Snow Operating has worked with PSIA to come up with a series of three videos for first time skiers. Take a look at Part 1. I like it! Covers how to deal with putting on boots, how to actually get onto skis (clicking into bindings), and carrying skis.
Learn About Ski Gear
I loaned my friend assorted stuff the first couple of seasons. Especially warmer midlayers and jackets when the temps happened to be quite cold (teens in VA). She lucked out even more because I had old boots and skis that she could borrow. Wasn't a perfect fit on the boots, but far better than rental boots. I had put new liners in.I already sorted out several things to loan / give to her. e.g. old gloves, goggles.
These days, if a kid is in full-day ski school then a helmet is included with rental gear because it's required for kids in lessons. Still some places where if only renting then there is a separate charge for renting a helmet.Questions from my "never-ever" friend:
1) Helmet - how much does it cost to rent? Is it better to buy one from Costco?
2) Kids lesson - Is helmet included in the lesson package?
3) Is goggle necessary? Can you wear sun glasses instead?
-Ski socks are the best investment! They have cushion, compression and warmth.
-Consider bringing along a boot dryer. It's great for warming up boots, drying them and also drying mitts and gloves. I travel with ours.
-On super cold days, I've been know to use one of the ThermaCare lower back heat wraps -- keeps me toasty warm
Young kids just starting out don't get poles. My daughter wanted them so badly when she was 5. I put her off for a year by taking her to the rental area to show her that the shortest poles were still too long for her. She was skiing blues in the southeast by age 6, so I let her use them free skiing. But the instructors didn't want her to have them in lessons for another season or two.I learned to ski at 42, without poles. I still find it so much easier to ski w/o them - but they do help pop my ski off when I fall . If the instructor offers an option, I'd recommend avoiding them - it'll let you focus on "one" thing at a time.
Hmmm...I suffer from cold hips when I ski, regardless of the number of layers I have on and insulated pants. I wonder if I would have success keeping warmer using one of those sticky ThermaCare heat packs on each hip....
@alison wong : any word on how your friend's ski vacation is going?