Going to Tahoe for the first time Saturday

[beer]

I have no clue whether i'll like skiing or snowboarding more. I went and looked at apparel last night - jacket, pants, thermals, goggles and helmet.

Snowboarding stuff is cut looser. But I think I'll start off skiing first. So do I buy ski gear or snowboard gear or does it just not really matter, aside from the fashion aspects of it?

If I don't like skiing, is it easier to board in ski stuff or ski in board stuff?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Just send me your money and I'll tell you what a great time you had.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Snowboard = harder => /wrists for me
Skiing = far easier

Currently, I snowboard but that's because I struggled at it so much that I finally got better. What gear do you need? Everything is interchangeable. You don't get different pants because you're skiing, although I do notice snowboarding brands make baggier clothing. You'll be fine with either type. Helmet? If it's your first time you won't be going fast enough.

BTW, which resort? I'm a "maybe" for Northstar this weekend with my friend. Last week at Sierra was not thrilling enough for me since I spent a good 3 hours working with my girlfriend on green slopes.

Edit: Check out Sierra Snowboard if you can. Hell go inside if you want. They're having an amazing sale this week.

Also if you don't want to invest in crazy gear go like I did for the first two years. Cheap waterproof pants. I wore jeans underneath. My girlfriend finally bought me a legit pair of snow pants this season which are better, but I wouldn't say it's not fully necessary if you don't want to dump $100+ for each item.

 

[zinfamous]

good snow pants. I only ski, but I use snowboarding pants. easy fit, more comfortable. Get a nice outer shell with an inner snow skirt (keeps the snow from riding up and under shirt--essential as you will be eating ground several times if it is your first time.)

 

[zinfamous]

layers are important. I usually just wear a silk-type thermal, wind-proof fleece, then waterproof outer shell--especially those designed for snow sports (can take tree branches and tumbles). You will be surprised how hot it gets. You want to be lightweight, warm, and comfortable all at the same time.

only ONE layer of socks. simple thermal socks will do, but not too thick. Important to have solid, tight fit with your boots. Poorly-fit boots can make for a horrible outing. Can't emphasize this enough. I like mittens as opposed to gloves, because they keep my hands warmer. You only need big flippers anyway to hold on to a ski pole. Thick, waterproof and insulated gloves are essential.

Polarized goggles. surprising how much warmth Goggles will add.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

BTW you're going to Tahoe and it's snowing this weekend so it shouldnt' be TOO warm. I don't know how bad the storm will be, but if it gets windy, get a facemask. The last time I went in a snowstorm the snow felt like bullets, especially at the top of the mountain. I wanted to give up. I restricted myself to greens and blues that time cuz it was just SO BAD. I got windburned so badly I turned pink. (a lot of people did too)

It was 50s last week and I was sweating. Even on a normal Tahoe day of mid 40s or upper 30s, it gets warm as you move around. T-shirt, track jacket, and outer shell for me. Face mask is absolutely useless. Even the time when it was 11 deg in the morning I used it for 2 runs and then I started sweating. Then again I don't tolerate heat very well. I say a good beanie/helmet will keep you quite warm.

gloves vs. mittens: I find mittens absolutely useless. Sure you keep your hands together, but does it get that cold in Tahoe? I don't think so. I'd rather have the flexibilty of being able to adjust my bindings and foot a bit without having to deglove. With that, said, you can look into some 3-in-1 gloves where you have an inner liner that can keep you quite warm already.

Bottom line is you just want to be waterproof. Nothing sucks more than being wet and cold.

Have fun!

 

[isekii]

Get helmet + wrist guards if you're boarding.

Don't go overboard on the layering.... as you start riding, you'll body will heat up fast..

 

[D1gger]

Ass-less Chaps?

 

[mxyzptlk]

if you go snowboarding you will fall a lot. It probably wont even be fun for the first like two or three days you go out.

 

[Kelvrick]

Layers and waterproof.

