 Poster: A snowHead
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but if you are all newbies go with a tour operator and not DIY, they will be able to give best advice in resort regarding ski hire etc.
I don't think going with a tour operator is a bad idea but the 'advice' they give on things like ski hire, ski schools etc. is not disinterested and may not be the best as they often receive commission from the purveyors of these services.
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you are right, generally they do receive commission from ski schools/ski hire/lift companies, but this is normally as the relevant suppliers are only dealing with one point of contact (ie resort rep) for payment etc, instead of having to process several transactions on a busy changeover day, normally costs and products are similar throughout resort. we always recommended the best ski school, although slightly more expensive but was worth it to save on any possible disgruntled guests.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I wouldn't run from the main tour operators for my first outing. It gives you a great idea on how a ski holiday works with the reassurance of a rep to run to if and when necessary!!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Buy or borrow insulated trousers, ski jacket, gloves, and goggles (or borrow old ones from a friend). Buy ski socks.
You will hire skis, boots, helmet, and its fine to do that.
The good thing is you can buy one or two items each year until you have all the kit. Some people never bother buying skis and boots, or just buy boot and then always hire skis as it makes travel easier.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sorry I didn't realise you hadn't chosen where you are going already or I'd have mentioned this sooner: we have a snowHeads bash that is specifically designed for skiers to bring their novice friends and family to:
The Make Yourself A snowHead Bash (The MYAsHBash).
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| letsgetpiste wrote: |
http://www.sportsdirect.com/skiing/
Don't get lured buy cheap goggles though. Others on this forum will put you in the right direction for them. |
Are the Nevica goggles bad then? I bought some for £35 as I'm going to Val Thorens in a couple of weeks and have never gone on a snow holiday before. If they're rubbish I'll take them back?
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@TheJules, Welcome to snowHeads. You are obviously doomed to a horrible death within seconds of attempting to use such cheap rubbish. On the other hand, I have never paid that much for a pair of goggles in my life and have survived 50+ trips. You may just get lucky....
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Yup £35 for val thorens, sounds about right. £50 for st. Anton, £105 for Zermatt, £15 for Andorra and a poke in the eye for bansko.
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Seriously though. Go with a tour op. Aim for a cheaper, smaller resort. If you are all total beginners aim for one with one or two blacks only (almost every resort claims to gave at least one black). Don't dismiss Andorra or Slovenia. That way you will be more likely to meet more beginners and have the best fun in 7 days, more than you ever thought possible. The tour op will also have organised (for that read also available in resort for zero mark up) events you can partake in, such as torchlit sledging, tradition banquet, pub quiz, etc.
Hope you catch the bug.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@JollyKelly, I didn't start skiing until I was 40. Now I ski 3 weeks plus a year!
My tips:
1. Save money by getting the swing of things on an artificial slope. Much cheaper than wasting precious ski days on the slopes.
2. Please don't take "lessons" from your mates (no disrespect to them  ). Teaching skiing is a real skill, and if you are taught correctly you will pick it up pretty fast. Pay for one-on-one lessons if you can, both on the artificial slopes and on the snow. I know of SO many folks who have been injured because their "mates" took them up the top of the mountain to show them how to ski.
3. Make sure you rent a beginners pair of skis. These should be piste carving skis, that are pretty flexible and are not too long. The edges should be sharp (really helps if it's icy) and the bases should have no big gouges. Also the release setting should be correct for your height, experience etc. These are the settings that ensure the ski release from your boots if you fall over — rather than your leg breaking. It's worth learning about this stuff on the net before you go. Don't always trust the ski shop; nor your mates .
4. If you are cold, get layers of clothing, including some good thermals from M&S or such like.
5. Rent a pair of boots for your 1st season, but if you get hit by the bug, then have your own pair fitted specially. Ask back here for recommendations.
6. Take it easy on the slopes. Don't go too fast, and don't try and keep up with your mates if they are going crazy!
Have fun!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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...I thought we were all going to Aldi on 3rd December (see thread)? 
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@JollyKelly, You are probably overwhelmed by advice by now, but if I can add one or two more things:
1. The blessing/curse of Snowheads is that we tend to over-think things. @terrygasson, is absolutely right in his advice about skis and bindings, but TBH you really don't need to know. You can happily do what the vast majority of skiers do and walk into any old ski hire shop and trust the staff to give you what you need.
2. Boots - I've owned my own boots aand skis for for years and since they brought in baggage charges I no longer bother. You might want to own your own one day, but IMO to buy boots for your second holiday is crazy. Far too soon.
3. Clothes and goggles etc. Again, all good advice above and having kit that keeps you comfortable makes life a lot better - but...... In days gone by I've packed a few ordinary button up shirts (no tie), a jumper, ordinary office type socks, a cheap and crappy ski jacket from C&A, £5 gloves (not ski gloves) and skied in those. For walking around town in the evenings I just took a pair of wellies. It all worked fine - Not a cool look admittedly, but perfectly adequate. I'm not suggesting you follow my example, but it's just to make the point that your G-string doesn't have to be made from the ultra-soft pubic hair of Himalayan goats. (Although I can heartily recommend that option )
4. Yes, I'd strongly suggest you go with a tour operator. Takes much of the hassle out of things for your first trip and is often the same price as DIY.
5. When to go? - If you can, I'd strongly recommend going a little later in the season. Late Feb, or early March is ideal. Avoid school holidays if possible.
6. Which country? I'd stick to the usual suspects of Italy, France and Austria. All are great. If I had to pick I'd be inclined to suggest Austria.
