MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Yesterday we bought a last minute week ski holiday to bulgaria leaving tomorrow.
Bar a 2hr into to ski experience on nevis range artificial slope 4 years ago, we've never skied before.
Ws thinking about using my offshore spec sailing foulies but worried about damaging them & being too hot.
Alternatively I could use a buffalo active shirt I normally walk the dog in.
Would either of these be workable or am I best going to decathlon and saying "outfit me please" then hand over credit card?
Ta
You'll be better off with proper kit as you'll probably spend a bit of time rolling in the snow. You can get surprisingly good stuff from charity shops if you have a few nearby. Decathlon or tkmax are good for new.
Get 3 pairs of decent ski socks.
Decathlon is a good shout - colour co-ordinated for £60...
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/m-d-ski-trousers-180-burgundy-id_8542810.html
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/m-d-ski-jacket-180-red-id_8542807.html
If you run cold, take some thermal undies - you'll be standing around a lot if you're doing beginner group lessons.
Otherwise, normal base layer will be fine, especially with an insulated jacket.
My experience was to buy cheap stuff first time (sports direct), it was too hot for me. Bought new stuff for the next year! In the first few years you generate more heat than you will continue to as your technique improves.
Thermals, decent ski socks, gloves and goggles as well as trousers/salopettes and a decent jacket.
Go Outdoors sell Dare 2 Be ski clothing that is very good value for money. As mentioned above TK Maxx have some good deals but it's pot luck what is in stock.
If you care what you look like, get the credit card out....otherwise gather together from what you already have.
Though good socks (proper up over the calf merino ones), good gloves, base layers and a helmet, make it much more pleasant.
Your offshore jacket will be fine, possibly a bit stiff and heavy. Damage risk will be low. The Buffalo would work as well, friends have used theirs when we've been away.
Ski trousers may be a good idea, there's a risk you could nick the lower leg with the ski edge so you may not want to use your oilies for that.
You'll get chilly on the chair lift, but will warm up quickly when moving again.
Oh and a nice woolly hat for when you take your helmet off.
Enjoy!
"If you care what you look like, get the credit card out…."
I'm most likely to be doing a Mr Bean on snow impersonation all whilst being surrounded by 6yr olds on the nursery slopes. Looking good isn't high up on my expectations... 😀
Thanks all, I'll have a wander over to decathlon at lunch and see what's what.
In the first few years you generate more heat than you will continue to as your technique improves
In the first few days you may also spend some time on your arse in the snow too.
Ski carry straps are handy if you have a little walk to the slopes.
Trespass outlet can be a good source of bargains. Decent socks, sunnies, goggles with multiple lenses, buff or snood . You can get the same at go outdoors or tk maxx. Jacket would be good, lots of pocket options. Camalbak and a lot of scooby snacks, bog roll as its Bulgaria
Sun tan cream high factor plus lippy with uv and put it on even if it is cloudy early doors
Oh, and rent a helmet.
Not for the inevitable low speed falls, but for when one of your learner group turns around with skis on their shoulder and loafs you on the bonce.
Ibuprofen and voltorol also essential items
See above