18.
Since 2022, it's been a legal requirement in Italy for all under 18s to wear a helmet on ski and toboggan runs. (But pretty much *everyone* wears a helmet at PT anyway - you could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of people you see without. Just do it.)
I’ll be wearing a helmet. I think they might be mandatory where we are going anyway but I’m not risking a bump to the bonce.
Need to get insurance sorted next. I use Snocard for alps riding, assuming, given the company name, they’ll be ok for snow holidays?