7. Which resort - As it's your first trip I'd suggest you go for one that is likely to have plenty of snow in the resort rather than just access to pistes higher up. Smaller resort may be a better idea and have more charm. If you can find a chalet/apartment/hotel that is ski in/ski out that would be wonderful but may be a little more expensive.
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You know it makes sense.
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As admin mentioned higher up, have you considered the MYASHBash? this would provide lessons, kit and a great bunch to ski and socialise with all in the snowheads world.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Kamikaze Pete wrote: |
| As admin mentioned higher up, have you considered the MYASHBash? this would provide lessons, kit and a great bunch to ski and socialise with all in the snowheads world. |
My folks are going on this and it'll pretty much be the first time they've skied, so you wouldn't be alone in starting at square 1.
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Poster: A snowHead
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This is ALL sooooooo useful, thank you so much I've learnt so much.
My husband and I are self employed and our kids school is pretty cool with us taking them out of classes, our friends are pretty flexible too with most being self-employed or working flexi time. I think this is why we're finding it so hard to choose a date.
I'm going to research some tour operators and see what I can find. Thanks again for your tips on hire gear from these guys too, that’s so useful to know!
You guys rock!!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I can't see why not. Have you read last years MYASHBash report? There were other families (not snowhead related) staying in the hotel last year. Don't think there were any issues. Sure admit could shuffle the rooms to suit.
I'm a little confused though, as at the beginning of the thread you were going with friends who were organising and now it's family and sounds like you're organising  or are both correct?
As for kit... I'd say hire boots, skis (all included at the MYASHBash) and helmets (compulsory for kids in Italy). Thermals and mid layers don't have to be ski specific but sports related wicking stuff helps keep you dry. Outer layers and socks your best off with ski gear; For instance, a good winter coat might work but won't have a "snow skirt" built in so when you fall (and you will) snow will get up inside.
Aldi stuff will be on offer soon and will cover everything you need; Coats, salopetes, socks, gloves, goggles, sun glasses (they need to be wrap aound ideally). They usually have a couple of grades and are pretty good (I'm currently using their better salopetes and they're as good as any I've had). They'llalso have all the base and mid layers shouldyou need.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We're going as a family...but I am 30 and the parents are, ahem, older than 30.
Guess it depends on the age of the kidsWorth asking in the MYAsH thread, I'd have thought that Admin could sort something out.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Well I'm 30 but my kids are 6 & 7 we still like to party, so when we go away we normally get a villa so maybe a cabin or something might be better for us and then we can just meet up with the rest of the SnowHeads during the day. I'll put this idea to my Mr & a few friends we're thinking of going with.
Thanks for your help guys 
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we always recommended the best ski school, although slightly more expensive but was worth it to save on any possible disgruntled guests.
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Would that all tour operators followed this example.
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@foxtrotzulu,
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IMO to buy boots for your second holiday is crazy. Far too soon.
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Best thing I did was buy boots before my second holiday.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@JollyKelly, you may want to consider if you're going to go off peak and with a TO not to book too early, decide on up the time your going to go, then look for a deal 1-2 weeks before your due to go.
Andorra is very good for beginners, Soldeu in particular.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I have a pair of Bolle Modulator goggles that were quite cheap (I am no good with numbers.) They are loads better than my friend Hippo's expensive Oakleys. I guess, as with most things, you pay a lot more for a little better after a certain point. The skill is in finding that certain point!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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6 pairs? Why? Most skiers use one pair on a trip.
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Yeah I know, I keep seeing ones I prefer, will have to take a couple back though. My mate says I'm only allowed to take three pairs but we'll see! I planned on spending about £200 and vastly exceeded it. If I could spend the money again I'd have gone for quality over quantity. Oh well, at least it's conquered my fear of shopping.
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You know it makes sense.
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| adithorp wrote: |
| 6 pairs? Why? Most skiers use one pair on a trip. |
Yeah I only use the one pair of troosers, it's not like socks which just get minging by the end of the week.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Well you could wear the same stuff every day i suppose.....
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I will probably wear the same trousers everyday, always take too much stuff on holiday. Infact I'll probably come back, bin the lot and buy better stuff! If I like it.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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No reason why not.
I still have twin, triple and quad rooms available to me so whatever suits. At some point though choice will get more limited.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Get yourself off to a dry slope or indoor ski centre for lessons. It will save you hours of valuable mountain time. if you want new clothes ALDI have a great range at very good prices available from December 3rd. TK Maxx also good for brand names if you are into that and they have your size. Otherwise ask your friends. Most skiers usually have an excess of equipment.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Definately get lesson before you go. Just putting on boots and skis/ putting on skis and standing uo/walking in them takes a while.
A few good lessons is worth half a week on snow and you'll sliding down hills as soon as you get there rather than spending two days trying to stand up.
Don't spend much on kit as there is nothing quite as comical as someone with all the gear but no idea.
There are plenty bargains on ebay.
I took many school trips and saw hundreds learn to ski and by far the biggest problem for first time skiers was boots. Get a feel for what they should feel like at a dryslope/snowdome so you have an idea before you're on holiday. Spend time checking your boots at the hire shop. You're going to spend a long time standing in them. If they're are not good after day one/ go back and exchange for something different. Badly fitting boots can ruin your week! - Bear in mind though ski boots are never gonna feel like your favourite slippers. They are, above all, designed for function before comfort. They probably won't be comfortable but shouldn't be uncomfortable.
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FAQ
