First time skiers in les arcs? What's needed.

Hi all, not sure if there's a subject on this but using a phone to browse Internet and it's probly quicker to write on here, what essentials are needed? How many pairs of gloves, coats, suncream etc etc.. Thanks all. Tom.

Hey.
I asked all the same kinda questions when i booked for my first ski holiday.
Check out these threads, they might be able to help.

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/9583.page

With the suncream question, i took factor 8 8) wasnt a good idea. my face ended up propper beetroot :lol:

Suncream...at least factor 30, lip balm, sunglasses , goggles, prob 2 pairs of gloves, LOTS of socks, two or three thermal layers before your ski coat (you can always take them off but if you havn't got them you can't!!), Paracetamol, Ibrophofen, whisky, and lots more as you become more experienced.

Factor 30 suncream at least for this time of the year. One pair of gloves should do unless you have a tendency to lose them, but you can always buy new ones at the resort if that happens. Get gore-tex ones as they are fully water and weather proof and your hands might be in the snow quite a lot for the first time skiing. Check the forecast, if it's sunny you need darker lenses that will block the UVA rays, you only have one pair of eyes that can't be replaced. Or get goggles for flat light conditions and sunglasses. Layers. I wouldn't recommend an insulated ski jacket, but a gore-tex (or similar material) shell, particularly for this time of the year. You can always add layers if it's cold, but it's difficult to make a ski jacket lighter when it's warm. Get the thinnest ski socks you can find, they are much better for skiing than thick ones, and the boots will fit better. With thick socks your feet might be swimming in your boots by the end of the day.

TK Max are selling stuff off at the moment and have some bargains...I would recommend a jacket that you would wear here ..so that if you didn't like skiing(never) it wouldn't go to waste

Some small back pack to carry bits. Particularly something to drink (water!!). Skiing in the spring as it warms up and the sun gets more powerful can get HOT.
Being able to have a swig of liquid during the lessons etc. can make life much more comfortable.

Hi Tom,

When are you off , if you PM me your address I will post you a piste map. resort information booklet and Tourist Office DVD for the Les Arcs area.

As for kit along with the other replies good Factor 30 suncreem ( dont forget to put some on your nose and ears ), decent pair of gloves, ski socks, salopettes coat etc, if you can borrow some kit before you go to save on expense etc also in the highly unlikely event you decide you dont like skiing you haven't spen tlots on new kit.

If you hare driving to Les Arcs there is a shop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice you will pass by on the right hand side located just before Lidl's called Technique Extreme, they will have some great bargains on at this time of year, as they sell good quality but very reasonably priced ski kit.

A decent UVA and UVB protected pair of sunglasses is a good idea also whenever in the mountains, and these need not cost the earth.


Have a great time ( I'm out there myself next Wednesday for a week).


Jon.