I'm going snow skiing next month with some friends. I've NEVER been skiing in the snow. I've done lots of water skiing, but never on snow. I can rent skis and poles there, but what should I bring with me? I was going to hit up ebay for some clothes, but I don't know what I should get. It's going to be in Flagstaff, AZ, so it won't be super cold. Guess I'll need to layer. Any suggestions?
-long underwear -- Patagonia's capilene is my favorite -ski pants -- that are thick and warm and waterproof -one or two fleeces to layer depending on how cold it is -ski coat -- that is also thick and warm and waterproof -glove liners -waterproof gloves -goggles -neck gator -- a fleece thing that goes around your neck to stay warm -fleece headband and/or hat -thin socks + thick socks
If you don't have any of this yet, it would cost a fortune to buy. It wouldn't be worth it to buy everything for a one-time ski trip -- especially if you're not going somewhere that is really cold. In my opinion, the gloves, waterproof outer layer, goggles and hat are the essential items -- you can probably make do in terms of staying warm with layers that you already own.
Littlebean has excellent suggestions- I would highly recommend a capilene underlayer- it keeps you warm and wicks away sweat which makes it alot more comfortable than plain cotton...If you do invest in ski pants/gloves, try to get Gore-tex- it's really waterproof and warm- there's nothing worse than being wet and cold- especially since as a first time skier you might be spending alot of time on your bum...