oilies and ski-ing

[mirabriani]

I am shortly taking the grandchildren ski-ing in Vermont.
I am told it is cold.
I need new oilies for coastal sailing in Thames Estuary.
Question is, given that I will probably not go ski-ing again for yonks,
Can any body advise me as to the suitability of oilies for ski-ing?
A search reveals some breathable unlined suits which might
foot the bill. I assume Excell might be the right time for a bargain?
Any thoughts peeps?

Regards Briani

 

[Dave99]

I know someone who does the opposite because he prefers the skiing gear. He doesn't ski very often but has Helly Hansen ski gear which is more durable than the sailing equivilent. However when we have been out racing in a F7 my musto gear keeps me much drier than him

 

[wooslehunter]

No prob really.

BUT, oilies are generally far heavier than ski suits. Skiing being quite a physical activity normally means you need something that's windproof & warm but also light weight that doesn't constric movement. You also need to get the legs over bulky ski boots. Also ski suits tend to be far thicker over the body than the legs.

I skied for years whith a really cheap suit bought at the local cash & carry. It only gave up after quite a spectacular crash where it ripped apart. Only then did I splash out. Might be worth a look for a cheapy.

 

[frilaens]

When you say cold, how cold? I have friends who ski in Canada and because the air is so cold and dry the powder skiing is excellent. The down side is you need to cover all exposed skin and that means scarves and a face mask, especially if there is wind. I have skied in similar conditions in Sweden and would say that oilies would be OK. The annoyances would be the hood if you are not using it and it cannot be packed away well and bottom of the legs going over the boot top. The other point to think about if the oilies are expensive... skis have sharp edges! How often do you fall?

 

[Colvic Watson]

Cheap suit in Lidl right now (where else!) for about £30. Well padded. Might do. But friends in Canada just reported -35c. That suggests the proper stuff may be required!

 

[duncan]

treat yourself to a really high quality woolen top with a windstopper lining that you will find yourself using on and around the boat a hell of a lot - then get a cheap pair of sallopetts (or borrow them - I have some lying around somewhere that have only been used a couple of times pm size and I will check (largish!).
Just checked my top is by Dale of Norway - will check if they have online..........some examples here windproof jumpers and a lot cheaper than I paid!

 

[mirabriani]

Thanks all.
It looks like a windbreak cardy
and a trip to Lidl

Regards Briani

 

[Viking]

Re: Those jumpers

Hi those jumpers! 'Borgund' is the fjord I sail in and 'Aalesund' is where I live.
and they are a good price. Check out Devold make, they are made here in Borgundfjord /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Viking]

Ski clothes are not has waterproof (rain) has Sailing clothes!!!

 

[Shakey]

I wouldn't use expensive oilies for skiing for two reasons:

Falling down a lot may de-laminate the material.

Falling down a lot will rip the reflective patches off.

This of course does not apply if you are a better skier than me!

 

[JackFrobisher]

We do exactly as you suggest. Thermal/fleece stuff as a mid layer, under the breathable/waterproof/sailing (or walking in my Son's case - he doesn't sail) layer, and ordinary clothes under that. Gloves, goggles, hat/helmet etc. are "proper" skiing kit. We went to Colorado this year and the temperature was regularly down at -10F (sorry can't work that out in euros).