Skiing -- what equipment do we need?

[clairea]

I jusr made reservations for our family to go skiing for a few days over Chrsitmas! Ive never skiied (and won't this time -- I don't think vertigo and going face first down mountains on two thin sticks is a very good mix ;) ), but DH, DS (9yo) and DD(6yo) will.

Since we just moved from Atlanta to the northeast Tenn moutains we don't even have clothes that are really appropriate for cold snowy weather, much less skiing. We will rent skis, boots, etc., but I am thinking I need to get hats, gloves, etc. that are appropriate? Will ordinary jackets, hats, gloves, etc. be fine or do I need to get special ones for skiing? What else do we need? For DH, it is not really an issue to get what he needs as I know he likes to ski and will go again. For the kids -- well, they have this nasty habit of growing, don't they, but still I want them to be comfortable and have what they need. I am pretty sure we won't ski again this year, but might again in future years if everyone enjoys it as it is now a fairly short drive to the NC/WV ski areas.

Any other tips you have for skiing with kids would be great, too! DS wants to snowboard, should that scare me?

[Chefzhat]

The kids will probably be more into snowboarding - there's nothing to fear. I'm even going to learn this year! But I'm a skier at heart.

For the boys - snow pants, sweatshirts and down vests for snowboarding. Dress in layers so they can layer up/layer down. Hats that cover ears and gloves with leather palms are essential. Some people ski with goggles, but I don't. Your kids will grow out of what you buy them anyway so get what fits now - you can alway re-sell it.

DH will probably want snow pants, ski jacket, gloves and hat as well. Some ski jackets come as a system - two pieces that zip together. Handy to have for layering. A turtle neck to keep his neck warm, and maybe goggles.

Have Fun! Robyn will have lots of info too - maybe she'll check in.

Too funny, I was just at my local ski outfitter to get my skis ready for the season. Snow is in the air!

Debie

[Robyn1007]

Okay, here's my list for what I wear for a day on the mountain minus the obvious skis, boots, poles:

Bottom:
Base layer (I use Hot Chilly's but there are many options, don't use cotton as it won't wick moisture away from the skin)
Ski socks (again, no cotton, many use wool but I'm allergic so mine are synthetic)
ski pants (for the kids, I'd buy a little big, see if you can find some with belt loops or elastic)

Top:
Base Layer (I like to wear a synthetic, moisture wicking tank top and then some sort of long sleeve base layer, again mine are Hot Chilly's and again, no cotton)
Inner Layer (I use either a fleece or a my team soft shell)
Outer Shell (this has no insulation but is waterproof)

Head:
I use a helmet which are now rentable and I would advise it, especially for the kids. In coaching I absolutely will not allow the kids to ski without a helmet. If it's really cold I use a balaclava underneath that adds a layer to both my head and neck. If this is not an option get a good hat that covers the ears.
Goggles (I don't advise sunglasses, especially for kids, way to much air in the eyes and at their level they are more likely to get the spray from other skiers coming at their little eyes)

Hands:
For the kids, good mittens

Around here, many of the kids use their ski coats everyday so it really depends on what your kids already have as to whether they can wear them for skiing. Layers are essential, skiing is an aerobic activity and they likely will sweat. I am regularly thankful that my outer coat has "pit vents" so that I can get ventilation in during skiing but then close them up for lift rides. In addition if it's especially cold get the hand warmer packets for both hands and feet and listen to the kids. They get cold much easier than we do. In coaching on really cold days we'll take numerous warm up breaks. On breaks, make sure they take off all but the base layers otherwise they will overheat inside and feel even colder outside.

Feel free to pm me if you have additional questions. Have fun, I love the sport and always enjoy watching the kiddos learn to enjoy it too.

[Robyn1007]

Have Fun! Robyn will have lots of info too - maybe she'll check in.

