Skiing newbie - what kit should I get?

Posted Wed, 01/11/2012 - 09:08

The title says it all.  I've just moved to the UK and want to try and get into some skiing this winter.  I can probably only buy one big bit of kit at first so should it be skis, boots, or a good jacket and salopettes?  Hoping to head to Scoltand at the end of Jan for a week.  Which resort is most beginner friendly, good ski school, nice runs but also has other stuff to do if the snow isn't any good.  Sorry for all the questions

Re: Skiing newbie - what kit should I get?

Posted Wed, 01/11/2012 - 10:23

Hi Jenny... My advice would be get new ski boots but get some cheap second hand skis and clothes.  Make sure you buy modern carving skis though as there are some old fashioned straight skis still on the 2nd hand market that will make learning a total nightmare!  Lots of ski clubs have an annual sale where you can grab cheap 2nd hand kit.  Having your own properly fitted new boots makes a massive difference to comfort though.  The answer to which Scottish resort I imagine is 'wheres the best snow at the time you go'....

Re: Skiing newbie - what kit should I get?

Posted Wed, 01/11/2012 - 11:35

Hi Jenny, as Jim said, confortable ski boots are a must! Painful ones can ruin the day/week and put you off for good. Find a good ski shop and they should be able to measure your foot and offer a number of different options, try them all and tell them if none feel confortable! Don't settle!

When buying skis make sure you speak to the seller and explain the situation to make sure you get a pair of skis best suited for beginners.

TK Max sells relativly cheap ski suits that are perfectly good, try there!

Let us know how it goes! :)

Re: Skiing newbie - what kit should I get?

Posted Wed, 01/11/2012 - 15:30

Cheers guys.  I really shouldn't be checking this forum during work but, well, I reckon this is more important .  Sounds like boots it is.  Any good ski shop recommendations in the north of England........?