One of the few advantages of moving down to Chile was the reversed seasons. It's summer down here down, but in May the ski resorts open up. Coming from FL, I had no need for anything ski related, but I want to try it while I'm here. I'm looking for recommendations for websites that have jackets, pants and snow boots. Notice that I'm not buying ski boots or skis/snow board. I'm just looking for the normal gear for cheap now that the season will start winding down.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/)
Give these guys a try. Good prices and fast service. The selection changes all the time. Sometimes they even have good motorcycling gear darn reasonable.
I was trying to arrange a ski trip to Barlioche in Argentina last season but it didn't look like they had much snow to speak of - and I was broke.
Just got back from a week of skiing in Montana - it was awesome!
Bariloche had the issue with the volcano as well. They are still pissed at the Chileans for the wind change that dump the ashes over the border. In Chile, the ski resorts stillhave some snow left over.
Maybe I'll bug you next July for some leads on where to ski in Chile
If you ask nicely, I might let you stay at my house. It's about an hour up to the resorts.
Any specific brand that you guys prefer? Remember don't want to spend too much on a jacket and pants that will only be used a few times a year.
I bought a Rossignol jacket and White Sierra pants from Sierra - Jacket was about $100 and pants about $50. I've been using them for several years and they have been holding up great. Most of the top names are good - just watch the sales. I'm real big on merino wool underlayers - I spend a lot of time outside in cold weather and I have yet to find anything better than merino wool. It wicks amazingly well and stays dry and warm throughout a wide range of conditions. It also resists odors better than a lot of other fabrics. I'd spend the money on good underlayers.
+1 on merino wool as a baselayer - I got an Icebreaker wool LS top as a gift a few years ago. Expensive, but it probably gets more wear through the winter than anything else in my closet or dresser drawers.
Instead of thinking of brands, I'd look at layers, and mix & match as the conditions warrant. A big, heavy ski parka, or even worse, one of those snow-bunny suits, is a single-purpose, single condition item that you won't want to wear much of the time you're skiing, but it's too bulky to do anything else with so you'll wear it, sweat, and suffer. Instead, on top, you'll want (from the skin out):
- base layer (merino wool is best, good polypro works too, but takes on a funky smell that can be hard to wash out). Get a couple, and in different weights if you can. I tend to grab the lightest-weight base layers for anything even mildly aerobic, so those would be the ones to start with.
- a pile vest -- something in a windstopper fabric is definitely preferable and can do a good job in mild conditions as an outerlayer.
- a pile jacket. Like the vest, windstopper would be nice, but if I sprang for the extra $$$ in only one, it'd be the vest.
- a windproof/water resistant shell. I like softshells, but Goretex or any of its variants work well too.
On the bottom half:
- Base layer(s) as above.
- Windproof/water resistant shell pants - in this case, softshell is definitely the way to go, since it has more flex to it.
Don't skimp on socks, gloves & a warm hat.
Sierra Trading Post is a great source for budget gear, and you can occasionally find good deals on some of the more chi-chi brands at Backcountry.com -- and at 50-70% off retail, some of them are starting to approach their actual value - It makes me miss the days when Patagonia extended their pro-deal pricing to the do-gooder non-profits I used to work for...
This is great info guys. I will be learning how to snowboard so I presume I will be spending a lot of time face down on snow. Waterproof would be a great idea. I will probably buy boots, socks and gloves down here, even though they're very expensive, because these are items that I want to be able to try on.
helmet and wrist guards too
8)
I always thought helmets were dumb for skiing until I got one a couple of years ago - they are the warmest, most comfortable skiing headgear imaginable. Plus they protect your noggin.
Mine is just a basic Giro but it works great. I think its a must have.
Quote from: duccarlos on January 27, 2012, 09:32:42 AM
This is great info guys. I will be learning how to snowboard so I presume I will be spending a lot of time face down on snow. Waterproof would be a great idea. I will probably buy boots, socks and gloves down here, even though they're very expensive, because these are items that I want to be able to try on.
You'll be spending more time on your ass than your face. Water proof will be way better than water-resistant (really, there aren't many options for really and truly water proof ) Look for pants with a double seat and knees, sealed stitching, side zips on the legs are really convenient. Layers on top that are reasonably form-fitting and a loose fitting jacket for an outer layer for those gloriously crap-tastic weather days you just can't make yourself go in [thumbsup]
There is no inclement weather, only inadequate equipment
Quote from: WarrenJ on January 27, 2012, 02:43:39 PM
There is no inclement weather, only inadequate equipment
[thumbsup]
Quote from: WarrenJ on January 27, 2012, 01:02:00 PM
I always thought helmets were dumb for skiing until I got one a couple of years ago - they are the warmest, most comfortable skiing headgear imaginable. Plus they protect your noggin.
Mine is just a basic Giro but it works great. I think its a must have.
Yeah, I used to think ski helmets were dumb too.
Now I have two titanium plates in my head.
www.steepandcheap.com (//http://) [thumbsup]
Is there a site that has one stop shopping for all these layers? Someone suggested the REI outlet and I understand that they deliver internationally.
REI Outlet would be good, as would Sierra Trading Post (I don't know what their international shipping policies are, though) - both have pretty extensive selections, and should be clearing out a lot of winter gear right about now.
That's what I want to hear [thumbsup]
Quote from: duccarlos on January 27, 2012, 09:32:42 AM
This is great info guys. I will be learning how to snowboard so I presume I will be spending a lot of time face down on snow. Waterproof would be a great idea. I will probably buy boots, socks and gloves down here, even though they're very expensive, because these are items that I want to be able to try on.
It's nOt so much your front that takes the pounding but your backside especially the coxicks good padded underwear helps cycling shorts are good.
Sierra Trading has a ton of good deals now!