Admit it: you think taking to the slopes is going to cost a fortune. Well guess what – you don't need to buy every bit of ski gear for your first trip. In fact, if you're starting out, it makes more sense to buy the basics and hire the rest.
You can hire in the UK or in your resort – it's up to you.
The obvious place to go for gear and advice is a specialist ski equipment shop. The staff tend to be skiing junkies with a keen eye for fixing you up with the right kit.
Why buy your ski equipment in the UK? For starters, prices in the UK are pretty good compared with the rest of the world. The staff tend to really know their stuff, and there's no danger of language problems.
Unlike overseas ski shops, ones in the UK live or die by repeat custom. They want to set you up right because that way, they know you'll be back for more.
Thanks to those awfully clever fabric scientists, you can stay warm, dry and comfortable on even the tightest budget. But if you're determined to spend a fortune, that's easy too. Just remember that even the slickest gear isn't going to turn you into a seasoned pro – no matter how cool you'll look. It's your bank balance, friend.
A lot of people ask what they should buy first when they take up skiing. And a lot of people get the same answer – boots.
How come? A well-fitted pair will give you the kind of comfort you simply won't get from hired boots. Here's some more sound advice: buy your boots in the UK to make sure you get a perfect fit before you hit the slopes. Not only do quite a few ski shops give you a hugely useful comfort guarantee, but they tend to be very competitive on price too.
OK, so you're going to need a good ski jacket. Oh, and you'll also need trousers or salopettes (dungaree-style trousers). Unless, of course, you fancy chittering your way through the cold, wind and snow.
Both will need a weatherproof outer layer (obviously), and you can choose between insulated or non-insulated varieties. Whatever you decide on, the trick to happiness is to add different layers underneath keeping you comfy and happy.
Bindings are the clever things which fix your boots to your skis.
Let your ski shop guide you to the right type – for example, alpine bindings have an automatic release to help keep you safe when you fall a certain way. It's not quite the same as having a big mattress places underneath you, but it makes a difference.
And you don't just buy a set of bindings and walk out of the shop. Oh no. The shop (or rental place) will set them up just for you – depending on your weight, age, skiing ability and skiing style.
Long or short. Wide or narrow. Traditional or space-age. The range of skis is as wide as the range of ski fans – so you're sure to find the right skis for you.
Renting makes sense to begin with, but once you're hooked it's great to own your own kit. Modern skis and boards are designed to make learning and progress a snap, so good advice is worth a lot.
Imagine driving your car at 70mph in the rain without a windscreen. Bracing, isn't it?
The same goes for speedy skiing, or taking off when it looks like it could snow or rain. A decent pair of comfy ski goggles will keep you happy.
Think about it – you want to be able to see where you're going, and that can be tough with powerful glare from the sun beaming back from the snow.
Then there's the health side of things. All those ultraviolet (UV) rays aren't doing your eyes any good – another sensible reason to invest in a pair of proper skiing sunglasses with full UV protection
It's sad but true – every skier has hat-hair. That's because every skier knows that around a quarter of our body heat escapes through our heads. Get with the programme.
