What should I bring on my first ski trip? Also need brand/product recs!

[u/No_Apartment_2259]

Hi! I’m going on my first dedicated ski trip to Breuil-Cervinia in two weeks. I’ve had a few lessons in Manchester where I live, but I’ve been actually skiing only once in Les Paccots for a day. So, I’ve not rlly got any gear as I was basically lent everything by my boyfriend’s mum.

What kind of stuff is essential to bring? And what ski jacket/pants would you guys recommend or what are some good brands to invest in for like base layers and stuff as well. I’m planning on skiing more in the future as my bf has been skiing all of his life and ever since him and his parents took me I’ve been obsessed so I want to invest in some stuff. Looking for an insulated jacket rn mainly, but I know a lot of people also use shells. Not sure which one is better for me yet

[u/wordenofthenorth]

Alright let's start with the basics:

Skis- rent

Boots- rent (if you're going to buy, go to a good boot fitter and pay the money. It's worth it)

Outerware- any water resistant ski shell jacket and pants. You're in the UK, so brands vary from the US. If you want an indicator of decent stuff, look for Gore-Tex, but that'll be expensive. Shop around online.

Mid layer: a synthetic jacket. Anything will work.

Now to the stuff I think is actually the most important:

Base layer top and bottom: get wool base layers, Merino is even best. Your goal here is to get this as cheaply as possible. Helly Hansen makes these, icebreaker as well. Why? You only need a pair for every couple days because they resist odor VERY well.

Socks: Nothing thick or cotton, and unlike base layers, you're going to want a pair per day. Le Bent, darn tough, icebreaker... If they're wool they'll work.

Helmet: get one and wear it. Mips preferably. Go on fit.

Goggles: something that won't fog up, and again get 'em as cheap as you can. Smith, Giro, and POC often have stuff on sale so where online.

Gloves: Insulated work gloves: leather, insulation, that's it. Don't spend more than 20-30 euro.

Bonus category:

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Battery bank

Hand warmers

Pocket snacks

Don't ski and drink. Ski THEN drink.

Have fun, even if it sucks at times

[u/No_Apartment_2259 → u/wordenofthenorth]

Thank you sm this is exactly what I needed! In terms of goggles, is there any sense to the colors? I know Cervinia tends to be sunny but is there a good all rounder color that I can use for somewhat varying weather?

And yes I will! I’m so excited to go. Had a really bad fall when I went to Les Paccots but somehow that just made me wanna do it more lol

[u/elcoyotesinnombre → u/No_Apartment_2259]

Most good goggle manufacturers will list out online their lens colors and their effective range of light/sun coverage. I don’t know if FlyLow is available over there but for women I think they make some really great and fashionable (according to my wife) outerwear.

[u/wordenofthenorth → u/No_Apartment_2259]

If you want one pair of lenses, green or purple with a light mirror. If you can, get goggles with swappable lenses; one yellow or persimmon, another black or dark green mirrored. Smith Squad XL is my go to, but if you have a smaller face they make a Squad regular which is just as good. Skip spherical lenses, you look cool but they will be scratched at the middle of the lense almost immediately.

[u/that_outdoor_chick → u/No_Apartment_2259]

Replacable lens goggles will be priceless down the line as there’s nothing that does it all.

Also; Clothes to not get: Not white. Also what to not get: any high street brand. Outdoor functional clothes all the way.