When you can’t even spot your co-skiers on the piste sans specs, it’s time to solve the ‘skiing when you wear glasses’ problem.
WhoSki.com co-founder Sally has been wearing glasses for years. She used to ski without her ‘long distance’ specs (and just carry a pair for piste map reading). That is, until the trip when she found it so hard to identify her group on the slopes that she kept skiing up to the wrong families. Which is when wearing glasses on the piste became her norm.
Sally’s two top tips to solve the ‘skiing when you wear glasses’ problem:
TOP TIP 1
When buying ski goggles, good brands will let you know if they are ‘glasses friendly’. The goggles are larger but it’s a more affordable option than buying prescription ski goggles.
“This has been really effective. I have problems with both long and short distances and this means as my prescription changes, I don’t need to change my ski goggles,” says Sally.
TOP TIP 2
Carry varifocal prescription sunglasses while skiing, for reading the menu and enjoying your surroundings when you take a break from the piste. Sally says: “This is my go-to look when it’s sunny, and means I can enjoy ‘slope watching’ at the same time as eating my lunch.”
Sally: aceing the ‘skiing when you wear specs’ problem
more solutions for specs-wearing skiers
Glasses don’t fit under goggles but you don’t want to wear contact lenses: Choose a helmet with integral visor: glasses fit underneath. Good ventilation means they are less likely to steam up.
Specs don’t fit in pocket and I’m scared of breaking them: Buy a couple of cheap pairs of low-profile glasses. Or foldable ones that come in a hard case. Tiny, but useful when you sit down for lunch and need to read the menu / check the bill.
Can’t read the piste map without glasses on: Take a picture on your phone, then zoom in when you need it. Saves getting your reading glasses out. Or use the resort piste map app. Beware of phone dying in the cold – keep it tucked away in an inside pocket to maximise battery life.
Bi-focal prescription goggles: Pricey option, but effective.
Magnifying glass in your pocket: Low-tech option that will have the younger members of your party dying of shame when you whip it out on the chair lift.
Join a guided ski tour group: Never worry about directions again. Many chalet hotels, like Club Med, offer a group ski itinerary – or try SkiClub of GB, who have skiing volunteers based in a number of resorts. It’s a great way to make friends, too
Get a credit card sized magnifying lens: Hang it on a cord round your neck or clip into a pocket – quick to access, problem solved!
Follow someone who knows where they are going: Provided you trust them not to lead you down a gnarly black…
Finally, you could always take the familiarity option: ski in the same resort every year (but beware year on year changes to your favourite pistes…).
Happy New Year to all! Here’s a round-up of some of the ‘fresh tracks’ we made at WhoSki.com in 2023:
fresh tracks: Growth
Registered WhoSki.com users rose month-on-month, with increasing quantities of good-as-new kit finding a second life in every corner of the UK, Ireland & Europe. Thanks to you all.
We rank No1 in Google organic search for secondhand ski wear. That makes it easier for even more people to find our preloved ski clothing shop online: good news for sustainability and the circular economy.
We expanded WhoSki.com beyond winter sports wear to include all kinds of outdoor clothing and equipment. By buying and selling your secondhand outdoor kit you are helping keep even more durable, hard-to-recycle materials in active usage, reducing their carbon footprint and helping ease pressure on the world’s resources.
Boots, backpack and more: all outdoor kit now available via WhoSki.com
We launched a refurbished ski rep clothing collaboration with Alps-based One Tree at a Time, rescuing high quality piste wear from the recycling bin and introducing it to a wider market in the UK at affordable prices. Check out the One Tree at a Time page in our ski clothing shop to get your hands on their gorgeous upcycled tops and jackets. Read more about their journey here.
Fresh tracks: events
WhoSki.com co-founders Nicola and Sally hosted two live workshop sessions about ‘Easy ways to ski green’ at the NEC Birmingham and London’s ExCel for National Snow Week. Many thanks to guest eco experts Iain Martin, Sarisher Mann and Matthew Sexton for joining us on stage to share their insights and expertise.
We attended the super-useful LISTEX – London International Snowsports Trade Exchange in London. It was inspiring to meet so many like-minded movers and shapers in the ski sector. Thanks to Mountain Trade Network for organising.
We enjoyed a fun couple of days at The Snow Centre , Hemel Hempstead, for ‘Get your kit out’ winter launch weekend, spreading the word about sustainable ski fashion and hearing about customers’ ski plans. Looking forward to similar later this year with a WhoSki.com stand at Chill Factore, Manchester, too.
