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Plus Size Product Information Snow Clothing

Can you help me choose a pair of Plus Size Snow Pants for my Trip?

Among the emails we receive, one of the most common query is to recommend the perfect pants for your upcoming Snow or Ski trip. And we totally understand as there are so many different brands with so many different attributes that it might be confusing at times. So, in order to simplify your choice, so that you can concentrate on what matters more, which is planning your trip, we came up with an easy guide to selecting the perfect pants.

Figuring Out The Measurement

Step number 1 would be to do your own pant measurements first to determine your size in each style. Measure the Waist, hips and inseam of your own pants to compare to the sizes on the chart, as each style is very different in it’s sizing and cut.  We have written a blog article to help with this if you need help.

Now that we got your sizes sorted out, lets see what are the different options. (P.S. – My favourite pants and the short version are the Cartel Whistler Pants if you want a really quick answer 😉 )

Cartel Whistler Pant

Cartel Whistler Plus Size Pant CARTEL WHISTLER 15/15 WOMENS SKI PANT BLACK

My personal favourite pant in the sense that the pants are made from a beautiful stretch material outer fabric which is super comfortable, not as noisy to wear, and fits most body shapes very well. The stretch fabric drapes beautifully on the body and is very flattering however it is not a stretch fabric in the sense that they will fit bigger than the size of the pants. The inner lining and the seams are not stretch as this would affect the seam sealing of the pant. These pants come in a variety of colours however black is always the most popular choice.

Raiski Savona Pants

We are super excited to be now stocking the Raiski R+ range as designed by Halti, a Finnish brand. With a great stretch fabric, sizes up to 28 and removable braces, these pants are sure to impress! They are slightly longer in the leg than the Whistler pants and have slightly more room in the hips (although the sizing runs one size smaller so a size 24 Whistler = size 26 Savona). They are also slightly higher in the rise (crutch to waist) than the Cartel Whistler pants which means more room for your tummy, hips and bum to fit in. They are constructed from a highly waterproof/breathable 10/10 seam sealed nylon outer to keep you warm and dry all day long, no matter the conditions. Our customers love the braces which help keep the pants up and the snow out when bending over or collecting yourself after a big stack!

 

Aggression Rio and Aggression Bolivia Pant

 

These are a shell style pant which means they have the waterproof/breathable outer layer and membrane in the pant without any insulation between the outer and the lining layer. This means you’ll need to wear warm clothes underneath to keep you warm, and possibly some thermals under those as well depending on how cold it will be. They are the only style in our range which are not insulated in any way. The beauty of this style is that they are a lot smaller and easier to pack than other snow pants, and they just slide on over the top of your pants. They are also versatile so they can be used in warmer climates and for other uses such as camping or hiking. They are a great price too, so a very affordable and popular option. The Rio and Bolivia are almost similar in style with the main difference being the Bolivia is for larger sizes.

Cartel Kicker Pants – Aggression Castro Tab Adjuster Pants – Aggression Castro Queen Pants

UNISEX AGGRESSION CASTRO PLUS SIZE SKI PANT BLACK
Aggression Queen Castro Plus Size

UNISEX WMNS AGGRESSION CASTROTAB ADJUSTER WAIST PLUS SIZE PANT
Aggression Castro Tab Adjuster

CARTEL KICKER MENS/WOMENS PLUS SIZE SKI PANTS BLACK
Cartel Kicker Pants

The above pants are all popular option for women who need extra extra room for the bum, hips and/or thighs. The Cartel Kicker is made from the same soft stretch fabric as the Cartel Whistler and is my personal favourite for women with this real pear body shape.

Cartel Manhattan and Cartel Hudson

 

The Cartel Manhattan and Hudson pant are our super popular soft-shell stretch pant styles. They are one soft-shell layer with the inner fleece lining bonded to the outer soft-shell stretch material. They are designed with a more traditional black stretch pant style look and fit, and stretch a little like a pair of leggings. Not as much as legging but the fabric has some give to it. We have found that some women who don’t technically fit into these pants according to the size chart, are still able to wear these pants comfortably.

