Alps

[Edward Bainbridge]

For the snowy mountains, what would I need? I don't ski, but would go on gentle hikes and such. Can I trust the typical Alps place to have shops with suitable boots, for instance, or would they be ghastly looking, overpriced and not fitting?

Would corduroy trousers, woolen knee-high socks and a woolen jersey do under a medium long coat, or would they be out of place there and I'd better go for some ugly but reasonable "function wear"?

[DFR]

I would suggest that modern functional wear would be your wisest choice. Modern materials have many advantages and to wear tweeds, corduroy and overcoat would mark you out as an eccentric at best or more likely an idiot. When it Rome (or the Alps) do as the Romans do!

You do not see serious climbers or explorers wearing tweeds as did their forebears a century ago. That is for a good reason.

The clothes can be best bought before you go although there may well be competitive sources in resort. That is certainly the case in the UK where there are very competitive stores in the relevant areas.

[Canuck]

Edward.
I agree with DFR.
I spend a lot of time in the Canadian Rockies.
Firstly, I suggest buying a light weight synthetic Gor-Tex type boot. Buy before you go, & use them, if they are not comfortable you will have time to replace.
Secondly, light weight boots will work well with jeans for a county outing.

Depending how cold it gets, wear layers & again do not buy at a resort unless you have money to waste. Find a local outdoor store & talk with them.

Conversely, if all you want to do is look good "after ski" by the fireplace then the tweed & corduroy approach may be best.

[Richard3]

I actually live in the Austrian Alps... well at least they are very near. There isn`t much to add to the tips above. Just make sure that you have worn in your hiking boots and wear good thick socks!

[Edward Bainbridge]

Thanks so far, thought so.
(I hadn't intended to put on plus fours or the like, rather less conspicuous clothes, by the way.)

[Simon A]

http://www.thelondonlounge.net/forum/vi ... now#p47974

If you are just taking gentle hikes in the snow, nothing wrong with ordinary tweed pants (stay away from corduroy, if you get cotton wet it's pretty uncomfortable) and a jersey under a sturdy tweed coat. I wear this in the Caucasus, which is not much different to the Alps at this time of year, and can stay comfortable down to -15 C. Good boots (insulated if desired) and good thick socks are a must, and give them some use before you go in the field. Sorel Pac boots aren't pretty but very practical.

[culverwood]

Don't forget a pair of warm gloves.

[Berwick]

A warm hat which covers the ears and a snood are also recommended. If the hiking is vigorous, you might want to go for a jacket with zips under the armpits for ventilation when you get sweaty. Waterproof gaitors to keep the snow out of the boot tops would be ideal.

Cross country skiing is more efficient than walking in the snow.

Remember good sunglasses and sunscreen for the face.

[davidhuh]

I don't ski, but would go on gentle hikes and such. Can I trust the typical Alps place to have shops with suitable boots, for instance, or would they be ghastly looking, overpriced and not fitting?

I would suggest that modern functional wear would be your wisest choice. Modern materials have many advantages and to wear tweeds, corduroy and overcoat would mark you out as an eccentric at best or more likely an idiot. When it Rome (or the Alps) do as the Romans do!

Sometimes, I am astonished by questions here, and even more surprised by the answers. The opening poster is out for gentle hikes in the snow and such. So why in the world should he spend his money on ugly overpriced branded functional wear?

Wear your tweed, pullovers, Barbour coat - whatever. Get two pairs of shoes to wear in the snow, so you can alter, and avoid buying those in the Alps. Red Wings should do, but my favourite is Kandahar, kandahar.com. Most shops in skiing resorts are ridiculously expensive.

And remember: some individuals may populate bars and restaurants wearing skiing equipment. Call them idiots if you wish

cheers, david

[Edward Bainbridge]

Well, some things are certainly true for summiteers as well as for deck-chaireers - thinking of sunspecs and such, and I'm thankful for all replies.

I'll look for good boots - the makes you mention, if I come across them, and others - because even when I'm just hiking gently, several hours of snow might be too much for my regular country shoes.

