It's worth investing in a few bits like gloves and socks before you go though, you can pick them up cheap enough.  Get the expensive stuff like trousers, jacket and boots from the hire shops.

I'd agree - buy the cheap things that you'll get use out of for other activities.  You probably only need 2 pairs of socks as you can always wash them while you're out there - or stick em out the window for a bit of an airing

2 pairs? For a weekend or week? c'mon!! What about at least one for every day to keep your feet fresh and clean? Theres not a lot of effort in loooking after your personal hygiene...lol

obviously men would require (at least) 1 clean pair a day, but I find 2 or 3 for a week or 10days perfectly adequate. That's because us ladies don't sweat

It's worth investing in a few bits like gloves and socks before you go though, you can pick them up cheap enough.  Get the expensive stuff like trousers, jacket and boots from the hire shops.

I'd agree - buy the cheap things that you'll get use out of for other activities.  You probably only need 2 pairs of socks as you can always wash them while you're out there - or stick em out the window for a bit of an airing

Hey dudes!!   

Me and the Mrs are gonna take up snowboarding and were just wondering if any of you guys had any info to help us out?

1: I really want to know where best to go for beginners? (we're gonna have a couple of lessons on a dry slope 1st)
2: When is the best time to go? Don't really want it to be too busy (just more people to laugh at me when i inevitably fall on my ass)
3: Really looking for somewhere not too expensive for our 1st trip, Any ideas?
4: If we have lessons there how long before we can hit the slopes on our own (would really like a couple days to piss about together)

That will do for now but no doubt I'll have more to come

Jim.

Hi Jim,

I go boarding every winter and it is the highlight of my year - no matter where i go - just got back from 10 days in Canada

My 2p worth:

1. For a first trip I would consider Andorra - you get a lot for your money in terms of accommodation, ski passes,etc.. Soldeu is a great resort for beginners and the instructors are good too.  Not as picturesque as france but good value.  Any of the big places in france would be good options - Tignes, Val D'isere, Les Arcs and if you book last minute you should be able to get a good deal. 

Just my opinion but I wouldn't recommend lessons on indoor slope first - even the biggest snow dome slope is far too short, narrow and busy for beginners and has carp snow (and v expensive).  A lot of people I know have had a very bad first experience at the indoor places.  If you do go don't be too disheartened if you find it hard and frustrating - you just cannot compare a snow dome with a great big mountain!

2.  Best time to go is probably about now - good snow but after new years crush and b4 half term uber-crush.  Generally avoid the school holidays.  And don't worry about falling over - everyone else will be and thats half the fun.  If you're not falling over sometimes you're not pushing yourself IMHO    

3.  In terms of lessons - I'd recommend signing up for board school maybe for the first 3-4 days (mornings only) it's good fun to learn in a group and a lot cheaper (and you get to meet people for apres) You can have lessons in the morning and then just mess about and practice what you've learnt in the afternoons - and the instructors will have shown you the best places for your level.  After about 3-4 days you'll be fine to board on your own and you can then have more lessons as and when you want them - e.g. next holiday. 

I'm sure you'll love it - feel free to ask anymore questions

"Better a bad day on the mountain than a good day in the office"