One Tree at a Time ski wear from the Alps – with ZERO carbon footprint
Fresh tracks: support
We were delighted to see the WhoSki.com brand gain increased exposure, with press coverage in outlets including The Guardian, Evening Standard and Time & Leisure Magazine. WhoSki.com was a finalist for two business award categories in the fields of Best Sports Brand and Sustainability.
Thanks to Protect Our Winters UK for supporting our learning in all things eco via your Carbon Literacy course: we recommend. A big cheer too for the ongoing support and inspiration from our participation in the Re-Action Collective.
Skiers increasingly care about the environment
And finally… In a WhoSki.com survey, more than 95% of skiers said that making their ski trips more eco-friendly was ‘very’ or ‘quite’ important to them. Which is a good reason for us to feel positive about the year ahead, look forward to even bigger things in 2024, and embrace the host of opportunities ahead.
Thanks, of course, go to the many other individuals, organisations, businesses and customers who continue to back us in our mission to increase circularity and sustainability in the active outdoor sector. You’ve all helped us make fresh tracks at WhoSki.com in 2023. Don’t hesitate to get in touch throughout the year ahead with your ideas and opinions: we love to hear from you .
If you think about what you put inside it, maybe it’s worth remembering how long you’ve had your current ski helmet. How do you know when it’s time to replace your head protection?
Helmet specialist Giro recommends replacing your ski helmet every three to five years, depending on usage and handling:
“This is based on observation of the average user, and factors like wear over time, weather, handling, the potential for degradation from personal care products like sunscreen or bug spray, and the simple fact that helmets do improve over time.
“While helmets kept in good condition can provide protective capability beyond the 3-5 year recommended lifespan, it’s also true that they can degrade over time.”
get your ski helmet checked over
Most importantly, when your helmet suffers an impact, you must get it checked over or replaced immediately even if there is no visible damage.
According to Giro: “This is because helmet liners are made to absorb energy from impacts and they do this through their own degradation or destruction – like an airbag in a car. If the liner is compromised from an impact or other factors, it may not offer the full protective capability it was designed to provide.”
Even if you don’t have an accident and bang your ski helmet directly, it can still suffer knocks from chairlift barriers etc while you are on the slopes. Bear in mind too that the protective core of your helmet experiences prolonged pressure from your head, minor bangs in transit and from being placed on hard surfaces etc.
Packing your helmet full of ski clothing during travel can also have an ongoing (albeit minimal) effect on its protective ability. The cumulative effects of pressure and impacts over time mean the cushioned core of your ski helmet will gradually lose volume, leaving it less effective if you fall or are involved in an accident.
Update for Comfort and safety
A ski helmet that has a few visible dings and dents, and is more than five years old, is one that probably needs replacing. In addition to the safety factor, technology and materials improve over time, as do comfort options – like detachable ear pads, Bluetooth®, visors and air vents.
We advise:
Save money on ski clothing by buying and selling second hand, and divert your budget towards a good quality ski helmet to protect yourself on the piste.
When buying preloved ski equipment, or after a prolonged period away from the ski slopes, always get it checked over by a professional before use. Make friends with your local ski shop – their expertise could prove vital.
Apart from kitting yourself up with the right clothing and equipment, what else do you need to know as a novice on the ski slopes? These tips for a beginner skier may help…
beginner ski tips:
SKI BOOTS: They will feel tight but not so much they cause discomfort. Don’t be tempted to go up a size, but do head back to the hire shop for a refit if they really cause you grief. They should not cause you to wince (or worse) or cut off circulation.
ALCOHOL: Tempting as a boozy lunch may be, save your units for the après – once you are back in resort and off your skis. If you are involved in an accident, you are likely to be breathalysed by the piste police. All skiers should be aware: in Italy, is illegal to ski/snowboard under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ditto in France, also Colorado and other ski resorts in the US.
Save the G&T for post-ski relaxation
LESSONS: Your ski trip will be so much better if you get tuition in the basic techniques. YouTube is not a ski instructor – although watching some tutorials before you go is helpful. Try lessons on a local dry slope or indoor ski centre as your ski trip approaches. Beginner ski tip: book early as UK practice slopes are very popular, especially if you want lessons.in the run up to your ski trip.
