First Ski trip

cold1

cold1

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We just booked our first ever ski trip. It's in winter place WV.

We have a few questions about clothing. We are country folk and have plenty of carhart, is that acceptable on the slopes?

Its a family trip with the wife and 2 teenage boys. The boys want to do snow boarding and I have already booked us lessons at the resort.

What am I in for?
 
Winterplace isn’t a bad spot at all. You’ll see people skiing in all kinds of stuff. Jeans, shorts, sweatpants…and all kinds of ski stuff.

I can tell you that you’d really appreciate a set of ski bibs. They’re not too expensive, and will last quite awhile. Being your first trip, you’ll likely be on the ground a bit. Wearing wet jeans/carhartt stuff could suck all day.
 
Winterplace is one of my favorite spots. As Waylon said, bibs help you stay dry, which keeps you from getting cold.
But, don't worry about style, just have fun! And take lots of pics and video of the kids!
Stretch as much as possible in days before trip, bring tylenol/advil for sore muscles.
You're gonna feel muscles you never felt before!
 
Proper socks, with several extra pair, will also make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a miserable time.

And one of the main reasons I recommend bibs, whether ski or carhartt, is to keep the snow out of your waistband when you inevitably hit the ground. Especially the snowboarders.
 
I loved going to that spot when I was in HS and snowboarded
As far as clothing - find some cheap bib overalls and at least a rain jacket on the outside (of many other layers! ha)
I couldnt imagine skiing or snowboarding in heavy canvas or jeans etc - you'll fall (we all do) and then they'll get wet and STAY wet. Sounds terrible and you'll not enjoy your first time due to it.

Maybe post up what sizes you'd need/wear and maybe someone here has something to loan
 
We hit Sugar Mtn at least twice every winter (we really like Banner Elk)...the first time I went I wore some older mossy oak insulated coveralls...my wife had a matching Columbia ski jacket, bibs, hat, gloves, all color coordinated, and I was her slope bubba. I wasn't the only one, there were all types of camo all over the slopes, was great. After the third trip though she bought me some nice stuff, bibs, jacket, etc...if you keep going its worth to buy, and just store in a tub...my NF ski jacket is now almost 10 years old and still looks new since it is only worn about 5-6 days a year.

My best advice..if you can, go during the week and stay away from the holidays. 2nd...ski at night under the lights!
 
It's been years, but I used to be half decent at skiing, never tried the boards but all of our offspring love the boards.
I'll also say "get some bibs"...it'll be worth it. As for what's acceptable on the slopes....my IDGAS is gonna kick in and say that if they have ski bibs in
camo....grab them!
 
Cheap nylon with spun poly insulation bibs. By a color you would wear outside any cold day. I have black. Easy to find the body in snow when you go over a mountain side.

I suggest a cheap bike helmet for the kids first time. Bike helmet, snow helmet- all the same. Borrow one because southeast coast man made snow is hard as pavement.

Gloves- this is where I don’t get cheap. Goretex or similar material to repel moisture. Sized not to be even close to form fitting. Air is the best insulation. Don’t jam fingers into gloves.

Enjoy the trip. I’ve only been to Winterplace once. Good beginner resort. Next up Appalachian Ski then progress from there.
 
I haven't skied since I left NM, but did a lot before that.

You're going to spend a considerable amount of time on/in the snow . Get your jeans/carhartt Scotchguarded, and wear long underwear underneath it. I'm pretty sure cleaners will still do this.

I'd suggest mittens, not gloves.

Skiing is a lot of fun... I miss it a lot. And you WILL discover leg muscles :)
 
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I’d bet there are rental stores around the slope you could rent bibs and helmets.
 
Bibs yes. Cut your toenails!

I went skiing once and the weather was bitter cold. My toes started to hurt and I thought it was frostbite. I kept skiing, figuring the best option was to keep my feet warm.

The next morning both big toes had nothing but black and blue under the nails. I had been skiing pretty aggressively and jamming my untrimmed toenails inside the ski boots all day long.

The toenails eventually fell out. It took five months for them to grow back in.
 
Thanks all.

We are going after Christmas while the kids are still out of school. We haven't told the kids as we want it to be a surprise.

We are renting the equipment and we have helmets rented too.

The wife just hit Amazon for snow bibs and I'm going to hit it for wool long John's and socks.

We have wanted to try something wintery. 2019 we had a tubing trip planned to the NC mountains a few days after Christmas. The youngest decided to be speed racer on his bicycle, wiped out and broke his leg 3 days before Christmas. We had to cancel that trip.
 
Me and my wife went earlier in the year. I wore long johns, pants and my fishing bibs, and my Milwaukee heated coat. Also my heated gloves. Stayed really warm. I do just getting everyone a pair of good UV goggles. If you wear glasses they make some that fit over them.