Debie

Yeah, it took me longer to type! :D :D

(Oh, and I just got money to buy my new skis. :D )

http://www.volkl.com/ski/images/attiva_ac3_2.jpg

[Robyn1007]

So, I'm in a shopping mood so here are some ideas from geardirect.com:

Available in a boy's version too (I can't remember if you have boys and/or girls):

http://akamai.edeal.com/images/catalog3981/folder63014/img3696228med.jpg

http://akamai.edeal.com/images/catalog3981/folder63014/img3695958med.jpg

and from christysports.com

http://store.christysports.com/images/items/additional/thumb_855_44dff3.jpg

http://store.christysports.com/images/items/middle_5676_cbc29a.jpg

http://store.christysports.com/images/items/middle_5673_d79b17.jpg

[MaryMac]

Clairea, among the other things I agree with Robyn andalso suggest getting/renting helmets. Look around for a local ski swap that you may be able to purchase them really cheap.They are popular right now as it's almost ski season. Our kids always had to wear a helmet for safety reasons...even if they become good skiers you never know when someone else could lose control. They will keep their heads really warm, too. Our kids are older now and when they were in their early to mid teens they didn't want to wear a helmet anymore, so we said ok then you can't ski. We looked at it like wearing a seatbelt...without is not an option.

Have lots of fun...I'm sure your kids will love it.

[clairea]

Thanks for the great info. Now I know where to start with shopping and can get started! We are skiing in NC so hopefully it won't be too terribly cold, and from what you guys said I would have been inclined to overdress my kids (forgetting how active skiing/snowboarding is) then to underdress them. I will bring layers so we can be prepared if it is colder than expected (although I don't think DS has ever been cold a day in his life!)

Robyn, I'm glad you mentioned that a lot of kids are wearing helmets. DH and I feel very strongly about helmets for things like bike riding, skateboarding, etc. and DH had mentioned that he thought they were now available to rent with skis. Those little heads are pretty precious to me :)

Thanks again for the help. We are really looking forward to the trip (and I am looking forward to a few days of quiet snuggled up in the lodge with some good books and a cup of tea).

[Melman]

It's been probably a dozen years or more since I last had a chance to ski, but of everything that's been mentioned, having warm WATER-RESISTANT gloves and pants would be my two first suggestions. There's nothing like having on soaking wet gloves and wet jeans (yuck!) to ruin a perfectly good day of skiing. No, I never wore that myself, but I was with plenty of friends who were new to skiing that didn't think they needed to make the additional purchase.

[Robyn1007]

It's been probably a dozen years or more since I last had a chance to ski, but of everything that's been mentioned, having warm WATER-RESISTANT gloves and pants would be my two first suggestions. There's nothing like having on soaking wet gloves and wet jeans (yuck!) to ruin a perfectly good day of skiing. No, I never wore that myself, but I was with plenty of friends who were new to skiing that didn't think they needed to make the additional purchase.

Nevermind the looks you'll get from real skiers and snowboarders. The only time that's considered cool is in the spring when everyone is just being silly. :p

Yes, I should have mentioned that all outer layers, pants, mittens, coats should be waterproof. I have been perusing rei.com and they have some good prices on kids stuff so you might want to take a look there.

[Chefzhat]

Yeah, it took me longer to type! :D :D

(Oh, and I just got money to buy my new skis. :D )

http://www.volkl.com/ski/images/attiva_ac3_2.jpg

ooooo. ahhhhhhhh. :) I love them. Stats, please?

I was looking at new skis today, I'm thinking of going to a Jr. pair - more flexible. I can't seem to get "on top" of mine for some reason. Got any suggestions?

Debie

PS - I never think about helmets, and not many people are wearing them around here. But I'm sure you'd be able to rent them. We don't wear them :eek:

[Robyn1007]

Those are the Volkl Attiva AC3s. They are a women's advanced to expert ski but if you are looking for more flexibility I wouldn't go with them. I'd definitely take a look at the both the Volkl and the K2 women's lines though, they are designed for more flex with less weight and power. I'm thinking for you the K2 First Luv or True Luv might be good choices along with the Volkl Attiva S4s or ACs. See if you can demo them first. I did a demo day where I tried 7 different pairs and I liked these, the AC2s and the One Luvs the best. Lucky you, your best options won't cost $900! :eek:

[Chefzhat]

Where are you having your bindings mounted - forward or back? I might also have my tech guy adjust my bindings forward 1/2" or so, then I might be able to control my tips better.

EEK! $900! Good equipment is worth the money though.

[Robyn1007]

Haven't gone there yet (won't actually make the purchase for another week or so). Really with the shaped skis there isn't much room for difference. When you talk of having trouble getting on top of them do you mean you're having trouble engaging the edge? If that's the case then I would advise a bit of a drill to work yourself into getting more forward. Concentrate on planting your pole way up and out at your tips as you initiate your turn. You might also try doing the same thing but with a double pole plant (yep, both at the same time, it feels funny but it really helps you get forward and into the turn).

