newbie questions !!

Ok,

Have been reading through and as a mountain virgin, need some advice (ok, lets be honest - some cheapskate advice as this damn euro pound ratio has really come at the wrong time!!!)

Going to la plagne 1800 on 2nd Jan.

Q.1 Thermals
I have a jacket (not so great but ok) and some good trousers. So i really need to get thermals as well? Most people i know that go skiing don't seem to bother with them - can i make do with a vest and vest top and lots of layers?


Q.2 body armour
I am learning to board not ski so am expecting to be on my bum for a considerable amount of time and i bruise easily. Can anyone advise on padded pants? Where do i get these and what sort of price am i looking at - tried google search but only found XL mens!!!

Q.3 Snow chains
We are hiring a car from Lyon to La Plagne, but to pre-book chains will cost us 102 Euros. I have read on several forums that you can buy them cheaper from petrol stations nearer to the alps, but no-one said how much they are?
Can anyone comment on what est. cost these will be roughly? If less than 102 bonus, but if not then i will get from car hire - don't want to get caught out up a mountain having to pay a fortune for them.

Q.4
FOOD!!! Just read somewhere that soup will cost 9 euros!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! If that's the case how can anyone afford to go skiing? Any tips for cheaper places to eat in La Plagne 1800 as i don't really want to take pot noodles for the whole week.

any advice I am sincerely grateful for. :)

1) Get some base layer clothing. The new generation of thermals, these wick sweat away from the skin whilst retaining heat. You don't want to be without them on a cold, windy day up the hill. Regualr cotton ie vests, t-shirts will get wet with sweat and don't dry efficiently, so they will feel cold and clammy once you've cooled down.

2) Head to a ski shop to buy some armour. For boarding you will want some padded shorts and wrist guards. Also check eBay and suchlike.

3) Snow chains are not required all that often - only during/after big storms. You can buy them for less than 100 Euros.

4) Food ain't cheap anywhere in the Alps. Have you a kitchen in your digs? If not, expect a large restaurant expense bill.

Thank u!!

ok, TK maxx tomorrow, then tesco's to buy a load of pasta and such!

Thanks for your help - much appreciated!

Aldi have some reasonably priced thermals at the moment

Never bought snow chains but I'm sure I've seen E.40 mentioned - do not pay 102!

You can buy snow chains in most superpmarkets or outlets such as feu vert in France, usually for around 50 euros a pair. you just need to check that they're right for the size of tyres you have

Get some knee pads too - you'l fall on them too, but also when kneeling they help keep the cold from getting in there.

Wrist guards as well, when I was learning every time I fell on my bum I put my hands down first and the pains in my wrists were really painful