Piste de Résistance! (Part 1)

Skiing. I should like it. I mean, I like the outdoors, exercise, a challenge...but dear God I have never been more useless at a sport in my life! All that cold, ice and falling – it ain’t for me folks. Before you say “give it a chance, Caroline”, believe me I have; despite THREE separate skiing holidays to my credit, I have barely graduated past the baby slopes. In fact, on a ‘blue’ slope in Val Thorens last year, I was in such a muddle that I had to get a ‘lift’ from a passing skier (it involved me riding as a pillion passenger on the back of his skis – not to be recommended but it did get me to safety). See, I’m a disaster.

Although the actual skiing left me cold, there are many aspects of a skiing holiday that I warmed to very much; the chocolat chaud, the après-ski and, of course, the fashion!

I have outlined below some ideas for your skiing trip. I have sourced these products for a variety of domestic and international stores/websites, plus I was made sure to include a broad selection of prices to suit all budgets. Don’t forget that there are many local stores where you can purchase your full skiing wardrobe (e.g. http://www.emeraldalpine.com/ in Limerick, http://www.outdooradventurestore.ie/ in Cork & Dublin, etc.)

1. A good warm ski-suit (with plenty of pockets) – you can buy these cheaply at http://www.tkmaxx.com/. Watch out for specials at Lidl and Aldi too! Don’t forget that you can hire a ski-suit from local specialist stores (c.€50 per week).

2. Thermal long sleeve vests e.g. from http://www.outdooradventurestore.ie/ (€19.99).

3. A light-weight fleece e.g. Berghaus Flurry Fleece from http://www.littlewoodsireland.com/ (€69):

4. The best ski gloves you can find e.g. North Face Banshee Triclimate Gloves from http://www.gearforgirls.co.uk/ (£44)

5. A good woolly hat that covers your ears e.g. Tundra Handknit from http://www.screamer.com/ ($40.95).

6. A warm scarf (that’s not too chunky) or a neck gaiter e.g. North Face Neck Gaiter from http://www.gearforgirls.co.uk/ (£18).

7. Proper ski socks (trust me, you’ll know the value of these when you’re lugging big heavy boots) e.g. Miss Naughty Ski Tubes from http://www.girlswhoski.com/ (£5.50).

8. Protect your eyes from the rays with a dark pair of sunglasses/goggles. See a fantastic designer selection on http://www.smartbuyglasses.ie/.

Skiing is one thing; 'apres ski' is a whole other game! Tune in next week for my apres ski style recommendations.

Yours in style,
Caroline