THE LAST RUN OF THE DAY: Don’t be tempted (or talked into) finishing your day on the slopes with a tricky piste. Runs can get icy/slushy depending on temperatures, as well as busy towards the end of the day. Visibility deteriorates and fatigue sets in. Ending your ski day on a slope within your abilities will enable you to avoid terror, possible injuries and start the following morning feeling confident and raring to go.
NEVER SKI ALONE: Applies to all skiers but especially if you are a beginner, lack technique or confidence. You will feel much happier and be much safer if you have someone keeping an eye on you.
Pre-ski trip prep:
KNOW YOUR PISTE ETIQUETTE: Familiarise yourself with the Skiers’ Code of Conduct. Keep your speed down, always look uphill before you set off, stop at the side of the piste rather than in the middle, avoid stopping at bottleneck points, be aware of what’s going on around you. Find out more: 5 ways to stay safe on the slopes
PRE-SKI FITNESS: Stamina and aerobic fitness will pay dividends. A lot of skiing consists of hiking around carrying heavy, awkward equipment like skis and ski boots. Then there is the stress on your legs, feet and ankles, shoulders and abs. Make squats and wall sits your new BFFs (best fitness friends). Visit our Ski Fit partner My Life Tonic for tips and videos (plus a WhoSki.com discount code via our Partners page here).
Got any beginner skier tips? Share them with us on the WhoSki.com Facebook or Instagram pages.
You’ve most likely been provided with a packing list, but what are the must-have warm wear essentials for your child’s school ski trip?
Also: what does that ski kit jargon mean? Is it all really necessary? And are some items ‘more essential’ than others?
Forget about skis and ski boots – trip organisers will sort those out. Your job is to make sure your child is warm, dry and comfortable on the slopes. Follow our expert school ski trip packing list tips to find out what ski wear your child simply cannot do without – and save time and money.
School ski trip packing list tip No 1 : Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Conditions can change from clear blue skies and sunny slopes to falling snow and limited visibility within a matter of minutes. Ensuring your child is equipped for all eventualities is key for safety, fun and comfort: the makings of a successful ski trip.
School ski trip packing list tip No 2 : Buy second hand where you can. Kids grow out of clothes quickly, so odds are you will be able to fit out your child with good-as-new, preloved ski wear at a fraction of the price for new kit. Register at WhoSki.com and you will receive regular email updates as new items are listed on site.
Ski jacket: Your child’s essential ski outer layer, and usually the most costly item in your ski wardrobe. Choose a jacket that is large enough to fit multiple layers beneath ie a thin base layer, a thicker mid-layer and a microfleece to keep your child warm in the coldest conditions. They can add / remove these layers as necessary depending on weather, altitude and exertion levels.
The perfect ski jacket will be wind-resistant and waterproof, have multiple, zippable pockets, under-arm vents, a ski pass pocket on the sleeve and a powder skirt. A thinner jacket with layers beneath will make it easier to regulate temperatures. A hood is unnecessary as your child will be wearing a ski helmet while on the piste. Think safety: a bright-coloured ski jacket makes your child easier to spot on the slopes.
Preloved is the affordable option over new – and remember to sell it on after your child’s trip if that ski jacket won’t fit them again next year.
Ski pants / salopettes / trousers: Whatever you call it, your child needs specialist ski legwear. A belt or braces will ensure ski pants don’t slip, vents will help regulate temperature, while reinforced knees and ankles will aid longevity and flexibility of movement. Comfort is key, so make sure ski trousers are roomy enough to fit thermal underwear beneath. Salopettes generally sit higher than ski pants and may include a bib front: handy to help keep out snow when your child takes a tumble on the piste.
Ski pants will flare towards the ankles to allow for ski boots. Many boast an inner ‘skirt’ around the ankle: this sits over the ski boot to help keep out snow. If you’re buying second hand, the ankle area may show some damage – this is perfectly normal as ski trousers often get caught on boot clips and ski bindings. Minor damage will not impair usage.
It’s all about layers
Base layers: For a week-long school ski trip, you will ideally send your child away with a separate, long-sleeved, thermal base layer for every day of skiing. This item of ski wear will sit next to their skin, keep them warm and wick away sweat during a day of exertion on the slopes.
On warmer days, this may be the only layer required beneath your child’s outer ski jacket. In colder weather, they could wear up to two further layers. Namely…
Mid layers: Two sets of mid layers will be ample for a one-week school ski trip. Simply put, a ski mid layer is the piece of clothing that goes between their thermal, sweat-wicking base layer and their waterproof ski jacket. It will keep your child warm, without weighing them down or preventing ease of movement.