In fact, ‘comfort’ is the number one response that our customers report when trying on these pants. Many women buy these AND another pair of pants when travelling just so they have the versatility that these pants provide without always looking like you’re wearing a pair of snow pants. These pants are not as warm as a traditional pair of ski pants as they don’t have the insulating layer and multiple layers which other pants have. These pants fit very small, so it’s best to go up 1-2 sizes when ordering, but best to use the size chart.

Affordable Womens Snow Pants

When you don’t want to spend a lot of money or its a ‘one-off’ trip, then getting some pants at the least possible cost is your preferred choice. For ladies who like the sound of descriptions like value for money, affordable or cheap (without being cheap) then we suggest some less expensive pants from our snow range. Each pant’s description attempts to include exactly why they are less expensive such as more basic waist structures, no leg snow cuffs or more basic material and insulation while still measuring up to the cold and wet conditions. We’ve got a few for you to check out if the pants above look to pricey for you.

Larger Plus Size Pants

A few styles of the pants above are also available in bigger sizes that go all the way to 28 for ladies and unisex 10XL.

If you are over size ladies 26 or 28, some of the pants do not go larger than that. What we can recommend then is to try the Unisex pants that go in larger sizes. Here are a couple of ideas.

  • –  Although these pants only go up to a size 7XL, they are very oversized and when I hold the Bolivia size 9XL next to the waist of the 7XL of the Glide they are very similar.  They are a mens pant but fit some women’s shapes more suitably and similarly to the Bolivia when you see it on a women’s body, just a wider leg and thigh.
  • -The Aggression Castro Unisex Queen Plus Size Ski or Snowboard Pant in Short Leg (SL) Black for the king sized man or curvaceous woman is bullet-proof and will keep you dry even in the wettest and worst conditions skiing in Australia and overseas. Fully Seam Sealed and reinforced stitching with a rating of 10/10 for added waterproofing and breathability quality.

 

We offer Plus Sized Snow pants, jackets and thermals that are available to ship internationally as well at :

I hope this breaks down my range a little better for you. I believe the best place to start would be the Womens Cartel Whistler Plus Sized pant, it’s how our whole business started!

Please comment or let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!

Categories
Plus Size Product Information Snow Clothing

Measuring for the best fit / size of our Plus Sized Snow Clothes

Finding your Best Size of Plus Size Snow Gear
Finding your Best Size of Plus Size Snow Gear

How to choose the best size of snow pants or snow jacket on our website?

Unfortunately not every size is made equal. In the realm of snow gear and specifically plus sized snow gear, the sizes can vary incredibly even across the same brand. A Cartel Snow Pant in one style will fit very differently to another and the sizes might vary by 2 or 3 sizes even.  You might normally be a size 22 and find yourself ordering a size 26 on our site or a Unisex 6XL. Don’t worry, the size is just a number and what’s really important is finding you a plus size jacket or pant which is comfy and fits well for your upcoming adventure to a cold climate. We know finding plus sized snow gear is hard so we have worked hard to find and distribute a wide range of styles to give you choice regardless of where you live. Shipping is from Melbourne, Australia and exchanges and refunds are easy and quick.

Measuring your clothing may feel like a time consuming and annoying process but it really is pretty easy and it is likely to save you time and money in the long run. So many of our customers have contacted us needing help in this area so we have put together this guide to help you through the process. You’re not alone, and we are here and happy to help 🙂 So, you’ll need to measure….

 

The best way to do this is to:
1. Grab a pair of your own pants or jacket or coat which fit you well and don’t have too much stretch.
2. Measure the pants and/or jacket
3. Compare the measurements to the size chart for the product you are interested in purchasing or use our new Size Chart Conversion Tool above the size options drop-down box on each product item’s page!

