Skiing?

[NoM6D]

I'm headed to Vail this weekend and need some advice from the traveler crowd. We've only skiied on the kiddee slopes here in Georgia, and that was wearing jeans and sweats. What do I need to take with me, and what do I need to put on the to-do list once we're there? If it's not too bad a drive, I want to head to Denver to have dinner with some relatives. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Bring a parachute.

[NoM6D]

:scared: If I had it my way, we'd stay in the hotel almost the whole time, enjoy the views and watch Season 8 of E.R.

Doesn't look like I'm gonna get swamped with advice, but I'd like to hear what any of you have enjoyed doing there. Thanks! (Snowmobiling, showshoes, cross-country, shopping, ice skating, etc.)

[Richard in NC]

I'm headed to Vail this weekend and need some advice from the traveler crowd. We've only skiied on the kiddee slopes here in Georgia, and that was wearing jeans and sweats. What do I need to take with me, and what do I need to put on the to-do list once we're there? If it's not too bad a drive, I want to head to Denver to have dinner with some relatives. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Well, I've seen some ski in bikinis, but I wouldn't recommend it, at least not for you. I have yet to go snow skiing so I can't add much of anything.

[NoM6D]

I'm headed to Vail this weekend and need some advice from the traveler crowd. We've only skiied on the kiddee slopes here in Georgia, and that was wearing jeans and sweats. What do I need to take with me, and what do I need to put on the to-do list once we're there? If it's not too bad a drive, I want to head to Denver to have dinner with some relatives. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Well, I've seen some ski in bikinis, but I wouldn't recommend it, at least not for you. I have yet to go snow skiing so I can't add much of anything.

She might try that, but me in a bikini? That's a scary image. :mrgreen:

[boxboss]

She might try that, but me in a bikini? That's a scary image. :mrgreen:
:agree:

:scared: (The parachute can be opened to cover you up!)

[Gran Turismo]

As opposed to Jeans, a pair of decent ski trousers keeps you warm and dry - the latter especially after 'sitting down' in the snow which is not so unusual after only a couple of hours of practical experience. ;-) And once you get a pair, you'll probably want to look for a matching jacket. I can't recommend those 'overall' ski dresses though: They're fine on the slope, but VERY unpractible in heated environments like i.e. restaurants where you want to take the jacket off for lunch, let alone on the loo. :headache:
Also, if venturing to higher speeds on the slopes, you'll realize that special 'airtight' sunglasses will cause less tears in your eyes so you have a better chance to see where you're actually going.

The rest of the necessary equipment list should be obvious - if not, keep asking.

I've never been to Vail, let alone skiing there (many ski areas are located MUCH closer to where I live...), but you should find quite a good selection of specialized ski equipment & wear shops in such a resort town.

[NoM6D]

...should be obvious...

Couldn't be less obvious to me. :mrgreen: But thanks - especially the sunglasses idea. We'll rent boots and skis, I imagine, and just wait til we get there before buying bulky stuff so I don't have to carry it. I should've checked to see if they have kiddee slopes... Google earth shows 2-4k ft elevation increases just a few miles from Vail. I imagine the views are something else...

[BHR4CE1]

Couldn't be less obvious to me.

1. Moisture wicking baselayer
Thermal underwear top and bottom
2. Insulating Top
Zip-in Fleece, pullover jacket or vest
OR
Wool or acrylic sweater
OR
Hoody
3. Waterproof Jacket
Parkas are insulated/ Shells are NOT insulated
4. Waterproof Pants or Bibs
Insulated or Shell
5. Socks
Moisture wicking liner sock
AND
Wool/Acrylic or synthetic insulating sock
6. Gloves
Moisture wicking liner gloves
AND
Waterproof and insulated outer gloves
7. Headwear (most heat loss occurs through the head and neck)
Neck gators and facemasks may be used to shield the mouth, nose and neck
Knit or fleece beanie (some have an inner fleece earband)
Helmets are a great way to combine safety and warmth
Earbands and earwarmers provide protection for your ears
8. Eyewear
Goggles are highly recommended
OR
Sunglasses may also be used, but should be a wrap-around style
9. Safety
Snowboarders need wristgaurds
Youngsters need helmets (cool helmet covers help make the helmet fun)

[Pattern Flier]

I can give a little advice. We mostly ski northern New Mexico, but sometimes stray up to Colorado. My partner had a condo in Frisco which is about 30-45 minutes east on I-70 from Vail and we "borrowed" it alot before he sold it. I agree with buying ski pants, but if you're mostly a beginner, another cheaper option is to buy cans of "Scotchgard" and spray your jeans. (READ SOAK!) We did that for years to help waterproof them. Worked very well. Don't skimp on good gloves. Also, lots of sunscreen as was previously said. You're probably not used to the altitude of the mountains coming from Georgia. THEY"RE HIGH!!! Drink alot of water, not soft drinks, etc, but WATER. It helps against altitude sickness. Alot of people get headaches for the first or second day while there and we've found for the newcomers that the water helps. As for the trip to Denver, it is quite a long ways from Vail. You could go over there in the afternoon and eat dinner and get back to the room late at night, but wouldn't recommend it. Make sure the weather is perfect before embarking on a day trip over there because you might get stuck in Denver and not make it back! Maybe, meet halfway in the Frisco/Dillon area could be a great compromise. Good luck with your trip, you'll love it.

John

[Gran Turismo]

ok, just as an addition to Bear's list:

The number of thermal insulation layers depends on the temperature and the weather conditions. Personally I'm fine with a 'sportswear' cotton sweater, ski trousers and ski jacket. Equipped like that I'll stand a temperature range from 0 to 40° F , but keep in mind that the way I'm skiing is quite exhaustive (race carving skis).

A second pair of thick socks is quite advisable with the boots, but they should be available where you're renting the boots.

The cap or helmet is not only a protection from the cold, but also from the sunlight. And speaking of sunlight: NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER forget to protect your face with sunblock even if the sky is slightly overcast: Snow is reflecting the sun radiation almost by 100%, so your skin is getting about twice what it would get without snow. Also, there's generally less UV protection at higher elevations since the protecting ozone layer between the sun and your face is thinner than on sea level.

[AusBmw]

Just remember 6d mate,don't GO any were near yellow snow ;-) ;-)

[Spyder]

I'm headed to Vail this weekend and need some advice from the traveler crowd. We've only skiied on the kiddee slopes here in Georgia, and that was wearing jeans and sweats. What do I need to take with me, and what do I need to put on the to-do list once we're there? If it's not too bad a drive, I want to head to Denver to have dinner with some relatives. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

After the CES in Vegas two weeks ago, I continued on to Alta/Snowbird. They already had 300 in of snow (see photo)!

You've already left by now, so my advice is too late. I assume that you'll be renting skis, poles, and boots, but you need to buy your own goggles, gloves, and ski clothes. Jeans and sweats are not appropriate, especially under severe conditions where you'll need waterproof and windproof ski pants and jacket. Helmets are a good idea as well.

You can buy all this at the high-end shops at Vail, but that'll be a lot to spend if you're not seriously into skiing. Best to hit a sports outlet in Denver if you have the opportunity.

Spyder


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n181/Spyder_04/ResizeofIMG_0805.jpg

[Enigma]

Just remember 6d mate,don't GO any were near yellow snow ;-) ;-)
:stupid: Or yellow (double) line... :grin:
VR>