Going skiing one time - Should I rent gear?

[zixxer]

I'm going on a ski trip for 2 days in the middle of December. I realized that I don't have a ski coat or anything.. What's the best way to deal with getting gear? Buy cheap? Do most lodges rent a coat and pants? What about a ski mask?


(I'm a snow n00b..)

Thanks!

Edit:

Ok - I ride motorcycles, and I have plenty of waterproof gear that I wear down to about 20F while riding @ 70mph.. Would I stand out it I took the armor out of grey textile jacket and black textile pants and wore that?

 

[Leros]

I'm curious about this too. My dad wants to take me skiing for a few days during the Christmas break, but the warmest clothes I own are jeans and a sweatshirt. I'd much rather not have to buy clothes.

 

[drum]

I don't think i've ever been anywhere that lent out coats and ski pants. I've never inquired though either.
getting skis and stuff is no problem though

 

[Rufus12]

Go buy skiing gear from goodwill stores.

 

[Ika]

I got skiing pants for $20 at Dick's. My jacket was a ZeroXposure snowboarding jacket I got from Kohls on sale at $40, which I use as a regular winter jacket. It's very comfortable, and works well for snowboarding too.

 

[Tsaico]

The jacket you could get away with a water/wind resistant shell and some warm udnergarments, like a sweater. The main thing is that you do not get wet. I would suggest buying pants (i personally like the bibs, but most people think they are "uncool" as they look like overalls, they keep the snow out of your pants when you eat it), you can find them for usually $50 ish, and that won't be bad for the first time. I also highly recommend getting gloves too. Those can be had for $20, but I found the better pricing vs what you get is about $30-40.

If you are doing the lessons, then you will fall less, but if you go it on your own, then you will be absolutely miserable in cotton, like jeans and an absorbent coat. Keeping the water off your body and the wind out is your best bet. If you want, wool is good because even if it gets wet, you still stay warm, but is pricey for a first timer that may never use it again.

edit: oh, if you are expecting high winds or really low temps(So Cali here, so it is possible to ski in just wind-resistant stuff, just t-shirt shorts under) then I would get ear muff and a ski mask. The mask is only really that good if it is currently snowing while you are skiing, or if you have wind sensitive eyes. Ear muffs are cool too if the temps are low as they begin to burn when subjected to the wind and cold. If it is just cool enough to keep the snow as snow, then I wouldn't worry about either.

 

[AreaCode7O7]

Originally posted by: Tsaico
The jacket you could get away with a water/wind resistant shell and some warm udnergarments, like a sweater. The main thing is that you do not get wet. I would suggest buying pants (i personally like the bibs, but most people think they are "uncool" as they look like overalls, they keep the snow out of your pants when you eat it), you can find them for usually $50 ish, and that won't be bad for the first time. I also highly recommend getting gloves too. Those can be had for $20, but I found the better pricing vs what you get is about $30-40.

If you are doing the lessons, then you will fall less, but if you go it on your own, then you will be absolutely miserable in cotton, like jeans and an absorbent coat. Keeping the water off your body and the wind out is your best bet. If you want, wool is good because even if it gets wet, you still stay warm, but is pricey for a first timer that may never use it again.

edit: oh, if you are expecting high winds or really low temps(So Cali here, so it is possible to ski in just wind-resistant stuff, just t-shirt shorts under) then I would get ear muff and a ski mask. The mask is only really that good if it is currently snowing while you are skiing, or if you have wind sensitive eyes. Ear muffs are cool too if the temps are low as they begin to burn when subjected to the wind and cold. If it is just cool enough to keep the snow as snow, then I wouldn't worry about either.

Good post. Also, buy and wear sunscreen.

 

[murphy55d]

I went once last year, just borrowed one of my buddies ski pants and stuff. no sense spending money if youre only going once... ski stuff is expensive.

 

[spidey07]

Most places will rent full bibs or pants, just call the place your going to check. You just need a jacket and hat. It all depends on the temperature of course. I wouldn't buy gear unless you're going to go skiing often. Good stuff is very expensive, but very worth it - real light and warm at the same time.

 

[wedi42]

some resorts or ski shops do rent clothes.
they should have such info on their website

one thing you need is warm socks! DO NOT wear cotton socks
wear one nice pair of ski or hiking socks.

 

[Fritzo]

Rent. That stuff is $$$$ and you may never use it again.

 

[zixxer]

Ok - I ride motorcycles, and I have plenty of waterproof gear that I wear down to about 20F while riding @ 70mph.. Would I stand out it I took the armor out of grey textile jacket and black textile pants and wore that?

 

[The_Dude8]

rent some ski goggle or wear a pair of sunglass to protect your eyes from the white snow.

 

[DrPizza]

ooops, wrong thread.

 

[SSSnail]

Your waterproof motorcycle stuffs should be alright, you can even leave the plates in if you're feeling adventurous on your first trip and decide to take on, say a black diamond run. As others have said, it's important to wear nice socks, and keep your clothing loose because you will sweat. It's most important to keep your clothes dry, goggle is definitely a must (if you're brave, just wear your motorcycle helmet ). I think you may find some rental places that do rent the outer protective clothing, but that's depends on where you go, but buy something cheap and waterproof is probably better (if you're not using your motorcycle riding gears, which to me is perfectly fine). Other than that just have fun, and though it's tempting, don't ever cross your skis.