Minimum type of clothing needed

Question
My husband and I are attending a conference at Stein Eriksen Lodge.  Deer Valley Ski School is providing instructors.  We have never skiied before and would like to know what clothing to take.  We may never ski again, husband has back problems so need the minimum amount required to hit slopes.  Also need "what to do before leave home" ideas.  Thanks for all your help, Debbie

Answer
hi there, and thank-you for the question....
At a guess are you from a warmer climate?  Hence the question about what to wear?

The only way to dress is in layers - as many or as few depending on the weather.

You want to have natural fibres next to the body - like a cotton singlet/spencer (the US equivalent). I prefer short sleeve as this layer, unless it's really cold (or if you feel the cold).

Then you want to have another thin layer of warmth, i wear a thermal long sleeve top (skivvy,turtleneck style)- if you don't have one, it'd be a good idea to invest at this point. Tops are available from around $30, or why not get one at the resort with the resort logo on it as a keepsake? (this will cost a little more).You don't want a top that is too snug a fit - it will be too restricting, you want it loosely comfortable - don't go overbig as that will leave you with a cold draft running up and down your back - never pleasant unless at the beach!

From there you add a sweater - not a bulky one and then your water/weather proof jacket. Again the jacket shouldn't be too bulky - you will find this a hinderance ALL day.

Down to the legs - same idea, less layers.  Go for a pair of long-johns or thermal long pants then your ski pants (water/weter proof). If it's an arctic day a very thin pair of fleece pants can be added.

Socks - not the sports socks that have ribbing - these are known to reduce circulation in the feet and lower leg - medically this is not a good thing to do. I wear very thin cotton socks - but my boots are only for me and not too worn out - i don't know the quality of the boots you'll be wearing so take a pair that are a bit thicker. If you suffer cold feet - invest in a packet of toe warmers. Carbon fibre tea bag things that go into your boot - they rock on the really cold days.

Gloves - eek - don't skimp on these. Once your hands are cold you will be done for the day - nothing more uncomfortable except for cold toes. Water/weatherproof. I like mits as they are warmer easier on/off too. Don't get gloves too tight, a loose comfortable ft is best. WHY? when you go in to the toilet or lunch - getting off and on firmer gloves will be the bain of your day - ever put gloves onto wet hands...

As for your ski pants and jacket - if you don't have anything decent and no-one to borrow from, look at renting/hiring them for your ski day - it will be the best money you spend. Another thing is if you'll be at this resort for a week - look at buying a jacket you like you'll get good wear from it. Go into an outdoor equipment / clothing store and ask them for advice on what type of jacket to get - you can then take that info to a cheaper store or buy it from them with the knowledge it will be the best thing for you.

As for the sore back - do you wear a brace when doing anything strenuous? take it with you to wear. Tell your instructor about your back so as he/she can give you tips on the best way for you to do it, but really a good body position on your skis shouldn't effect your skiing too much.  My backs been crap for years, if your knees were shot it'd be a different story.

Start getting your legs a little stronger - take the stairs, and if you do a bit of stretching each day now before you go - you will be greatful. Stretch your hamstrings, lower back mostly.
Skiing is only a physical sport days 1 and 2 (sometimes 3) - from there on you become more economic in how you ski and thats why there's people out there all day for a week doing it and calling it a holiday (tou'll understand this about 40 mins into your first time lesson).

But some athletic ability in any sport will always make it more enjoyable, and it's never too late to do a bit before you go.
The only other things i can think of are goggles- double lens will be best( buy a cheap pair if you can't borrow any as they'll be good enough for one day), sunscreen is a must even on overcast days it gives your face some prtection from the wind, sunglasses to wear when out walking around, warm boots for walking outside(a good chunky sole) and of course a beanie (aussie slang for a warm knitted hat).

That'll get you out of trouble for this trip.  Enjoy the scenery, have a good laugh and remember when your out there getting frustrated with yourself and this skiing thing - it took more than 2 hours to learn to ride a bike or drive a car with any great skill - so give your self a chance. And heck if you can't have a laugh and a good time in surroundings like these - your taking life a bit too serious - and pass that info on to the person getting frustrated in your class (theres always one).

Oh and if you see Dave from PerisherBlue (the resort we work at here in Australia), tell him Lisa says hi, thanx.

Any other questions before you go - just ask.

blue skies, deep snow
as for me, i'm going for a swim, it's 28 degrees C outside already and it's only 8:50am...bleah....

lisa
ps: pack the camera and SPARE batteries,as they'll go flat quicker in the cold.