Price of gear doesn’t have to leave you cold
THERE is a lot of costly clothing and equipment you need before hitting the ski slopes – and sorting it out now will save you a small fortune.
Beg, borrow or steal (with permission) essential clothing from family and friends. As a sport that includes personalised and expensive equipment, you can also expect to dip into your own pocket.
Libby de Rougemont owns the family-run Ski de Rouge clothing and accessories shop from her four-storey home in Clapham, South West London.
She believes with careful preparation and a checklist you can slash the bill in half – though you may still need a minimum budget of perhaps £300.
Libby says: ‘Most importantly you must be safe. In the last few years everyone has started wearing helmets. They are now stylish and light and can keep you warm just like a traditional woolly hat – but budget perhaps £60. Although they can be rented there is no substitute to having your own fitted.’
Then there is vision. Double lens, anti-fog goggles are a must if you want to see properly what is going on – and stay safe – and cost at least £25. Keeping warm makes all the difference between feeling happy and cosy or miserable and cold.
Libby says: ‘Consider quality second-hand – especially when shopping for children who are always growing out of outfits. This way you pay the same for a top brand you might otherwise spend on new inferior clothes. For example, children’s North Face and Spyder jackets second-hand may cost from £50 but £200 new.’ Her shop sells
WARM UP WITH THE RIGHT CLOTHING
both second-hand and new. Also consider trading websites such as eBay and Preloved for older clothing.
For new bargains, consider last-season stock that offers the same quality without the latest go-faster-stripes. Check out websites for sales of old stock and visit specialists such as TK Maxx. Snow-proof ski trousers – salopettes – are another essential for which you must budget a further £50.
The secret of staying warm underneath the jacket is lots of thin layers rather than one big thick woolly jumper. This is when that thermal underwear found at the back of the wardrobe becomes useful – and can save on further expense. Finally, remember the extremities. Libby says: ‘You never regret a nice, warm pair of socks, mittens or gloves – there is nothing worse than losing the feeling in your fingers and toes when it is freezing. Good gloves might cost from £30 but are a wise investment you will not regret sitting on the ski lift.’
Although you may wish to purchase your own boots – professionally fitted they can cost £200 – ski hire at a resort can often work out good value and cut out the hassle of lugging your own equipment around. Taking your own skis on a plane can cost £100. A rental package for boots, skis and poles might be £150 for the week. Websites such as Intersport offer discounts if you book in advance.