A mid layer with a neck zip will help your child regulate their temperature by allowing in a bit of air as they heat up, or letting them zip up to their chin when they are standing around or on a chair lift.
Merino is the crème de la crème material for a mid layer but merino mid layers are expensive and need careful laundering. A synthetic, polyester mid-layer will be fine for school-age skiers. Keep man-made fibres out of landfill by purchasing second hand – and as ever, sell ski wear on afterwards.
Cosy mid layers: slip on under a ski jacket
Fleece: A microfleece, thin puffer jacket or hoody plays a key role in your child’s ski wear layering system. They can slip it on as another heat-retaining layer beneath their ski jacket when temperatures are extremely low – and wear it around the hotel / hostel/ chalet when they get back from a day on the slopes. A padded gilet is another useful option to keep ski kids cosy.
Hands and feet…
Ski gloves: Specialist ski gloves are essential. Longer, gauntlet style ski gloves that cover wrists are best as they keep out draughts. Integral elastic wrist leashes help prevent them from getting lost eg when you remove them to check your phone / piste map etc. A pair of thin glove liners is also recommended.
Mittens and fingered ski gloves are interchangeable, depending on personal preference. Mittens are generally warmer in lowest temperatures. Urge your child to put gloves to dry on a radiator at night so they will be cosy and comfy for the next day.
Ski socks: Specialist ski socks are longer than normal socks with heat-retaining qualities and the right padding in the right places. Three pairs for a week-long school ski trip will be enough: one pair on, one pair in the drawer and a pair airing on the radiator. Or, more likely, screwed up on the floor. Oh well.
Snowboots: A chunky pair of cosy, waterproof snowboots is an absolute must-have for your child’s school ski trip. They make for warm feet whether they are playing in the snow or tramping around resort, and help prevent tumbles on icy surfaces. Get your child to wear snowboots for the journey to cut down on luggage weight. Trainers really don’t work in ski resorts as outdoors wear.
Buff: A buff is a thin, tubular neck scarf with multiple uses that will protect your child’s chin, neck, face, head and ears from the cold, including wind, snow and sleet. Much safer than a scarf (can’t get caught on anything or fly off) a buff is also easier to tuck into a pocket when not in use.
Must-have school ski trip accessories:
Goggles: A pair of goggles is more protective than sunglasses, less easy to lose, warmer for the face on a cold day or when it is snowing. An adjustable strap means goggles can live on your child’s helmet even when not in use. Sunglasses are an optional extra.
Goggles: a ski trip packing list essential
Slippers/Crocs/Birkenstocks: Outdoor footwear is banned in a lot of ski accommodation, so your child must take slip-ons to wear between boot room and chalet/hotel room. It’s good to give feet a break from restrictive ski boots, and without a robust pair of slippers that has a strong sole, your child’s socks will quickly get and stay soggy. Yuck.
Lip balm and high SPF sunscreen: The sun can be incredibly strong on the slopes. A pocket-friendly tube of high-factor 30-50 SPF sun cream means your child will be able to top up on protection when they get back on the slopes after lunch. Make sure your child packs a couple of lip balms too, as they are easily lost.
A small daypack: A light backpack where your child can stash a spare mid layer or fleece for days when the weather is variable, along with a water bottle, mobile phone and any other essentials, will be useful. Even if they don’t use it when skiing, it will be handy for après ski outings and activities.
Hat: Not necessary for skiing, as your child will be wearing a helmet (provided as part of the ski hire package) while on the slopes, but a hat is essential for off-piste, in-resort activities. A woollen beanie or similar will do the trick.
Looking for kit for your child’s school ski trip? Visit the WhoSki.com shop for good condition, affordable, second hand ski wear.
High profile cases serve to put the risk of ski accidents front of mind, so what can you do to stay safe on the slopes for your next ski trip?
Firstly, think positive. The statistics show that your chances of hurting yourself while skiing are low. French injury rates stand at just over two injuries per 1,000 skier days: a tiny risk.
But there’s still a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe on the slopes.
Piste studies show that ski accidents are more common on days when temperatures are mild, snow consistency is less predictable and the slopes are busier. Take particular caution on relatively gentle blue pistes where you’re most likely to encounter skiers of mixed ability.
