Ski equipment

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It is 100% non moisture wicking. It will soak up all the sweat and melted snow and stay soak wet next to the body. At low temperatures, this moisture will freeze and whomever is wearing it is in big trouble.
 
For a first timer borrow or hire as much kit as possible.

Kit to hire at the resort:
Ski's, poles, boots & helmet.

To borrow/buy second hand:
Ski jacket & salopettes, ski goggles (proper sunglasses can be used - snow blindness is not fun).

I personally would want to buy new:
Ski socks.

Other bits she might already have:
Base layers, buff, waterproof winter gloves.

Then as others have mentioned mid layers depending on how much she feels the cold!

For convenience the ski jacket or a jumper should have a pocket on the left arm for the lift pass.

The snow reflects the sun so suncream! The higher altitude, dry air and physical activity dehydrates you quicker so drink lots of water.
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
What's the reasoning behind the avoidance of cotton?
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it is a horrendous material, that soaks up all moisture and is difficult to dry. It has very poor insulation qualities even when dry, but is terrible when wet.





Wool is fine though, even when wet is a good insulator. synthetic fibres are not as insulating but dry rapidly and have minimal impact when wet.
 
Jokester said:
Cotton is absorbant so if it gets wet, it stays wet. If you're a learner though I wouldn't be going to the expense of wicking base layers such as merino until I knew I was going to stick with it.
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merino base layers can be found cheap and can be used for anything in cold climates.
 
D.P. said:
it is a horrendous material, that soaks up all moisture and is difficult to dry. It has very poor insulation qualities even when dry, but is terrible when wet.





Wool is fine though, even when wet is a good insulator. synthetic fibres are not as insulating but dry rapidly and have minimal impact when wet.
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Makes sense, the kids have been asking about skiing/boarding for sometime next year so all of this is great info.

Is there a preferred retailer for equipment in the UK or is it just Amazon as always?
 
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D.P. said:
merino base layers can be found cheap and can be used for anything in cold climates.
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I don’t know the OPs circumstances to say whether it’s worth it over the essentials, a 12 year old novice skier doesn’t really need wicking base layers on a first ski holiday, it’s the whole point of layering to stop you sweating and they’re not likely to be hucking it off cliffs or hiking backcountry.
 
jpaul said:
Decathlons another good source - you can get synthetic base layers for not so much, 20yr old Patagonia ones I have , have been alive longer than the merino fad
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/c0-kids/c1-clothing/c3-thermal-underwear/_/N-1aj9j7
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Yeah decathlon is a great shout actually. Loads of super cheap stuff and it’s not terrible.

I would definitely get some half decent base layers. As mentioned above if you get something that soaks up the sweat and freezes again you could be in serious trouble.
 
First time skiing, she's unlikely to be going to the top of the mountain so I don't think you need to go overboard on the warm ware. But layers are the way to go, a nice wicking base-layer, maybe a light fleece layer, and a good ski jacket will serve her well and are all usable off the slopes. I find a snood a better option than a balaclava and I think particularly so low on the mountain. Don't forget suncream/chapstick and get some specially for skiing/snowboarding, you can usually get small tubes with a built-in chapstick that will fit in a pocket.

For an adult, I'd advise buying a helmet (a helmet costs about 3x the hire cost and you'll get a much more comfortable helmet if you buy one to suit than rely on a hire shop), but for someone who is still growing it's unlikely to be a good investment.

I hope your daughter has a great time. Winter holidays are fantastic, and learning while you're young is considerably easier than doing it as an adult.
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
Is there a preferred retailer for equipment in the UK or is it just Amazon as always?
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I used to get stuff in Go Outdoors and TK Maxx. TK Maxx is particularly good at end of season where there are bargains to be had, but doesn't help you this time. Personally I think it's the kind of stuff you want to see, feel, and try on rather than being an online job.
 
jpaul said:
Decathlons another good source - you can get synthetic base layers for not so much, 20yr old Patagonia ones I have , have been alive longer than the merino fad
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/c0-kids/c1-clothing/c3-thermal-underwear/_/N-1aj9j7
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under layers are decent from here, especially as she's growing.

Check out eckosport, I use it for my kids stuff as there is often a sale on and it's very good shipping etc. https://www.ekosport.eu/INTERSHOP/w...CatalogID=4&CategoryName=867&FacetName=taille
That should be for 12yr olds there.
 
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