If this is your first season, it’s hard to know what to pack and what equipment you may need, so here are our SkiConnection Tips on what to take when it comes to clothing and equipment.
When and Where to Shop
I’d definitely recommend going shopping before you go as resorts can be very expensive. That said, if you forget anything while you are out there make sure you ask if they do a discount for ski workers, you’ll find that places like Fat Face and White Stuff will often give you a discount. The other time to shop is after Easter as the resorts offer some cracking sales. When it comes to where to shop remember that whilst warmth and comfort are essential, fashion does play its part. There are certain trendy ski brands that you’ll see all over the resort; The North Face has a reputation for quality and style, while White Stuff ski wear is similar but a little cheaper. If you are looking for a one stop shop, we’d recommend Snow & Rock.
Keeping Warm
Layering is the trick to staying warm, manmade fibres are best but I would still highly recommend going to Primark and stocking up on a few long sleeved T Shirts, they are cheap as chips and are great for layering. You’ll also need to take some fleeces, Fat Face & White Stuff do good ones. If you have a birthday coming up ask for cashmere jumpers, extravagant I know but they are the height of luxury in a ski resort. Thermal T Shirts also work a treat and should be on everybody’s packing list. When it comes to socks layering applies here too, invest in high quality socks, you’ll thank me for it later.
Jackets
Most Tour Operators will give you a uniform that includes a Ski Jacket, some of them are awful (my first was blue and fluorescent pink) others go to funky brands like White Stuff and give you jackets that you won’t mind wearing round the resort and that you’ll keep once the season has finished. No matter how much you like it, having spent most of the week being a walking billboard for the tour operator you work for, on your day off it’s nice to be anonymous and you’ll rarely find ski workers in a uniform when they aren’t on duty.
Ski Pants or Trousers
It’s not a given that you get ski pants as part of your uniform, more often than not you’ll have to buy some (usually a specific or dark colour). You wear these every day so it is worth going for quality, there is nothing worse than being cold all day long. Anything that is waterproof, breathable and has taped seems will tick the right boxes. Girls pack leggings as they work a treat under ski trousers, boys, thermals may not be sexy but they are warm.
Protecting your Eyes
Protecting your Eyes
This is probably the most essential item that you will pack, I would seriously recommend that you take sunglasses and goggles. Don’t skimp here because you’ll need them, there will be days when it is lovely enough just to wear a pair of sunglasses, but they are rendered useless in fog and snow. When it comes to sunglasses ensure that they are 100% UVA and UVB protective, that pair you got for a fiver at the market seriously won’t do. Without high quality protection you can easily damage your eyes. The same can be said for goggles, there is nothing worse than a cheap pair that cloud up the second you put them on or have condensation running down the inside. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Oakley’s, the SkiConnection brand of choice.
Equipment
Most tour operators will provide you with rental equipment, this is great when it comes to Ski’s as you can chop and change equipment throughout the season and best of all you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. It’s worth making friends with the rental boys as they decide which pair you get. Its often worth changing them once the season is underway as they often have more time and may have more in stock. It’s also worth noting rental places do great sales towards the end of the season, so if you fall in love with your ski’s you can take them home for next to nothing. Boots are also often included, but I have to confess to taking my own. Investing in foam fitted boots will save your feet and are a league apart from renting a pair. I bought mine 6 years ago and I still use them now. Snowboard boots don’t have nearly as many problems so provided you go for a decent brand and ensure your binding fittings are compatible you should be on your way.
Useful Links when buying online
Here are some suggestions on where shop online.
Fat Face
Another trendy ski brand that offers casual ski wear, popular for fleeces
www.fatface.com
Snow & Rock
One stop ski shop, great for equipment and clothing
www.snowandrock.com
Simply Piste
Online Ski Wear & Accessory Store Shop Now and Save!
www.simplypiste.com