In addition to ‘be wary on the blue’, watch your speed, and always look up the slope before you set off, these 6 ways will help you avoid injury on your next ski trip:
The organisation Mėdecins de Montagne warns that the highest chance of injury comes on day 2 of your ski trip, the infamous “Second Day Syndrome”, with people who are unfit at highest risk.
Shape up before you go and stretch every day while you’re in the mountains, using video ski fit videos from our fitness partner My Life Tonic, at 50% discount using the code WHOSKI50.
3 Stick to the piste
The number of fatal accidents on marked slopes has declined in recent years. However, off-piste deaths have risen due to increased numbers of free-ride skiers combined with more unpredictable snow caused by greater variability in temperatures and conditions in mountain areas.
If off-piste or back-country skiing is your thing, the Swiss Centre for Accident Prevention advises you to take avalanche training, go out equipped with safety gear and – ideally – only head off-piste in the company of an expert local guide.
4 Swap downhill for cross country
XC skiing injuries represent just 1% of winter sports injuries and no, cross country skiing is not just for the oldies. GB Snowsport cross country athletes are enjoying unprecedented success, with Andrew Musgrave scoring a Top 10 World Cup performance in Lahti this month against an army of Norwegians.
Another advantage: cross country is cheaper than downhill skiing because you don’t need to buy a lift pass.
‘Fun’ fact: more than two thirds of sledging injuries are suffered by adults. Stay sensible and step away from the sledge. Especially after you’ve spent an evening in Dick’s Tea Bar.
Be aware too, that if you are in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an accident, you are likely to be breathalysed by the piste police. This could both nullify your insurance and potentially lead to criminal charges. It is illegal to ski or snowboard under the influence of alcohol or drugs in countries including France and Italy as well as in certain US states.
Having a child who doesn’t like going to ski school can ruin your ski holiday as well as theirs. Is there anything you can do?
Of my two children, one was a ‘Ski-Do’ at ski school from day one, aged five. He went off happily every day, eventually progressing to avalanche drill and schussing the scariest of couloirs with his cool dude instructors.
Child No2, however, was a classic ‘Ski-Don’t’. Didn’t like the ski school experience, was always the one hanging off the back of the ski tiddlers-snake, terrified of getting lost on the mountain, anxiety-induced tummy aches. To her credit, she did try her best not to cry until we’d dropped her at ski school, but it was stressful for all. Even now, a keen late-teens skier, she reckons she’s got ski-school-induced PTSD: “It’s not the skiing I disliked, mum, it was the lessons.”
Parental guilt, moi? Big time.
So, is there anything you can do to help your child who doesn’t like going to ski school? Here’s what I tried and how successful it was…
1 COMFORT:
Make sure your child is comfortable in their ski kit. Clothes should be warm and easy to take on and off. Snip out any scratchy labels. Let them help choose their outfit – wanting to wear the ski suit they specially selected for ski school might act as an incentive to join in with enthusiasm. Success rate: 3/5 (On day 1, at least. Enthusiasm subsequently plummeted)
“I love my Barbie ski suit – but I still don’t like ski school”
2 A COMFORTER:
One year, my daughter spent her time on the slopes with a favourite doll tucked down her front, securely zipped inside her all-in-one. Did it help? Somewhat, although there were still PLENTY of tears. This was also the year she caught Norovirus and scarlet fever while in resort. Note to self: perhaps it’s NOT ski school that’s the problem? Success rate: 2/5 (Slightly happier but no silver bullet. Feeling like c**p probs didn’t help)
3 SNACKS:
A little packet of sweets tucked into a safe pocket for break time is a good incentive, especially if your child isn’t normally allowed much in the way of ‘naughties’. Success rate: 0/5 (No kidding my girl, who knew life would have been happier with us, slurping a chocolat chaud avec Chantilly in a cosy cafe)
You can see the appeal of a chocolat chaud
4 ANXIETY REMEDY:
I used to send my quivering child off to ski school sucking on a ‘braveness sweetie’, with a couple more zipped into a pocket. Braveness sweeties = fruit flavoured Rescue Remedy pastilles. Did they work? Well, research suggests that Rescue Remedies can help reduce anxiety. They at least gave my little girl something to focus on mentally to help manage her worries. Success rate: 3/5 (Recommend. Pack enough so all the kids in your group can enjoy the braveness bonus)
5 THROW MONEY AT THE PROBLEM:
The year we abandoned group lessons in favour of a private instructor was the first year EVER my daughter did not hate learning to ski. We shared the cost across two families and guess what? It was worth EVERY PENNY. Success rate: 5/5 (Happy child = happy parent. Daughter only required private tuition for a few years before she was able to ski en famille. Bingo!)
