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………

Never use the phrase ” just one more run and I’ll stop”

Don’t take a rucksack,  the last thing you need is to get caught in a chair lift

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.

Hmm what’s going on with the quote feature?

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. 🙂

Snowheads.com is a great place to ask for advice on things like this.

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. 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. 

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.

Columbia Mens Ski Iceline Ridge Ski Puffer Jacket in Brown