I don't like using traditional thermals, but the underarmor/silk stuff that'll wick moisture well. I have a general pair of snowboard pants that I'll use whether skiing or general playing in the snow. Just baggy enough for a pair of jeans underneath if I want to.

Same base layer for my upper body with a t shirt or something casual and a fleece liner/jacket. Depending on the weather, I'll wear my snowboarding/snow jacket that came with the fleece liner/jacket or a soft shell jacket.

Yes, it does get hot with all the physical exertion. After a few runs, or maybe the first run, you'll have that outside jacket unzipped.

Get nice fitting gloves, floppy material or too tight sucks and I hate having to take them off. I usually just wear these for casual trips:

http://www.hatch-corp.com/detail.aspx?pid=EWS530

If it gets too cold, I'll put on a pair of dedicated snow gloves.

I like having a beanie or headband to protect my ears. A hood is nice if you want to keep stuff from going down your neck.

Oh, if you're not used to the cold, get some handwarmers. No need to spend a bunch of money on an electric or fuel one, just one of these.

http://www.warmers.com/Categor...pval=1&pIds=CategoryID

Shove one in your pocket or something so you can warm your hands when you don't have gloves on. Can usually find these or other brands in any sporting goods store.

There might be snow this weekend. Don't forget to bring your chains. I'm going up to Reno for saturday/sunday.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: beer
I have no clue whether i'll like skiing or snowboarding more. I went and looked at apparel last night - jacket, pants, thermals, goggles and helmet.

Snowboarding stuff is cut looser. But I think I'll start off skiing first. So do I buy ski gear or snowboard gear or does it just not really matter, aside from the fashion aspects of it?

If I don't like skiing, is it easier to board in ski stuff or ski in board stuff?

Just learn how to snowboard...forget about skiing. I've done both for most of my life and my ski's haven't made it out of the closet for years. A buddy of mine Telemarks....I could see myself getting into that if I start going on more week long trips...but snowboarding is a lot more fun. And for the record...a lot of people where snowboarding gear even though they are skiing here in the states. If you head to Europe...well that is a whole other story.

 

[PricklyPete]

Oh yeah...were around Tahoe are you going? Heavenly? I was there a few weeks ago and it was fun...although I wish I had made it for their holiday snow dump that occurred.

 

[Pepsei]

ok... you're going to tahoe... i love that place... and of course, due to how dry that place is, you won't feel cold as opposed to say skiing in the east coast. i've ski heavenly in jeans before. just drink lots of water and have fun. i've only been to sierra at tahoe and heavenly, i like the slopes at sierra more but it's a longer drive from lake tahoe, where heavenly is right there.

 

[The_Dude8]

if you have a REI B&M near by, check out their winter clearance sale like this northface jacket:

http://www.rei.com/product/770...-10547273&AID=10547273

or this one:
http://www.rei.com/product/754...-10547273&AID=10547273

or this:
http://www.rei.com/product/752...ID=361116&AID=10378507

or this burton jacket:
http://www.rei.com/product/771...-10456937&AID=10456937

burton snow bag:
http://www.rei.com/product/775...-10456937&AID=10456937

REI winter clearance sale:

http://www.rei.com/category/40...ard+Sale+and+Clearance

 

[PCTC2]

Go skiing. Lots of people can pick it up in half a day. Not so much with snowboarding. Usually a day or two or three for snowboarding.

Get a base layer (thermal pants and underarmor-like shirt).
Get a warm mid-layer shirt/sweater. Thin, but warm is a must.
Get a warm waterproof jacket, with a detachable hood.
Get snowboarding or ski pants.
Get a helmet. Three concussions later, I am glad I have one now.
Get gloves that pull over your jacket and tighten and have loops so if you take them off, they stay on your wrists.
And get WARM SOCKS. Burton socks are pretty awesome.

 

[JS80]

Get snowboard gear, but go skiing. Skiing is much more fun and you have more control.

And socks are key.

