General Chat

What do you wear under your ski suit. I have been told you just wear thermal underwear. Is this true or are they pulling my leg?

Jane

I've never been skiing - but I googled and came up with this advice.



We can't all be experts on every topic and sometimes a clue can be gratefully received. We've tried to put together some basic information about what you need for your ski trip so that you can just tick off each item and alleviate some stress! We hope this helps...


SKI JACKET...
This has to be wind and snow proof and not be so bulky you can't move your arms! It should be close fitting at the cuffs and neck-a hood or a high collar can be very helpful.


SALOPETTES...
These are like padded dungarees with a bib at the front and back to give your kidney area extra protection and make sure you don't get that annoying gap at the bottom of your jacket when you move around.

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER YOUR JACKET OR SUIT...
Get yourself a synthetic top. This will trap more of your body heat than a natural one and won't hold perspiration next to your skin, making you more comfortable when at rest or active because it won't draw your heat away from you. The same applies to your legs too-"long johns" might not be trendy but they're certainly effective! Between the jacket and your sweater you will need another layer- remember that more thin layers are more effective than one thick one so stay clear of chunky jumpers. Microfleeces are perfect for this purpose.
Don't forget that you need socks that are minimum 40% wool for warmth and absorption. Tube socks are best because they'll be high enough to cover the top of your boot and don't have a heel to rub and cause blisters.

SKI HAT...
Most heat loss takes place through the head so you need to make sure you're not giving it away. Always wear a hat that covers your ears-other than that why not go wild?!

GOGGLES/SUN GLASSES
These are essential items - you want to see where you're going don't you?
They are needed to protect you from the harsh glare of the sun on all that glorious snow, and should be UV400 rated. We would recommend you take both as goggles aren't sufficient on their own and can leave you with some really fetching tan lines on your face!

MITTS
Mitts are better for youngsters because they keep those little fingers warmer but adults tend to go for gloves as they allow more feel.

MOON BOOTS
Warm, water resistant, non-slip boots - your feet will thank you!

THE REST
We have ski clips, lift pass holders (you're paying a LOT for your lift pass so protect it!), neck warmers, and cords for your glasses.

When my kids went ski-ing with school they wore thermal underwear underneath.thermal long johns,and the vests.

Milletts do a range of thermal underwear for adults and kids - the brand name is Peter Storm and my grandchildren wear these when they go ski-ing.

Thank you everyone for your advice. So it looks like they were telling the truth about the thermal under wear. I will go and have a look in the shops when I go to town next.

Thanks again

Jane

I spent several winters working in ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Italy......in my younger years of course......and skiing is a funny thing cos you're freezing cold to start, then once you get moving, especially if the sun's out, you end up boiling hot!!
Layers is the answer.

I used to wear thermal underwear, ie vest and long johns/thick woolly tights as my first layer (over underwear). Tuck vest into knickers, it helps, believe me, and your granny would be so pround of you too!
On top of that I'd wear a cotton polo neck (those with zip collar are good cos you can unzip at the neck if you get really hot). Tuck that into your long johns too.
Next would be cotton socks, then thick ski socks (I suffer from cold feet).
Top layer is salopettes and ski jacket.
Ski jacket with high neck and/or piece that comes over chin/mouth would be good.
Wear a warm hat, and don't go without goggles, the glare off the snow can be brighter than you think even when there's no sun. Wear sun protection on your nose especially, even if there's no sun!

Gloves - I found the best for me was a thinnish pair of thermal gloves, with fingers, and on top I'd wear a good pair of mittens. Easy to slip off the mittens when swiping lift pass etc without gettin hands cold.

Ski clothing can be expensive, but to be honest, if you don't get decent stuff you'll freeze.
Good brands include North Face, Saloman, Helly Hanson, Killy, Berghaus and as mentioned Peter Storm.

Moon boots are a must, they're warm, waterproof and grip the snow for those walks to and from the slopes.


Hope you have lots of fun. Where are you going? And when?

K

Hi Karen

I am going to Niederau in Austria for Christmas. Hopefully by then they will have some snow as they havent got any at the moment.

So I need my thermals and a t-shirt. I was told I didnt need a jumper but I will take some just in case. I have the gloves, trousers,, socks and jacket already. This is my first time and I am really looking forward to it.

Jane

Hi Barbra

Thanks for that. I think it should be really amazing out there and to have a white christmas will be really special.

Jane

I bought all the thermal stuff in the outdoors shop.It was one that catered for all outdoor activities,so I got everything all under one roof.


Jane I went to Austria to Galtur with school when I was 13,I think 1967.
Me and my friend packed our fish net stockings and sling backs,as we knew there were going to be a party of school boys in another Hotel!!!!! Off we trotted looking like I don't know what.We were so long that our teachers set up a search party for us as they didn't know where we had gone.Needless to say we were in big trouble LOL.

Hi Jane, we spent xmas 2004 in Weer, down the Inn Valley from Niederau, absolutely fabulous. Plenty of snow that year. We are not skiers, but spent xmas day sledging in the town.
We love Austria and have visited in the spring many times.

But you'll want chunky sweaters for apres-ski!

Hi everyone

Thank you all for your advice and good wishes. I a sure we will have a great time. My son will be celebrating his 21st while we are out there so that should be a really good day.

I am going to Portsmouth today to try and get all the missing items. And finish the xmas shopping. I think I will need an overdraft and a few extra pairs of hands.

Thanks again

Jane

You're probably in Gunwharf Quay or somewhere as I write, but if not, I think Aldi has a selection of thermal ski-wear this week.

Gwyn

Hi Gwyn

Just got back from Portsmouth and I did really well. I managed to get micro fleece thermals for me and my husband for the same price as you get those vest type one. So I am pleased with that. They were a bit more expensive than I had hoped but I think these will probably be better.

Gwyn. I do not know where Aldi is in Portsmouth but there is a Lydl near where I live so I will have a look in there to see what they have. I think they have a ski sale on at the moment.

Thanks again everyone

Jane