Measure the garment not your body to ensure the accuracy of the measurements, but if you want to cross reference, you can measure yourself as well.

PLUS SIZE SNOW PANTS MEASURING

Lay your measuring tape out flat on a table or flat surface. We tape the measuring tape to the table to keep it in place.
Have a pen and paper handy to write down your measurements straight away.

PANTS – measure the Waist, Hip, thigh and inseam or ‘in-leg’.

WAIST

To measure the waist of the pant hold your fingers on the inside of the pant and place on top of the measuring tape. Your measuring the top edge of the pant. First measure the waist’s ‘relaxed’ measurement which is just laying the pant on top of the measuring tape without any tension. To measure the pant’s ‘extended measurement’, stretch the waist band as far as you can and hold against the tape measure.
Record these measurements and then double it keeping in mind that there are two sides of the garment

HIPS

Next measure the hips. This can vary slightly but with Cartel pants this measurement is 3 inches up from the crotch cross seam.
Pull the fabric firm and tight and measure from seam to seam.
Again, double this measurement for the full hip circumference.

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THIGH

For the thigh measurement just measure around one thigh. So take this from approximately 1 inch down from crutch cross seam.
Pull the fabric tight and measure from seam to seam.
Again, double this measurement for the full thigh measurement.

INSEAM

To measure the Inseam or Inleg: Measure from the crutch cross seam to the bottom hem.

PLUS SIZE SNOW JACKET MEASURING

Lay your measuring tape out flat on a table or any flat surface and tape the measuring tape to the table to keep it in place.
Have a pen and paper handy to write down your measurements straight away.
First zip up all the zips and pockets

JACKET – measure the Chest, Waist and Hips or bottom hem (whichever is the widest).

CHEST

To measure the chest, measure one inch down from the arm pit seam, pull the fabric tight and measure across from seam to seam.
Record these measurements and then double it keeping in mind that there are two sides of the garment

WAIST

Measure the waist. This can vary but with our Cartel Jackets we are going to take this measurement at the ½ way point from the arm pit seam to the bottom hem.
Pull the fabric firm and tight and measure from seam to seam.
Again, double this measurement for the full hip circumference.

HIPS / BOTTOM SEAM

Hips or bottom seam measurement is the widest part of the jacket. In our Cartel jackets it is the bottom seam as the jacket doesn’t taper in at the bottom like some jackets do.
So, pull the fabric tight and measure from seam to seam and double this measurement for the full circumference.

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Once you have all of your measurements you can head back to the measurement chart on the product page to find your correct size, remembering each product has a different size chart. You will need to leave room for your largest measurement, and remember to leave some room for thermals for a comfy fit

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at info@PlusSnow.com.au or info@skiandboard.com.au after you have completed your measurements.

 

Sometimes it’s good idea to measure both and compare the results. For example measure the thigh on your non-stretchy pants and then compare this to your own thigh to get a set of measurements.

Some of my customers have found that their clothing measurement is smaller than their body measurement which has not resulted from stretchy clothing (which would be my first thought) because an area such as the thighs can be malleable and can change its shape and form a little when fitting into clothing. The same may not apply for an area such as the hips or waist where you need to bend, breathe and move comfortably.

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Plus Size Product Information Snow Clothing

Differences between the Cartel Softshell Ski Pants

Ladies, lets face it, shopping for ski pants online, although super convenient & loads of fun (most of the time) it can also be pretty difficult, especially when ski pants, like the Cartel Hudson and Manhattan look so similar online. How are you to know the slight differences in style, shape and features if you can’t physically see them, right? We’re going to compare two of our most popular women’s plus size ski pants for you, the Cartel Hudson and Cartel Manhattan so you will know which ski pants will fit you the best.

