Nutcracker Ski Club

This is Part Five in a series for first time visitors to the snow on what to wear up on the mountain. See part One, part Two, part Three and part Four here.

In the previous post of this series I wrote about two ways you can get to Mt Buller and what limitations you can come across when deciding what to take on your skiing holiday.

In this post I’d like to give you an idea of what I believe are the clothing essentials for the snow and how to work the clothing to suit the conditions without having to pack the entire winter wardrobe!

Ok, this is the ‘money’ post. You now know what the conditions are like, what you can do other than ski, and the ways to get you to Mt Buller. So, what clothing should you take with you, or considering purchasing, for the snow?

Sorel Alpha Trac Winter Boots - Waterproof (For Women)

Snow Clothing can be an expensive investment to make, but ski clothing will last you many seasons. I would not recommend that you go out and buy absolutely everything I’ve listed if you are a first timer. What happens if snow is not your thing? You would have spent a decent portion of your pay packet on clothing that you won’t get a chance to wear again.

A great option for your first time is to hire your ski clothing. That way if you don’t plan on going again you have not wasted your money. If you catch the snow bug after that, then go and kit yourself up for next time. I’ll give you a tip about hiring at the end.

I’ve listed below what I believe are the essentials to have with you at the snow. I’ve listed from most important to least. (When I say least important I mean that you can get by without it).

• Ski Jacket

• Ski Pants

• Snow Boots to walk in. (Waterproof and thermal insulated are best)

• Gloves. (Waterproof for skiing, woollen or similar for walking around)

• Goggles or Sunglasses. (Snow reflects the sun so tinted goggles or sunnies are handy)

• Socks (highly recommend “Explorer” Socks from Big W, Coles or Target)

• Beanie

• Scarf or neck warmer

• Thermals

On top of those essentials, I would pack in some extra items to wear with your ski gear and when you aren’t skiing.

I would include some long sleeve tops, a couple of t-shirts, a jumper, a pair of jeans, squish in some uggies if you can spare the space and something for when you are settling in for the night at the lodge and not going anywhere.

It’s not a fashion parade, just be comfortable!

How do you put this all together for the conditions?

For skiing, layer the long sleeve tops or t-shirts underneath your ski gear.

On colder days layer with the long sleeve tops to keep you warm when you are on the lifts. You won’t notice the cold when you’re skiing as your mind will be on getting down the slope and the exercise will be enough to keep you warm. Wear a neck warmer and beanie to keep the chill off your face on the lifts.

Sorel Stoyoma Mountain Boots - Waterproof Insulated (For Men)

On sunny and slightly warmer days, reduce the layers or wear a t-shirt underneath. You can sweat under your clothing if you’ve worn too much. Hopefully you’ve selected ski gear with side and underarm vents that you can zip open when you get hot. Wear a scarf if you wish, and take a beanie just in case.

Remember that skiing is exercise and your body will warm up, so adjust for a little bit of body heat! You definitely won’t be stationary for too long!

For when you aren’t skiing, mix and match the jeans and ski pants with the ski jacket. Layer underneath as appropriate. You can accessorise with different scarves and beanies if you want to have different looks. If you want to take another jacket with you, make sure it will keep you warm. Remember, if it doesn’t keep you warm at home, it won’t keep you warm at the snow.

If you do not plan on buying snow boots, take something that has a chunky tread on the sole, like hiking or walking boots. Be tentative when you first walk out on the snow in them, just to be sure that you’ll get around ok, even if it is slowly.

If you agree that hiring is the best solution for you for the first time, you can get a good deal if you decide to include ski clothing with your equipment hire. Hiring on the mountain means you don’t need to think about packing it in your luggage so there’s more room for extra clothes if you want!
At Mt Buller I recommend hiring from Duck Inn. Duck Inn is just down the road from the Nutcracker Lodge, the staff are friendly and their prices are competitive with other hiring outlets in the village. I hire my ski equipment every time and I have never had an issue with the equipment at Duck Inn.

Once you’ve tried skiing and you think you’ll be doing it again, I would suggest investing in some of your own ski gear. This is something I will write about in a separate post, as this is a lengthy subject with numerous avenues.

One item that I didn’t have in my list, but is worth considering is a Ski Helmet. When I went skiing last year I noticed that more often than not I was the only person not wearing a helmet. Apart from the safety factor, some of them have ear flaps that keep your ears warm! It’s up to you if you want to try one, it certainly isn’t compulsory.

I hope this series of posts have shed some light on what to consider when taking clothes to the snow with you, as well as offering some useful tips on how to get to Mt Buller and what you can do when you’re there.

I will be posting more ‘First Timer’ information in the future. If you find ‘First Timer’ information useful, subscribe to the Nutcracker Blog so you don’t miss a thing.

If you have any comments on these posts, or suggestions on topics you’d like me to write about, send me an email via the contact section on the side bar.

See you on the slopes

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