Clothing

Buy some polypropolene undergarments. They run about $15 for tops/bottoms. They wick away moisture, and stay very warm for their small mass. Thats all that I have to say.

& THIN socks
thin WOOL socks

Yes, absolutely, ISM is right. Get rid of the cotton. It built the South, but few historians know that the North was wearing polypro Seriously, make sure even the undermost garments are wickable. I like the EMS Bergelene, and have also found very nice long underwear from WSI out of Wisconsin. Patagonia and Helly-Hanson (sp) make under underwear that wicks really well. Clothing for skiing is an adventure. Don't be afraid to try different combinations until you are comfortable. The skiing region and the way you feel dictate what to wear. Some areas are warmer, some dryer, some people are intolerant of any cold. Others dress light.
Don't be surprised if you adjust even the outerwear you bought. As the classic adage says, layer. I've tried heavier outerwear, but it's best with layered, wicking garments. Read good weather reports, then dress accordingly. The adventure is finding out what you like. If you are not quite comfortable, then adjust.
Me: In absolutely freezing NE weather, an insulated one-piece with EMS middle-weight Bergelene. In single digits-teens: I use an insulated one-piece (hey gang, these are intelligently warmer) or PolarTec under a shell pants and jacket with lightweight u-trow. In twenties, a light one piece with middle-weight u-trow, or shell pants and jacket with middle-weight u-trow. Thirties, shell pants, shell jacket, light weight wicking underwear. As we get warmer temps, I move to a shell and light U/W, finally to a vest outer wear with light shell pants (April-May timeframe).
I have found that the EMS Bergelene, Patagonia or WSI have a wide, tolerant range due to the wicking. Again, do not wear cotton underneath either, opting for the Patagonia or HH underpants, which are a bit expensive, but you won't feel that cold, wet, damp rag on your body, and they'll last a long time.

Don't waste your money buying thin socks!!!

If you're in rental boots, save your money and buy cheaper ski tubes. Once you get hooked on skiing and go out and buy your own boots, then get thinner socks, as you will have boots that will fit you far better.

Do invest in good gloves. Keeping your hands warm is worth the money.!

S

[ January 11, 2003, 04:02 AM: Message edited by: Wear the fox hat ]

LOL. He said one-piece...

If you have good jackets/pants then you are off to a good start- after that concentrate on the extremities ie feet (ski tubes as suggested to start with should be ok), hands -gloves which are really waterproof and warm (an absolute necessity for us here as skiing in Scotland can be a wet experience)and some form of warm headgear- which now might be an helmetwhich you can probably hire- as you lose most of your body heat through your head- so they say.

Personally I also favour one of those neck gaiters which is really just a fleece tube- vital for a cold windy day on a chairlift since you can pull it up over most of your face. You can also easily stash it in a pocket if it is not needed.

If you are just starting out then you will, on occasions, fall over, unless you are very lucky. When you do your hands will come into contact with the snow, that is when they will get wet. Eventually cheap gloves will just sponge up moisture and you will be miserable and wet, so dont skimp on the gloves !!

I don't know what "ski tubes" are- it is evidently a British term, but my advice is that if your feet aren't comfortable, you will be miserable, so $15.00 on really good ski socks (thin, merino wool like Smartwool or a high-tech synthetic like Thorlo or Ultimax brand) is money well spent. This is especially so considering you are not just going for a day trip, but are travelling to Breck, and have therefore invested a fair amount in the vacation already.

There are numerous places on the web to get high end ski and mountaineering technical clothing for 35-70% off retail- try REI outlet , Mountain Gear , Sierra Trading Post

All carry lots of excellent stuff at discounted prices, often last year's colors or manufacturers overstocks, at great prices. I like to wear fleece as an insulating layer over Patagonia Capiline (or similar- a previous post mentioned Bergeline, which is the same fabric), and a shell. Multiple layers let you shed one easily when it is too warm. The weather in Colorado is generally much warmer than in the east, especially on sunny days. You may find you need less insulation than you think, but a windproof layer is often very helpful. Don't forget dark goggles and lots of sunscreen- you can get quite a sunburn at 12,000 ft!