Similarities in the Cartel Hudson and Manhattan Softshell Ski Pants:

Cartel Softshell comparison Hudson vs Manhattan Ski Pant
Our best selling women’s snow ski pants, the Cartel Hudson and the Cartel Manhattan are two very similar pants in both style and quality. They are both made with a waterproof and breathable, non-seam sealed, stretch, soft shell laminated fabric and designed on a smaller, more body hugging, fitted straight legged cut making the Hudson and Manhattan less bulky compared to other styles of snow pants. They have one single layer of material (the outer softshell fabric is bonded to the inner fleece lining) as opposed to most ski pant designs which have 3 layers – an outer fabric, insulation, and an inner lining. Not only that, they both have belt loops, fasten at the waist with two buttons, a hidden hook and eye and a YKK zip fly while two invisible zip hip pockets reduce bulk around the hips.

Differences however, should be highlighted when comparing these two pants:

The Cartel Hudson ladies snow pant is manufactured with a wide elastic panel positioned at the back in the center of the waist band (see image at bottom of this article). This allows for an expandable waist and ease when sitting on a chair lift, playing in the snow or simply walking around the ski village.  Also visible in this image at the bottom of this article, they also have a  yoke which helps the fit around your waist and hips and flatters your curves. It’s leg length is also slightly longer in the leg than the Manhattan as you can see in when comparing the two images above. Finally, since these pants don’t have a zip feature at the bottom of the leg hem or an internal snow gaitor or cuff at the ankle, they are easily adjusted to any length if you find they are too long.

The Cartel Manhattan ladies snow pant on the other hand, has a different more traditional elastic waist and back than the Hudson, without a yoke. The Manhattan also features a snow cuff with a hook and eye clip inside the ankle section of the pant. This snow cuff is similar to an extra waterproof lining inside the ankle section, hemmed with a firm elastic band designed to sit on the outside of your boots to keep the snow out and the warmth in. This is an important feature if you’re using these pants for a lot of skiing or snowboarding. These pants have have a zip at the back of the leg cuff which enables them to be opened to fit easily over ski boots if you have bigger calves. The seam down the front of each leg also gives the pants a flattering style and fit.

Fit Notes from our customer ‘Liz’ when she tried a size 24 in both styles :

She normally wears a size 18 in pants – “When comparing the two styles of Cartel soft shell ski pants I found the Hudson is more of a boot leg style shape, and has marginally less room for the thighs. On the other hand, the Cartel Manhattan pant is a straighter leg which I found to be more flattering, and they have slightly more room in the bottom and waist areas which suited my curvy body shape better”

Fit Notes from our customer ‘Sarah’ when she tried a size 26 in both styles :

She tried a size 20 in the XTM Smooch snow pants and they were too small – “When comparing the two styles of Cartel soft shell ski pants I found that I couldn’t even get the Hudson pulled up over my thighs and bum but the Cartel Manhattan snow pants pulled up and fit beautifully and comfortably. I’m so happy to have something for my adventure to Argentina!”

Overall, both women’s ski pants are a relatively small cut when you compare your size to your other clothing. Our customers tend to buy them two and sometimes three sizes bigger than what they would usually wear. For example, if you wear size 18 jeans, don’t be alarmed when comparing your measurements to our size charts provided. Your correct size may in fact be a size 22. They are a smaller cut pant thus the differing size run. Having said that, depending on your shape, some women who don’t fit into a size 26 in a different pant, will still fit into these pants in a size 26 due to their curves and the stretch and cut of this pant. Don’t rule these pants out, some customers like to buy 2 pairs and return the ones which don’t fit as well. That’s fine with us!

Cartel Hudson Cartel Manhattan back comparison
Cartel Hudson Cartel Manhattan back comparison

View our range of Plus Size ski gear today at www.PlusSnow.com.au

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Hiring Your Gear Info for the Kids On The Mountain Product Information Snow Accessories Snow Equipment

Ski Helmet Safety For Kids

Ski Helmet Safety For Kids:

Here at Ski and Board Online we have a great selection of Giro helmets to meet every child’s personality enabling you to make safety a priority when at the snow. A kids helmet for skiing and snowboarding is one of the most important items you can purchase as a parent to keep your children safe when on the mountain.