6 DIY aka ‘DO A SALLY’:
My WhoSki co-founder Sally gave up on ski school, and she and her partner taught the kids themselves. As she puts it: “Sometimes this was bonding and at other times very, very hard work!” Success rate: 3/ 5 on a good day (but 5/5 for affordability)
To be honest, perhaps my daughter’s aversion to group lessons stemmed from a bad experience on a dry ski slope aged four, where she got hit in the head by a rogue button lift seat. Not a great start…
Have you managed to solve the ‘Ski-Don’t’ problem? Let us know on the WhoSki social media channels.
Thinking about trying a Huski food delivery for your ski stay? WhoSki’s Sally reviews the Huski food ordering service for her New Year’s Eve arrival.
The worst thing about self-catering on a ski trip? Being tied to the kitchen every evening.
Arriving at your apartment after a long journey and immediately having to head for the supermarket (along with every other skier who’s just landed – this is arrival day, remember) can be a real downer to the beginning of your ski week.
So this year, we decided for the first time ever to go easy on ourselves and placed an order with Huski to cover our family of four for food on arrival night. Here’s how we got on.
PRE-DEPARTURE:
Huski’s website is easy to use, with plenty of options for all needs. My veggie son had ample choice, my other son chose Chicken Tikka Masala while we went for a more traditional French option of pork and rabbit. Click and order: simple. You can add wine and a range of puddings to your order for a 100% guarantee that whatever time you arrive, you’ll be catered for. We took our own rice to go with the meals.
We added details of our ski apartment provider and received swift confirmation from Huski that meals would be waiting for us on arrival, ready to cook – so no worries if we were delayed.
ON ARRIVAL:
A bit of congestion and far too many loo stops meant we arrived later than expected. We just about had time to drop our luggage and make a dash to the ski hire shop. It was New Year’s Eve, and we hadn’t booked a restaurant in advance so a freezer full of Huski goodies, exactly as detailed in the confirmation message we’d received earlier, meant we could relax and watch La Plagne’s New Year’s Eve firework display from our balcony in comfort.
THE FOOD:
All dishes were labelled with cooking times; we simply turned the oven on, opened a bottle of wine and played a game of cards. All the Huski food was really good and tasted like home cooking. I made one slip up with a pudding – my bad – from not reading the instructions properly, but we ate it anyway! Delicious.
VERDICT:
Huski offers a great selection of food including for vegetarians. High quality. Easy to choose and really easy to organise. Some portions were slightly small for my tall, ravenous teenage boys – but tbh that applies to almost every meal placed in front of them. Communications were clear, regular and reassuring, in fact far more so than the company we rented our apartment from. Containers were all recycled after we finished.
Would I use Huski again? Yes, definitely – and would also love a first night firework display every time I go skiing, if they can organise that too?
My Huski meal was ordered and paid for as a regular customer.
WhoSki.com has since negotiated an exclusive discount code WhoSki5 with Huski – use it for your next trip.
The company is the latest to partner with us to help keep pre-loved ski clothing in active usage for longer and make skiing more affordable.
As Club Europe says: “The idea is simple: reduce the quantity of new ski clothes that are bought and old ones that are sent to landfill, by enabling families to easily buy and sell pre-loved ski wear.”
Club Europe will be helping hundreds of youngsters take a school ski trip this season. If even a fraction of those young skiers and their families buy and sell their ski clothing via WhoSki.com, they will potentially help keep a mountain of clothing out of landfill and reduce its carbon footprint by extending its active life.
WhoSki.com co-founder Nicola Davenport says: “We are delighted to be working with Club Europe, a school ski trip provider that is committed to sustainable business.
“Raising awareness of WhoSki.com as a secondhand marketplace for good quality ski clothing helps not only keep textiles in circulation but also raises the profile of sustainability in the wintersports sector generally. The more we all do to think #SkiGreen, the brighter the future for our mountains.”
Club Europe is recommending WhoSki.com as a first stop for buying specialist kit for a school ski trip, as well as the best place to sell on unwanted but good quality ski clothes that no longer fit.