Also, I’d suggest renting you skis at a local shop before you go. This place is great if you are close to Winston. If not they’re may be somewhere close to you. You’ll save time at the slopes by taking them instead of renting them there. And I’ve found it’s cheaper. They rent everything, helmets, goggles, boots, poles, etc.

First Flakes Ski & Snowboard
(336) 760-3317
goo.gl

First Flakes Ski & Snowboard · 409 Harvey St, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

★★★★★ · Sporting goods store
goo.gl goo.gl
 
Looks like you'll be overdressed............

iu
 
Regarding Winterplace, I can tell you’d I’d rather drive there 100 times than drive to Sugar, Beech or Appalachian once. Just can’t stand NC skiing anymore…most of the times it’s just too much ice.
 
They need to make butt guards for new skiers.

Waterproof pants/bibs and a tempurpedic pillow stuck down the back!
 
Skiing is a lot of fun!

Ski bib recommendation is a must as others have said. Good gloves makes a huge difference too. You don't have to go all out with Hestra or Canada Goose, but there's some solid choices in the $30-50 range. Kombi makes nice gloves, plus you can use them at home when we get snow.

Thorlo makes great ski socks. No fun skiing with cold feet and having your socks ride down during the day.

Fitness level is very important as well.
Make sure you limber up those hip flexor muscles, legs, and your core. Rear shoulder muscles.

Master the snowplow technique and don't forget the chap stick.
 
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49erRider said:
I snowboard at least 10 times a year. What I can tell you is that although it looks fun its a steep learning curve. Plan to spend the majority of the first day and some of the second day on the ground.
Click to expand...

Already planned on it. Just hope I don't break anything.
 
Cold - where are you and what size are you?
Got some Burton gear sitting in the closet
 
I'm in Chatham county down near Sanford. I'm a large.

I ordered a couple of pairs of these socks for each of us.


Irish Socks, Irish Cottage socks, Wool socks, hiking socks | Aran Sweater Market

Warm and cosy Aran wool socks direct from the Aran Sweater Market located on the Aran Islands, West of Ireland. Ideal for hiking or mountain walking. Buy your pair of Irish wool socks today to avail of fast shipping.
www.aran.com www.aran.com
 
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cold1 said:
Truthfully or wishfully 🤣

Truthful, 36x32
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Unfortunately, I cant find pants now. Shame. I think I loaned them to a cousin at some point..
But I do have a Burton jacket, bright as heck (yellow and gray), used on a bunch of my trips
 
Make sure to check your health insurance payment before you go.
 
Don't wear snow camo. If you go off the trail and get hurt, they might not find you until spring.
 
Howland said:
Don't wear snow camo. If you go off the trail and get hurt, they might not find you until spring.
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Along this note, I would suggest wearing something hunter orange. Also something that may be easier to identify the people you go with
 
cold1 said:
Thats interesting, the wife upped my life insurance and also bought me snow camo ski suit.
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If you're on the ski lift and she says "we're starting on the black diamond" don't get off at the top. Ride it back to the bottom.
 
Pineapple said:
If you're on the ski lift and she says "we're starting on the black diamond" don't get off at the top. Ride it back to the bottom.
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Aw shucks, she was just telling me that she googled it and black diamonds mean they are the easy bunny slopes.🥴
 
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cold1 said:
Truthfully or wishfully 🤣

Truthful, 36x32
Click to expand...

@cold1 If you haven’t picked up any pants up yet, I have a pair that are free of charge and should fit just about right. I liked them but have lost some weight and they were a bit too long for me. Don’t know where you’re at but I can stick just about anything in a USPS “anything ships” box. PM me.
 
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granola said:
@cold1 If you haven’t picked up any pants up yet, I have a pair that are free of charge and should fit just about right. I liked them but have lost some weight and they were a bit too long for me. Don’t know where you’re at but I can stick just about anything in a USPS “anything ships” box. PM me.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the offer, but the wife already jumped on Amazon and has outfitted the entire family with bibs and coats.
 
cold1 said:
I appreciate the offer, but the wife already jumped on Amazon and has outfitted the entire family with bibs and coats.
Click to expand...
Saw this ad today and remembered this thread.

Maybe y’all should buy matching ski suits like these. 😁

F09E8352-A2EC-4E42-8DC4-33923CE37609.jpeg


They also have these…😳

E107160E-630F-44B4-A495-9F0119E253FA.jpeg
 
The black one on the second pic looks like something you'd find in @Chdamn basement.

It was 70 degrees when we got up there. 5 of 30 something lines open.

I did learned that snowboarding and almost being 50yo doesn't mix well.

My two teenage boys had a blast. Me and the wife were done after the beginners snowboard class. We went to the lounge and sat there watching the kids for the next few hours.

We are looking forward to going again but next time I'm trying skiing.
 
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