[DFR]

I don't ski, but would go on gentle hikes and such. Can I trust the typical Alps place to have shops with suitable boots, for instance, or would they be ghastly looking, overpriced and not fitting?

I would suggest that modern functional wear would be your wisest choice. Modern materials have many advantages and to wear tweeds, corduroy and overcoat would mark you out as an eccentric at best or more likely an idiot. When it Rome (or the Alps) do as the Romans do!

Sometimes, I am astonished by questions here, and even more surprised by the answers. The opening poster is out for gentle hikes in the snow and such. So why in the world should he spend his money on ugly overpriced branded functional wear?

Wear your tweed, pullovers, Barbour coat - whatever. Get two pairs of shoes to wear in the snow, so you can alter, and avoid buying those in the Alps. Red Wings should do, but my favourite is Kandahar, kandahar.com. Most shops in skiing resorts are ridiculously expensive.

And remember: some individuals may populate bars and restaurants wearing skiing equipment. Call them idiots if you wish

cheers, david

Gentle hikes or not, the changing weather is no respecter of the purpose of any outing. One should always dress so that the expected is not a burden.

As I indicated it is better to buy out of resort unless you know of the shops available so there is no need to pay over the odds.

[Luca]

No. Really, no.
I
f one is seriously mountain-climbing (pitons, ropes, ice falls, etc.), then 'technical' wear is more efficient and safer (and avoidign the most ridiculous gear will ensure you don't look a complete prat).

But for skiing ON-piste (if you are at least moderately skilled) and for a snowy walk technical wear is utterly unnecessary, expensive and (yes) ugly. I typically ski wearing jeans or corduroys (I agree they don't stand dampness well but then I ski, not sit on my backside or fall all the time ). I wear woolen jumpers over a shirtr and maybe a windcheater if the weather is particularly breezy. Tweed would work well skiing, if properly cut.

What you are effectively suggesting is that vintage cars should be trashed because a modern Nissan is mroe efficient. Maybe if you're makign deliveries all day, but for a leisurely Sunday drive an old MG is fine.

[bond_and_beyond]

No. Really, no.
I
f one is seriously mountain-climbing (pitons, ropes, ice falls, etc.), then 'technical' wear is more efficient and safer (and avoidign the most ridiculous gear will ensure you don't look a complete prat).

But for skiing ON-piste (if you are at least moderately skilled) and for a snowy walk technical wear is utterly unnecessary, expensive and (yes) ugly. I typically ski wearing jeans or corduroys (I agree they don't stand dampness well but then I ski, not sit on my backside or fall all the time ). I wear woolen jumpers over a shirtr and maybe a windcheater if the weather is particularly breezy. Tweed would work well skiing, if properly cut.

What you are effectively suggesting is that vintage cars should be trashed because a modern Nissan is mroe efficient. Maybe if you're makign deliveries all day, but for a leisurely Sunday drive an old MG is fine.

Plus-fours works well if one is telemark skiing or going cross-country. The look is not recommended if one is wearing slalom (alpin skiing) boots IMO.

BB

[culverwood]

But for skiing ON-piste (if you are at least moderately skilled) and for a snowy walk technical wear is utterly unnecessary, expensive and (yes) ugly. I typically ski wearing jeans or corduroys (I agree they don't stand dampness well but then I ski, not sit on my backside or fall all the time ). I wear woollen jumpers over a shirt and maybe a windcheater if the weather is particularly breezy. Tweed would work well skiing, if properly cut.

I agree with you if you are sure you will be skiing on piste but sticking with cords and tweeds will limit you to on piste to some extent. If you wear skiing gear you can choose whether to go off piste where tweeds are less suitable. I typically wear old SOS stuff.

[ay329]

I would wear grey whipcord pants layered with some Ruskovilla thermal pants and a Navy Peacoat

Filson has some well made OTR Whipcord pants (a quick Google search will uncover other brands too...but expect to pay in the $150-250 range.)

With the exception of Gore-Tex's waterproof socks...I have found their waterproof jackets as disappointing as 8oz flannel for suiting..Caveat Emptor

I would wear heavy corduroy (22-28oz) or cotton moleskin trousers if there was no chance of having to walk in the snow.