Club Europe: Committed to sustAinability
Alison Wareham, Club Europe’s sustainability lead, adds: “As a responsible travel provider, we are committed to sustainability in our development, operations and marketing. Partnering with WhoSki.com not only helps the environment but gives families a small financial boost – saving money on ski wear and perhaps by selling their own unwanted ski fit, making a few pennies too.”
The annual YMHD campaign from WhoSki.com’s charity partner stem4 aims to get young people talking and taking part in activities to improve their mental health, and to support others to do likewise. Taking place on September 22nd, Youth Mental Health Day 2022 is focusing on sharing stories to enable young people to connect.
stem4 is an award-winning organisation which specialises in developing and distributing free apps (backed by the NHS) to help young people cope with mental health issues. Of the 2,007 young people the charity surveyed ahead of Youth Mental Health Day, nearly half (46%) said they were currently experiencing mental health difficulties.
Here at WhoSki.com we donate 10% of our commission from every sale to stem4. So, by selling through our peer-to-peer marketplace, you are directly helping support teenage mental health.
CONNECT MEANINGFULLY
Over the past few years, young people have been forced to experience many of their most formative experiences virtually—from joining a new school, college, university or workplace, to celebrating milestones such as exams and big birthdays.
By focusing on the importance of meaningful connections and having a solid support system, this year’s YMHD is inviting young people across the UK to reflect on how their relationships (with family, friends, teachers etc.) have changed over the past few years.
stem4 is inviting them to share ideas and set goals on how they can #ConnectMeaningfully to foster relationships that will support and positively impact their mental health.
The Wimbledon-based charity is best known for its four, award-winning, NHS-approved, free mental health apps, including Calm Harm and Combined Minds, which have been downloaded by more than 3.2 million people globally.
WHOSKI AND STEM4
Partnering with stem4 is our way of supporting a charity which helps teenagers access positive mental health support easily, and through their phones. Every item you buy or sell through WhoSki.com directs a charitable donation to this important cause.
We chose stem4 as our charity partner in recognition of the mental health benefits of taking part in wintersports activities like skiing and snowboarding. Being active outdoors, in the mountains and the fresh air brings benefits for both mental and physical health.
BACK TO THE SLOPES
Season 2022/23 looks likely to be the first academic year since 2018/19 when school / college timetables go ahead as normal. We know that our school ski trips partner Halsbury Ski will be running a full schedule of ski trips. Likewise, UK universities are gearing up to get back to the slopes – in many cases, for the first time in three years.
Here’s hoping that all who are planning a ski trip to the slopes in the coming months find it beneficial for their mental and physical health – in particular the young people who have so suffered so much from isolation and limited opportunities in their formative years.
Bookings for Easter ski trips are booming, with thousands planning a last-minute dash to the slopes to catch their first ski season in two years.
The return to the UK Passenger Locator Form has been scrapped, France has suspended its health pass requirements, meaning unvaccinated children and teens no longer need to test daily, and Austria has relaxed its proof of vax / test / recovery rules. Spain is free to enter, as is Norway where masks are pretty much non-existent, and fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada from April 1.
If you want to ski this spring : the choice of destination is wide. At last.
As a result, and after a long period off the piste, we are hearing from many people whose ski clothes (or their kids’ ski clothes) no longer fit. We can confirm: demand for good quality pre-loved secondhand ski clothing is HIGH. Which makes now the perfect time to sell on your quality ski and snowboard clothes via WhoSki.com.
Keep hard-to-recycle ski clothing out of landfill
You may already be aware that wintersports wear is notoriously difficult to recycle because of its mixed materials and specialist coatings. It’s also harder to sell on through charity shops because of the limited market. A terrifying 300,000 tonnes of textiles is dumped in landfill every year. So do your bit for the environment by thinking secondhand when you buy your next ski and snowboard outfit. Check the listings in the WhoSki.com shop before you think about buying new.
We donate to charity on every sale
And if you have ski clothes still in good condition but which you no longer need, it is so simple to upload them for sale at the WhoSki.com marketplace.
Registration is free and takes just a couple of minutes. Uploading clothes for sale is so simple you can do it from your smartphone.
We donate 10% of our commission on every sale to teenage mental health charity stem4. That means you are doing good for the environment AND charity every time you buy and sell at WhoSki.com.
I am freshly back from my first ever cross-country ski experience, three days on the tracks in Kvitfjell, Norway, brilliantly organised by SkiSafari.com.
