Down Ski Jacket

How to Buy the Best Ski Clothing

Whether you're preparing for your first ski trip, or just need to kit yourself out again, how do you know what to get? I'm going to try to answer that question and give you some tips on what and where to buy.

1.A good jacket is obviously one of the most important items, and you want to look for something that is very waterproof without sacrificing breathability. I would recommend going for a jacket with at least a 5,000mm (meaning it would hold out against a 5,000mm column of water on top of it).

2.To make the most of your nice breathable jacket, you really need to have layers capable of wicking moisture (taking it away from the skin), otherwise you'll just get uncomfortable from the inside out. Most sport tops or skiing specific base layers do this well.

3. Most people opt for 3 layers, with a thermal underlayer, a casual top or fleece in the middle, then the jacket on the outside, this give you enough flexibility to cope with different conditions.

4.Salopettes - If you think you might be falling over a lot (be honest!), then it's probably worth buying the old-style salopettes with a high waist and braces. These will ensure no snow getting down your trousers, and are hidden away under your jacket. But for the more confident, or style conscious, the majority of salopettes are now standard waisted.

5.Waterproofing is still just as important for salopettes as for jackets (maybe even more if you're a snowboarder), so again look for the 5,000mm+ standard.

6.Gloves - Once you're hands get cold, skiing can become pretty miserable pretty fast. So don't skimp on gloves. I tend to spend more on my gloves/ mittens than almost any other item of clothing! So if you know that your hands get cold easily, get some gloves with big fleecy lining and a leather or gortex outer layer. Mittens are also much warmer than gloves, but are not for everyone.

7. Socks - Don't be fooled by a big fluffy pair of socks that look warm but only cost a couple of quid. The way that your feet stay warm is by being able to move, and by trapping a thin layer of air around them. If you buy a big thick pair of socks, then you'll have to do your boots up so tightly in order to get control, that your feet wont be able to budge an inch and you'll get cold much quicker. Silk socks are an excellent base layer, and very good value.

8. Hats/Helmets. There is an endless choice of hats and helmets nowadays. I always recommend helmets over hats, DEFINITELY for children, they are just as stylish, and can usually be rented from your ski hire shop cheaply.

9.Buy on-line - if you know your size, or are shopping for 1-size-fits-all items such as hats or some thermals, you can get great deals online. Or check out Auction sites for some real bargains.

10.Discount clothes shops!!! I love these shops for ski gear.