 Poster: A snowHead
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Evening all,
Well after finally getting onto the EoSB bandwagon its now time to start looking at the logistics of it all, kit wise. So I have a few questions for all you veterans out there, that I hope you can help with. They are all pretty noob questions and have been asked before hundreds of times no doubt. However, as this purchase is primarily specific to VT at this time of year (and hopefully advice that will stand me in stead in future trips) I thought I'd ask.
1. I've decided that I'd like to get some new boots before I go. Now due to time constraints the only real option I have is to go to Ellis Brigham, and get the boots fitted and bought there. Its quite restrictive I suppose but I'm sure the range they have will have something for me. BTW I'd class myself as someone whos (mid?) intermediate level although I like to try anything out - sensible or not really.
My options are here: http://www.ellis-brigham.com/ski-boots/store/mens/
Anyway, if anybody could give some advice on what I deffo SHOULDNT be buying then that would be a start. Any recommendations of what sort I should be going for would be appreciated even more though. And anyone who can say "dont buy these as they're c**p, no matter what the salesguy says" would be most appreciated. Sock recommendation would help too really. I have a few pairs of thick ski socks that are in good condition, but are there any recommendations as I'd like to choose something that I would wear constantly for skiing, to try the boots out in, in case it needs adjusting.
2. Hopefully there'll be some snow left when we get to VT, but what will the weather be like. Would it be OK to just take a couple of quality base layers (I like the HH stuff but its quite expensive to be buying 5 base vests for the week) and some bog standard fleecy mid layers that only cost a few quid each. I've no idea how cold its gonna be, or on the flip side, how hot its gonna be. And I dont like feeling all cluttered up. I know some people ski in just a base layer and a jacket (well obviously everything else as well like) but is it feasible to do that?
3. Pants!! Any ideas for lightwieght ones. My Salopettes are rather bulky - and I hate them.
4. Lastly, from the Mrs. She's probably not gonna ski all day every day. She is having kittens about whether when she's loafing around she should be packing for cold days,cold nights, sunny days, jeans, flip flops, boots, trainers, white, red, blue blah, blah, blah. Any hints I could help her out with would be appreciated.
Thanks for any help.
EoSB virgin.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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blert596, can't anser all of your questions but here's my two pennorth
You want thin ski socks not thick "tube" ones, smartwool are great and 3 pairs will do you the week.
I have been on 3 EoSBs and have always been roasting, You'll want base layer and fleece as you say, but you might well find yourself skiing in a base layer and jacket. some of the ladies have been known to ski in vest tops - we are certainly sunbathing at lunchtime. Bring good sunscreen.
In past years we have gone out without jackets in the evenings as it can be very warm, but equally it can be cold. keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordngly!
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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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blert596, Where are you based. It would help to give you guidance on boot fitting.
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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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blert596, re bootfitting. At this time in the season, there may be a temptation to buy from whatever stock is left rather than the correct boot for you. A good bootfitter will be able to look at your foot and know which manufacturers build boots for feet of your shape.
When buying boots for Mrs Paellahead towards the end of the season, I have had two (reputable) bootfitters say "Sorry, I have nothing left which would be suitable" - you want to be confident that EB or whoever would do the same.
A lot of  s travel to Bicester to see CEM for their bootfitting.
http://www.solutions4feet.co.uk/
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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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blert596, I don't know of any boot fitters near you, but if you fancy a day out I can recommend Graham at Rivington Alpine.
http://www.rivingtonalpine.co.uk/
It's a bit nearer than Bicester. He always carries a large stock of boots and he will only sell you a boot that suits your feet.
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In case you don't get sorted in the UK, according to my son who is out for the season there is an excellent bootfitter in Les Menuires that he and a few colleagues have used. If you're interested I'll get his details for you.
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+1 for Graham@Rivington Alpine. The OH intended spending Sunday as follows:
- 45 minutes drive to Adlington
- 15 minutes choosing and buying new ski boots
- 45 minutes drive home
- 30 minute jog
- 30 minutes to shower and get changed
- 15 minute drive to country pub
- 60 minutes in pub having meal and beers
- 15 minutes drive home
- Watch TV
How Sunday actually worked out:
- 45 minute drive to Adlington
- 210 minutes of ski boot fitting
- 45 minute drive home
- 45 minutes of watching TV wearing ski boots as directed by Graham to help bed them in.
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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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FAQ
), what you said is exactly what I'm trying to avoid really. Not knowing too much (if anything) about what to even look for in boots gets me slightly worried that I'm the perfect target for a sale.
) but for boots I think I'll mostly have to rely on one persons call.
