Its going to be my first time to go skiing this coming December. I am clueless about this thing. I just find it cool looking those people on tv doing it. I really really want to try it!! I came from a tropical country, sooo..this is going to be my first snow adventure..
I wanted to buy a ski suit. My height is about 4'10. What size of the pants and top should I get? I wanted to buy a second hand one, online so I can save. Any other advise about this upcoming adventure? Thanks! God bless us all.
Actually, the ski school run every January by the International Ski Club of Zurich is in English. Note that signups will open on the 14th, and last year they filled all spots in a day or so. I went last year, and it was a pretty good experience.
BTW, it is in Flumserberg, which I think is one of the nicer places to go for day trips from Zurich, except that everybody else in Zurich seems to agree. So the slopes can be a bit crowded at times. Smaller ski areas nearby (should be fine to get started) include Hoch Ybrig and Amden.
Then you really need to go with someone who already skies and will be able to show you the basics. Preferably take some lessons. In the matter of fact, the first step would be always to go to beginners slopes and hire the equipment. Once you know what's the feeling you can take it to another level.
Anyway, there are plenty of info about winter sports, skiing instructors and resorts. If you engage in searching on the EF, it won't hurt. You can contact "ace1" who is a skiing instructor for details. Good luck.
Your idea to buy second-hand clothing is a good one (but see the next paragraph). Don't buy a "ski suit" (if by that you meant a one-piece), you'll look ridiculous, and they're impractical. Do buy a waterproof ski jacket and light waterproof ski pants/trousers. They don't have to be thick and heavy -- wearing layers for warmth is the key so you can easily adjust your temperature by peeling layers off or adding more as required.
You're 4'10"? Don't be offended, but if I were you, I'd buy new gear from the kids' department of H&M . Children's clothes there are very well priced and their ski gear is very good for the price.
I strongly urge you to rent boots, skis and poles. If you really think you're going to make a go of this, rent for the season from somewhere like Migros Sport XX -- good mid-range equipment at good prices.
Most importantly, please BUY (AND WEAR) A SKI HELMET! They are not expensive (starting around CHF 30), will last you several years with good care, and could save your head. All the models sold in Switzerland meet the safety standards so you don't need to shell out for a top-dollar model. And best of all, helmets keep your head warm.
Have fun! Good luck!
I wouldn't go to H&M but rather specialized ski clothes shop e.g. Intersports, Athleticum, Migros Sports xxx. Should have thought about cheaper prices end of last winter season with discounts.
Not sure about buying second hand wear though. The stuff I bought has lasted me over 5 years. Special thermal wear is practically indestructible unless of course you cut it on stones and etc. you just need to make this investment once and hopefully you will use it.
I would. Price.
That's why I'd buy second-hand.
Goggles also help to reduce glare from snow. Wearing sunglasses also not so safe. If you fall and these break into pieces with protruding parts they can cause facial injuries. Hence special profiled goggles that can easily be attached to the helmet. Besides in the situation when it's pissing cold and frosty then the normal glasses won't provide any warmth.
Thermal shell wear is more beneficial and keeps heat better than any sorts of layers that you uncomfortably sweat in (my experience with fleece). Comfort is priority for me when I spend hours skiing and need to adapt to the conditions based on altitude.
Most likely OP will be better off buying cheaper online brand new wear. Provided that knows what one needs. Probably she/he needs to try options in ski rental and get advice from staff.
You're probably not going to run into any trees on the kiddy slopes - but it's not a bad safety tool nonetheless, should your head it the ground in a forward facing direction.
...... and you won't get snow in your kaks, but will have to plan ahead when you need to take a leak.
definately some good advice and some "questionable" ones.
Firsty, You can rent everything including the clothes if you need to. I know some ski shops that have clothing to rent aswell. If you dont want to spend a lot of money up front and your not sure if you will like the sport or not then this might be the way to go. The other option is to go into a shop that sells ski pants and try them on for size. Then go look on ricardo or ebay for something cheep. I presume you have a big winter jacket? That will work just fine. You will have to buy some gloves and you can get them cheap. For starting out sunglasses will work great. Invest in goggles when the time comes.
Regarding equipment. Rent everything including a helmet. Beginners skis/boots and poles will cost you around 50sf per day to hire. Maybe even cheaper in the bigger cities.
Next is to take a lesson. If you do your home work you can find ski schools that offer english only group lessons or you can always take a couple of hours private instruction. Its exspensive but worth the investment.
starting out to ski can be real easy and hassel free if you get the right advice...
my two cents.
I'd like to start learning Skiing too. I've been told multiple times that taking off a week in the Austrian or Italian slopes would be much more cost effective. I've heard about St Anton, Montafon and some slopes near the Dolomites.
I'd like to go this winter, around late December or early January. If you know of good English ski schools, I'd like to sign up for a week long group course. I hope one can rent apartments in the region for a reasonable price. Would be nice to read some of your experiences.
Pick a resort, and call the hire shops, ask if they rent clothing and helmets as well as skis/boots/poles. This is more likely in the bigger resorts.
Definitely get a lesson or two. Group lessons are cheaper, but you'll learn quicker in a private lesson.
Don't forget the cost of the lift pass.
(ok, buy waterproof stuff, as sitting on your bum will drench you etc.)
all the walking, unstrapping, falling over and climbing back on will make you sweat a lot! so buying some H&M/Tchibo cheap stuff thats waterproof is ok and stock up once youll find skiing is your thing. but dont save on boots. the closer the gear gets to your body and is meant to protect and perform, buy appropriate gear and therfore go in a shop and get advice. also for 3 days you can rent boots, get advise for free and buy similar shoes cheap on the internet.
jm2c