S2 is going skiing next week. We are southerners with little warm weather gear. Got him a ski jacket and overalls. I’m concerned that the temps will be near/below zero. He has long underwear. Any tips for socks, gloves, layering… Anything that won’t cost a fortune?
I can’t imagine having fun in that cold, but the boys are very excited :-). Thanks!
Tj maxx here has some great deals on cold weather gear. Buy warm ski socks wool is best that I have. I have smart wool but any thick wool blend socks should be good. Nice warm hat and ski gloves. Sierra trading post is also a good place to find deals.
Buy hand and foot warmers. I found some at the target dollar spot. Here they have them at rite aid at the counter for a dollar. They really do help.
Being warm helps the experience of skiing.
Merino wool socks and a warm hat. DH has a Mountain Hardware hat that’s really warm.
Remembering something else. A neck warmer that he can pull up over his mouth. The more skin he can cover, the better.
Does he have a helmet? And goggles? Pretty important too. I wonder if a helmet can be rented. I’m not sure. They recommend helmets now.
Now I see one reason why we XC ski now instead of downhill. Less equipment lol!
is he renting skis? He should rent a helmet. We grew up skiing without them, but no one in our family ever skis without one now. Don’t really need a hat if you have a helmet, too. He also needs some kind of eye protection – he can try with just good sunglasses, but goggles are better.
I’ll second the TJMaxx/Marshall’s suggestion. Many name brands at good prices.
Or go to any local thrift/Goodwill stores. My kids always check them out when looking for stuff. Son got an incredible leather coat for 7$ that he used as part of a game of thrones costume.
Yes, thrift shops can have great warm gear at low prices. Sometimes online you can get nice deals or at clearance from outdoor apparel stores like REI, LLBean. I like Icebreakers, which are a dense washable wool. They keep you snugly warm but don’t add a lot of bulk and weight.
Layers are good because you actually can get quite warm skiing. I agree with the neck warmer. I like them better than scarfs; much safer.
It’s all about a windproof shell and liners underneath. The more sweat, the more the bottom layer next to the skin should be the stuff that wicks away moisture. Above that, I go with “whatever”: fleece, the modern alternatives, etc. I’d normally say any discount store - TJ Maxx, etc. - but I have no idea what you have in your stores.
Thanks! We have borrowed goggles and the rentals include helmets. Going to academy to look for some weatherproof boots/shoes for when not skiing. Should he double-up on socks? This could affect the shoe size.
Ski pants…he needs these, in my opinion. He can layer jackets and fleece, and the like…but layering pants just doesn’t work well for skiers.
I assume the overalls mentioned in first post are ski overalls (warm,water resistant)
Many ski boots are pretty insulated and you just need a thin sock.
I usually only wear one layer of socks. He may want to get some outlast insoles however, if he will be participating in more winter activities.
I agree you can get very warm skiing, especially Nordic.
Neck warmers are a must, a fleece windblocking vest can make your down jacket more practical.
Costco has wool hiking socks which can double for ski socks.
A small backpack or fanny pack is helpful to stuff your jacket/lunch into.
I think I saw the Costco socks people were raving about on another thread. They weren’t very thick, but they were wool. Will look for a neck warmer today. Thanks!
Luckily we have under armor shirts/leggings from winter soccer.
I suggest you send a blow dryer, and good ski/weatherproof gloves are one of the most important things to get. Blow dryer for drying things out, including the ski boots that often don’t dry overnight. It’s actually better not to double up on socks, from what I hear.
Thin layer of non cotton sock, followed by wool. Never wear cotton on the skin…it doesn’t wick the moisture away.
Well, if they’re staying in a hotel, there should be a blow dryer there.
Yes, you want the boots to fit snugly so that your foot won’t slide around. With the right socks, you shouldn’t need two pair for warmth. Make sure he is shown just how tight to close them-too tight and the feet can lose some circulation or at least be very uncomfortable. My skiing kids love those neck things. I haven’t skied with a helmet as I haven’t skied in 30 years but would they be closely fitted, like the boots? If so a hat might throw off the fit. OHOH, I can’t imagine being warm enough without a hat! Helmets are warm enough?
If you have a Ross in your area, they are like TJ Maxx and have brand name ski hats, gloves, etc. My kids get some of their stuff their, and Goodwill too is GREAT for coats and the pants. Hope they have fun!
They’re staying with one boy’s families in a condo so I’m pretty sure a dryer will be available, but I’ll check. Thanks!