It was a short, try-out visit, but required an almost complete overhaul of my piste wardrobe. Ski clothing rental is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to our friends at ecoski.co.uk. However, cross-country, aka Nordic skiing, is still a minority interest for UK skiers. That meant no chance of hiring clothing for this ski mini-break.
Luckily, my husband and I both absolutely loved the sport and can’t wait to return, so our kit will be going back in the cupboard until we can get back to the trails.
Buy pre-loved if you can
I am certain that in future it will be possible to buy pre-loved cross-country ski clothes here at WhoSki.com, but these are early days for our peer-to-peer marketplace, so on this occasion, off to the (online) shops we went.
For downhill skiing, clothing needs to both breathe and keep you warm on ski lifts. The way most of us ski makes for short periods of extreme exertion followed by longer stretches of trying to avoid getting cold hands, feet etc.
In contrast, cross-country skiing is physically much tougher, especially for a beginner with poor technique. Bear in mind that you are likely to work up a sweat pretty quickly, so you would roast in your downhill ski jacket and pants. You do, however, need to stay warm while stopped or in bad weather. Yup: we are talking layers.
Lower body
Go for two layers on your legs: a pair of thermals with over-trousers on top. The thickness of your thermal base layer will depend on the outside temperature: thick for colder winter weather, thinner for spring-like temperatures. In late spring you might even drop the thermal layer, or choose a shorter three-quarter-length / Capri style pair of tights or thermals. These will allow more air to circulate and help prevent you from over-heating.
I wore the same thin base layer leggings which I also wear under my usual downhill ski pants, and they were just fine.
If you’re looking for a higher-intensity cross-country ski workout, ski tights alone – similar to running leggings – will suit. Those aiming for gentler touring on skis will also need a pair of shell-type Nordic ski pants to wear over your base layer.
I bought mine from Daehlie, a well-known Norwegian brand, and was very pleased with their performance; wind-resistant micro-fibre material at the front and stretch material at back with tailored legs, elasticated ankles and a small zip pocket. Warm and cool and comfortable.
Upper body
Think three layers, with a thin base layer next to your skin that will wick away sweat, a fleece on top of that and a lightweight over-jacket designed specifically for cross-country skiing. Odds are the fleece will come off as soon as you start working harder on an uphill stretch, so it’s as well to wear a small backpack for your trip out on the trails.
Your over-jacket needs to be windproof, and you might appreciate having a micro-down jacket that weighs light and packs small in your backpack too. You can slip this on for extra warmth on a cold day if you find yourself taking a chairlift or stopping for a prolonged rest.
I found a half-zipped base layer was perfect under my jacket: the zip allowed for extra air circulation when working hard on climbs. It’s the same top I use when downhill skiing, so that was one less item to buy.
Day one began with me wearing a mid-layer fleece – which came off very quickly – and I only wore it again to keep the wind off when we took a chair-lift to the start of a more distant trail. My Halti soft shell jacket also performed beautifully and looked good.
Accessories
Many cross-country skiers wear a headband/ buff to keep their ears warm yet allow heat to escape – a thick hat will be too hot for most of us. However, a thin beanie or cap with ear-flaps that fold up will also suffice.
Your downhill ski gloves are likely to be far too thick / insulated for cross-country skiing, so you might want to invest in specific cross-country touring gloves. Thicker running gloves would also do the job on warmer days. Mittens are recommended for those who suffer from cold hands. I do, but suffered no chills in my new cross-country gloves on this trip (bright spring sunshine, temperatures hovering around zero).
Regarding socks, alpine ski socks are fine although of course you don’t really need the padding or length. My husband was happy in good quality woollen socks. Cross-country ski boots are light yet warm and windproof – and so easy to walk in compared with their alpine equivalents. Heavenly.
As for all skiing, good quality sunglasses are essential (not goggles – too hot for cross-country) as snow glare can cause optical damage.
Make sure you carry a water bottle – cross-country skiing is energetic work. And the little Nordic ski straps provided by our hire shop were genius for holding together the skis when carrying them (which is a joy – they are so light).
A very useful online resource for information about cross country skiing is the website goXski.com which offers regularly updated reports on Nordic ski equipment, resorts and trips. Thoroughly recommended.
Get in Touch
If you’re thinking about trying out cross-country skiing, do drop us a message on social media : @WeWhoSki on Twitter and Instagram. I’d be happy to share tips from our experience. Nicola