What length ski are you on right now (and how tall are you)? My current ones are 7cm longer than the ones I'm buying and they make a huge difference in my ability to control. I'm 5'5" and currently on 170s but will move to 163s. I used to race 105s!

Claire, sorry for the hijack. :o

[Chefzhat]

I'm 5'2, and skiing on 149s. I'm getting a lot of "chatter" from the front of my skis, doesn't seem to matter how far "forward" I'm getting myself. I don't know what my problem is . . . but I feel like I'm working too hard to stay forward. Does that make sense?

Sorry Claire!!!! After this I'll take it to pm . . .

[Lauren]

In the Northeast (NH/VT) all the kids are wearing helmets. Of course, we frequently have icy conditions. :eek:

[aggie94]

Debie, you might want to hold off on buying new skis - who knows, you might fall in love with snowboarding and hang up those skis forever! ;) :D

I'm a snowboarder, at least I was when I was living in Oregon. I still have my stuff but haven't gone in about 5 years. We are thinking about trying to head somewhere with snow this winter to make use out of that gear again. I tried skiing but hated it. Tried snowboarding (took a few private lessons to get started) and loved it. Plus I was pretty darn good at it too. :)

That said, my best suggestion is to make sure you are well dressed. There is nothing more miserable than being out on the moutain cold and/or wet - that will ruin your experience in an instant. If you have the opportunity, borrow stuff from friends. You might not want to spend a lot of money on clothes that you don't know if you will use again, but it will make your experience much more enjoyable if you have the right stuff, so if you can borrow it, definitely do so.

[Laura]

The only thing I would add to the list is a neck gator. If it gets at all windy during the day the neck gator will save you on the lifts (it is a fleece tube thingy that you wear around your neck; it is not at all contstricting, but you can pull it up over your chin and nose when the wind hits and stings your face).

[Robyn1007]

The only thing I would add to the list is a neck gator. If it gets at all windy during the day the neck gator will save you on the lifts (it is a fleece tube thingy that you wear around your neck; it is not at all contstricting, but you can pull it up over your chin and nose when the wind hits and stings your face).

A balaclava will function that way as well, that's why I hadn't listed it but it is a good option if you don't want the full balaclava. The reason I like the balaclava is because it comes up and covers the ears as well and works well in combo with a helmet or hat. They even have fuzzy turtle fur ones... :D

[tea4one]

The kids will probably be more into snowboarding - there's nothing to fear. I'm even going to learn this year! But I'm a skier at heart.
I am not a skiier at heart. In fact, I have never been on skis but I would love to learn how to snowboard. I would probably have to deal with two broken legs and arms but it sounds like fun!!

[jmarie]

If you plan on skiing in the day, I would advise sunscreen.

Have fun!

[Robyn1007]

PS - I never think about helmets, and not many people are wearing them around here. But I'm sure you'd be able to rent them. We don't wear them :eek:

I'm bumping this back up to urge anyone skiing to wear a helmet.

I was skiing with a couple of my friends today and we were on the last run of the day. I was a bit in front of them (they were filming eachother) and stopped by a jump they always take. I waited and waited and waited. I had a couple of other people with me and we decided that the two guys must have cut down another run. I would have taken another lap but I twisted my knee pulling a kid out of the trees yesterday and it had had enough for the day. I left my friends a voicemail and asked them to call me to tell me they were okay. I got a message later that they were fine but they had to stop to try to save a guy's life. I just to talked to one of them and found out that a guy had been skiing in the normal run going extremely fast and somehow lost control and slammed into one of the trees on the side. His face was shattered and his neck was snapped and it was obvious there was serious head trauma. My friend is trained as an EMT so he did everything he could until fortunately a trauma surgeon appeared on the scene and then he started to assist the surgeon. When Life Flight left the man had no pulse. 10 minutes later they got an update that he did have a pulse but we don't know what happened after that. If he lives it will be a miracle. A helmet may have protected him from some of the injuries. Every time I lament that my helmet is hot or doesn't look as cool I will remember this story. Oh, and if you could say a prayer for the man, that would be great too.

[Robyn1007]

A very sad update this morning. The man, a 20 year old visiting from Oregon, died last night about 6 hours after the accident occurred.

[Chefzhat]

How awful, Robyn. :( That poor boy.