Skiing - Chamonix

[dlockers]

Hi folks,

I am heading to Chamonix Feb half term with the kids. I've never done skiing before - it is an opportunistic thing (friend is giving me their chalet for a week). Can anyone recommend what I need to do? Never been on holiday anywhere where there is snow, lol.

Plan to give the 4.5yr old a chance on the slopes. I have zero idea at all. Just browsing vinted for ski gear ATM for her.

What would I even need?

Many thanks

 

[Trifid]

Rent ski's and boots from somewhere in the resort and close to the chalet, buy a new helmet. You will all want to be going on lessons, they are usually held in the morning, giving you some time in the afternoon to practice what the lesson covered/explore on your own.

 

[dlockers]

Rent ski's and boots from somewhere in the resort and close to the chalet, buy a new helmet. You will all want to be going on lessons, they are usually held in the morning, giving you some time in the afternoon to practice what the lesson covered/explore on your own.

Will I need boots of some description to get around when I am not skiing? Or trainers fine? I have some Adidas Terrex that should be OK?

I am actually working the week we are there so not planning on a huge amount of skiing myself. Mainly looking to give my daughter an experience.

 

[Jokester]

Will I need boots of some description to get around when I am not skiing? Or trainers fine? I have some Adidas Terrex that should be OK?

I am actually working the week we are there so not planning on a huge amount of skiing myself. Mainly looking to give my daughter an experience.

Middle of February town will be covered in snow, so you'll want decent normal foot wear with a decent sole. Terrex look ok - goretex uppers? want something that won't get wet and soak through.

 

[Trifid]

Will I need boots of some description to get around when I am not skiing? Or trainers fine? I have some Adidas Terrex that should be OK?

I am actually working the week we are there so not planning on a huge amount of skiing myself. Mainly looking to give my daughter an experience.

100% need some decent non slip boots.

You'll want to buy some decent long and thick socks too so you don't get sores. You'll need thermal base layers (top and bottoms), salopettes and a ski jacket (that has a pocket on the arm for the ski pass.)

 

[Mercenary Keyboard Warrior]

You can also hire ski gear which for a youngster can make a lot of sense.

Aldi have a surprisingly good bit of ski gear when they have it in, but it goes quite quickly.

Hire the skis (poles and helmet) etc in advance of going. Its cheaper.
Suggest https://www.skidiscount.co.uk/en/ski-rental

I would book the lessons in advance as well. IMO for the first time the whole day lessons is probably best for a youngster.

In regards footwear, 100% you need water resistant. So something like hiking boots.
Its semi unlikely in Feb but certainly possible that mid days temps can get above zero and then the snow starts to melt etc on the rooves, and only finishes once the sun drops and the temps plummet.
So you can actually get quite a lot of water and slushy snow about.

Its unclear if you are thinking of just letting the youngster go skiing or all of you.
You 100% need lessons at the start or your going to be spending a lot of time sat on your ass (or worse).

Get decent insurance.

As your borrowing, unless you specifically want to eat out all the time I highly recommend https://hu.ski/ as your in France.
The wine case is an absolute bargain.

Eating out is expensive generally in ski resorts, are the supermarkets are limited in options so if there is anything specific you would want consider taking it with you.
They will have options but often highly limited.

 

[jpaul]

you're taking a car ? - enough space to put the skis in the back (less hassle than roof rack) - chains ?

mittens/gloves amongst the clothing shopping list w/cream.

Try to get a meal at La Panoramic ... at end of trip when hopefully you can ski back

 

[tom_nieto]

Ski lessons are a must for anyone starting out. Your daughter is 4.5, I wouldn’t expect much more than a 60-90 minute lesson from her every morning. Any more and she’ll be exhausted, cold and hating life. French ski instructors can be hit and miss and are not gentle with their instruction style. Short lessons every day with an instructor that she gets on with (in a beginner group) and she’ll be going round and round straightforward runs on her own by the end of the week. (We went to a tiny resort in Norway when my daughter was 5 and she got on very well, but absolutely couldn’t have done more skiing). Chamonix is beautiful and the village is nice to explore. Buy simple sleds (bum board or snow tube) and you’ll be able to enjoy that too.

We’re off to Norway again in Feb half term and I’m hoping that the lessons from before will have stuck in and she’ll start to get more confident.

Things to bring? Warm, waterproof clothes. However many that you think for your daughter - double it!

 

[Scam]

I have no further advice to give apart from: lean forward.

And can I have your friend’s chalet for a week too?

 

[JRJ]

Vinted is great for ski wear, Mountain Warehouse are also great for new items at really reasonable prices and offer Bluelight/NHS/Student discounts if you've got access to any of those.

I always use Aplineresorts.com for our ski equipment hire, always have some sort of discount code available.

If you have a Dry ski slope near by head over and get some lessons just to understand the basics, most also have some sort of kids clubs over the weekends.

 

[dlockers]

Thanks chaps really appreciate the guidance. Need to properly digest when I'm not full of cold.

In terms of just dealing with the cold -- what's the crack with layers etc? I can't seem to find any jacket that isn't like 200 quid

 

[Begbie]

Thanks chaps really appreciate the guidance. Need to properly digest when I'm not full of cold.

In terms of just dealing with the cold -- what's the crack with layers etc? I can't seem to find any jacket that isn't like 200 quid

The decathlon stuff is decent. I never get cold when skiing, generally only ever wear a base layer (generally merino because I've had it forever) and a long sleeve tee then my ski jacket.

You can get a cheap ski jacket from decathlon which will be fine or bang on a jumper and use a waterproof jacket. I've done both and never been a drama. Probably be worse for yourself because you'll spend most of the time in the snow rather than on it (I know this from experience).

Also lessons if not already mentioned, you'll have more fun if you're taught to ski. It's fairly difficult to try and learn yourself.

Intact decathlon do a ski jacket, base layers and gloves for £65! It may not be the best in the world but for learning to ski in - absolutely perfect.