Ski Gear?

[SoonerTexan]

I think we are going to make this January trip happen--we're thinking Breckenridge...

Anyway...what do I need?

Should I rent or buy skis/boots? We are going for 4 days and probably wont go again for a very long time. Would it be worth buying some of Ebay or a discount website (DH is good at this) and reselling them after?

I've got good base layers, but no snow pants or jacket. I'm thinking Academy for this--they have a generic brand that is $30-$60 for these items. Again,though, I probably wont use them again for a very long time, unless we end up somewhere cold in 4 years. But that is still a long time from now.

So what else? Helmet?

[Deebs]

DON'T buy ski gear. Believe it or not, there is a lot of technology/design (I can't really find the right word maybe) behind ski equipment, and it changes fairly dramatically every once in a while. If you're big into skiing in another decade, you won't want what you bought now. If you're going to Colorado, the equipment they have to rent there is phenomenal. As in, makes you a better skiier great. If it were me, I might buy a helmet because I'd probably be more likely to buy it. I don't know about ski pants and coat, but if you can get them for $30-$60, go for it. Layer really well. Even in the middle of winter, I often end up in a turtleneck and sweatshirt because I've worked up a pretty good sweat!

[medpedspouse]

Smart Wool....they are not just for cycling anymore. They makes ski socks. Cannot go the cheap route on base layers. If you are like me, I was not sure I'd like the skiing gig so I did not spend much on anything. I am cold natured and was miserable the whole time. So now I am outfitted with Smart Wool, Ibex and Patagonia Capilene #3 and they keep me toasty. The good thing about these pieces is that (unlike ski pants) they can be used running around town. You can also find great deals on SW and Capilene (and other ski stuff for that matter) on Sierra Trading Post. I just got a great deal on some Ibex pieces for DH from 6pm.com. Oh - and some snow shoes. I think it is painful to walk around in ski boots. Snow Board boots look waaay more comfortable. Anyway, I got some North Face snow boots from TJMaxx last year.

Could you borrow some of the ski stuff from a friend? Really, the only time I wear that stuff is when I am skiing....which (if I can help it) does not happen often. I actually find snow shoeing while taking photographs more my style. AND when I do that I ususally put rain pants (mine are REI) to keep my clothes dry in case I fall.

[scrub-jay]

Sunscreen! We have amazing sun here, even right after the snow! Oh and stop in Denver for dinner!!!

[SoonerTexan]

Oh and stop in Denver for dinner!!!

Depending on the flights, we might be able to make that happen!

[oceanchild]

I wouldn't buy skis/boots. If you are driving from Denver, you can pick up rentals either in Denver or before you reach Breck and not spend too much money. I think I got them last year for <$20/day. You can also rent a helmet unless you really want to own one. Worth wearing, and keeps your head warm! I only bought ski stuff this year, after several years of infrequent skiing.

I don't know brands really well, but pants, coat, waterproof gloves are worth having.

[Thirteen]

I second base layers from Patagonia -- they are pricey, but you can always do sizing and then buy used/new on something like eBay.
Cap 3 or 4 would be good for long johns and a top.
Definitely smart wool for socks: do you have good gloves? I recommend Black Diamond (awesome!)
If you're worried about a cold head/sweating in a rented helmet, you can always get a pullover neck - check out Vermont Turtle Fur.