With the right gear and lessons, it’s a 10. Take lessons! Stay dry! First time I went was at Taos, NM. Guy I worked with took me. He was in the ski patrol in Italy while in the service, so he was very experienced. I was wearing jeans, jacket, no gloves or ear warmers. He took me to the top of the mountain, then would go down a run and wait on me. Only way I knew how to stop was fall down or snow plow. By the time I got to the bottom I felt like a popsicle. Very cold and frustrated. Before going back I got the right clothes, but never took a lesson. Got where I could do intermediate runs. Being in NM a couple winters working I had time to go quite often.

What he said... get Bibs vs pants. Some kind of easy-on/easy-off duck boots to wear to and from the lift area.

You DEFINITELY want to go tubing somewhere.

Charlie

Weed.

I don't wear bibs like many have suggested. Just ski pants. I also don't wear they typical jacket. I wear a light puffy and a softshell. I'll usually have a light Merino wool base layer. Good gloves, good socks (boot tops bother some people on their shins - socks will help with that). A lot of people wear goggles and I usually do though sometimes I simply wear sunglasses with the headband. Goggles vs sunglasses, to me, depends on the conditions. I wear a small day pack, with hydration bladder, for party supplies, drinks, snacks, and misc items, like my wallet, so I can ditch the goggles/gloves/clothing/whatev if desired. And a helmet but that can be rented if you're brave.

If you waterski a bunch, it's going to seem very odd at first. On the water you lean back. If you lean forward you're going down. On snow it's the exact opposite. Lean forward and you're good. Lean back and you're going down.

This.

really good hospitalization insurance

If you French fry when you're supposed to pizza, you're gonna have a bad time...

I ski regularly, 13 days last year and 17 the year before, I prefer pants because bibs are often too hot with a jacket over them. Bibs are almost mandatory for deep powder, but as a beginner, you will be staying on groomed slopes. The helmet you get will determine if you need something to cover you ears many helmets have ear flaps.

Gloves, Non-insulated bibs/pants , non-insulated shell(w/pit zips), googles and probably a neck gaiter since it will still an extension on communist China.


Don't over think it. You really don't even need waterproof. In fact only thing to probably buy is just a non-insulated bibs with hip vents. Layer Up according to the weather.

You will be hotter then cold probably 9/10 days

You'll probably be fine

rip sonny

but if the worst does happen, Payne will write your obituary and photo shop lots of pictures. You'll be dead, but famous.

Beat me to it.........

I'd get a helmet for sure. There are very few people dumb enough these days to ski/board without one. It's $5-$10 a day to rent, but if you buy right now in the offseason, you can purchase a Smith MIPS helmet for ~$80. Or if you want something cheaper but still good quality, Zionor for $50.

Obviously some guys don't care at all about appearance, but just don't be the guy wearing starched Wrangler's and a camo hunting jacket.

For gloves, don’t waste your money on fancy ski gloves. Insulated kincos (waterproofed with snoseal or similar) are far superior.

Fashion advice coming from some guy who goes by Gringo Bling and identifies as being from Dallas.

The most likely thing to get injured at Vail will be your wallet.

Besides Amazon...where are the best places to shop online?

What's a 3-day lift ticket cost these days?

Charlie

If you qualify for either a Military Pass or a Veterans Pass you can save some damage to you wallet. A Veteran Pass is $447 for the season, Military Pass $135 for the season, the daily walk up rate is $209.

My first guess would be Ski's.

I’m only 45 and know I’m too old to snow ski. I used to enjoy it. I won’t ski for the same reason I won’t ride a motorcycle. I can’t do anything slowly or carefully, I’m full throttle at all times. I have a family and don’t need to be laid up and hurt. I would recommend finding a good spot in the bar and watch the women all day. Let the wife and kids tear up the slopes.

Speak for yourself, I'm 66 and ski full bore on the borderline of advanced intermediate/expert level, I do avoid moguls.

I must have touched a nerve...You must be that guy on the slopes.

Negative, hud is exact opposite, he is more like Babylon Bee. He is posting satire.

I laughed