 

[CanOWorms]

Generally, skiing is easier to learn but harder to master. Snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms
Generally, skiing is easier to learn but harder to master. Snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master.

You're also not screwed when on level ground. I hate doing the skateboarding move with the snowboard.

 

[AkumaX]

haha im going to Heavenly

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: PCTC2
Go skiing. Lots of people can pick it up in half a day. Not so much with snowboarding. Usually a day or two or three for snowboarding.

Get a base layer (thermal pants and underarmor-like shirt).
Get a warm mid-layer shirt/sweater. Thin, but warm is a must.
Get a warm waterproof jacket, with a detachable hood.
Get snowboarding or ski pants.
Get a helmet. Three concussions later, I am glad I have one now.
Get gloves that pull over your jacket and tighten and have loops so if you take them off, they stay on your wrists.
And get WARM SOCKS. Burton socks are pretty awesome.

Pretty good advice. The whole experiece is MUCH better if you have decent gear. You can probably rent ski bibs or boarding pants. I love my boarding socks.

OP you can get by with decent long underwear as a base and pants/bib, then a fleece top and a GOOD ski jacket depending on temperature. Your goal is to stay dry and keep the wind from cutting you to pieces - this is where good gear comes into play, light, warm, wind and water proof.

 

[0roo0roo]

dont be like this

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dont be like this

They're waiting for the pipe or park you dummy.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: beer
I have no clue whether i'll like skiing or snowboarding more. I went and looked at apparel last night - jacket, pants, thermals, goggles and helmet.

Snowboarding stuff is cut looser. But I think I'll start off skiing first. So do I buy ski gear or snowboard gear or does it just not really matter, aside from the fashion aspects of it?

If I don't like skiing, is it easier to board in ski stuff or ski in board stuff?

You can rent a helmet. I suggest doing that.

The gear doesn't matter for the activity. Since you'll be falling all over, get a waterproof shell and a fleece that goes under it. There are also kinds where the fleece zips or snaps in, those are good too, but not necessary. It's best to have it this way rather than a heavy, waterproof jacket, because you get hot doing this stuff and might want to shed the fleece and just have the shell to keep you dry.

Get decent gloves. Something with a goretex tag on it will keep your hands warm and dry. Make sure the glove goes partially up your forearm and has elastic cinches on it.

Ski/snowboard pants usually have an elastic waist with some adjustment so that it can stay on with or without a belt. Make sure you get a belt if the pants don't have that.

I personally like Eastern Mountain Sports. They're online, but also have a retail location near me. Their stuff is great for the money, especially their jackets.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: DLeRium
Snowboard = harder => /wrists for me
Skiing = far easier

Currently, I snowboard but that's because I struggled at it so much that I finally got better. What gear do you need? Everything is interchangeable. You don't get different pants because you're skiing, although I do notice snowboarding brands make baggier clothing. You'll be fine with either type. Helmet? If it's your first time you won't be going fast enough.

BTW, which resort? I'm a "maybe" for Northstar this weekend with my friend. Last week at Sierra was not thrilling enough for me since I spent a good 3 hours working with my girlfriend on green slopes.

Edit: Check out Sierra Snowboard if you can. Hell go inside if you want. They're having an amazing sale this week.

Also if you don't want to invest in crazy gear go like I did for the first two years. Cheap waterproof pants. I wore jeans underneath. My girlfriend finally bought me a legit pair of snow pants this season which are better, but I wouldn't say it's not fully necessary if you don't want to dump $100+ for each item.

Will your girlfriend take a lesson? It is well worth it man. Get her into a half day lesson, then go up and thrash yourself on the hard stuff. You'll be happy to come down and cruise out the afternoon if you ski hard enough in the morning

 

[AkumaX]

well that absolutely sucked, left SNA to SFO, but SFO wouldn't let anyone come in for 2 hrs last night - missed connecting flight and had to take the next flight out this morning from SFO to Reno. blaaaaaaaarrrghhhhhhh