Important Information:

The Australian Ski Area Association (ASAA) has recently reviewed and updated its guidance on helmet’s use in alpine and snows sport environments and recommends the wearing of helmets by Australian Skiers and Snowboarders. The ASAA recognizes that a helmet may make a difference in reducing or preventing injury. Its important to note that helmets are most effective at providing protection at speeds of 20kmph or slower. Helmets are now compulsory for all children participating in any Ski and Snowboard school lesson or seasonal program. Children not wearing an accredited helmet will not be able to participate in skiing or snowboarding lessons, race training or coaching.

Getting it Right:

Ski and Snowboard helmets are specifically designed for skiing and snowboarding usage. Wearing another sports helmet, such as a bicycle helmet may not provide you with adequate protection at the snow. This includes safety and comfort considerations. The most important consideration when purchasing a helmet is the fit. A properly fitted helmet will be comfortable with no pressure points, and it’s best to try on with your goggles, because if there’s a gap on your forehead between eyebrows and hairline this exposure will get wet, cold and give you the worst kind of ice cream headache. Its important the goggles work together with the helmet, providing you with the correct amount of airflow for your goggles and your helmet.

How does the sizing work ?

Ski helmet sizing is measured similarly to your bike’s. Measure a tape or string around the circumference of your head and this will give you a centimetre measurement. Brands measure differently and have different adjustments on the helmet however a general guide goes like this: Small Kids XS – S, Bigger Kids S – M, Teens S – M – L, Adults S – M – L, Most Women S – M, Most Men M – L, Men with big heads L – XL. Most kids heads are mostly grown by the time they are 9 years old, so don’t worry about them growing out of it as usually they last a few years.

Can I rent one on the mountain ?

Some resorts rent snow helmets to those who don’t have one and want to have a lesson. This is certainly a budget option to consider however you should also know that linings are not removable and cannot be washed. Certainly renting one is a much better idea than going without.

What about a cheap one from a discount store ?

As safety is paramount for your kids at the snow, we would not recommend budgeting for a discount store or a second hand one. Once majorly impacted, they should be replaced immediately as the structure and safety has been compromised. The risk is up to you.

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Plus Size Product Information Snow Accessories Snow Clothing

My Ski Pants are too long! How to hem ski pants to make them short

How do I shorten my ski pants leg length? My ski pants are too long!

Ski pants can be long in length and bunched up a bit as per the picture (they should have a bit of length on them, and at least rest on your feet when wearing without shoes) or even a bit more as pictured on the model below but…

If your snow pants are much longer than this, you can have them taken up by a seamstress or even do it yourself if you’re handy with a sewing needle and thread. If they don’t bother you, then don’t worry about it. Of course some styles of snow pants are shorter than others so you may also want to look at the ‘inseam’ measurement of the pants before you buy them. Sometimes though, no matter how hard you try, even the short ski pants, still don’t fit. Don’t worry!

A couple of things to note:

1. The waterproof and breathable material should be treated carefully by anyone looking at hemming snow pants. You definitely don’t want random pins and pinning of fabric all over the material however hemming the bottom seam is not a problem and this hem is rarely seam sealed anyway. What this means is, you can hem the bottom of the pants in a normal way without affecting the pants. It is the one seam you shouldn’t worry about as it’s over your boots anyway.

2. Sometimes, instead of cutting and hemming the bottom of the pants some people will just fold up the excess material inside the leg and tack the bottom hem to the inner lining, and that’s good too. This way works best if you don’t need a lot of pant leg taken up.

3. The internal snow cuff (boot gaitor) which sits with elastic over the boots when you’re wearing the pants (they are there to keep the snow out of your boots) should be left as they are. After the pants have been hemmed, if they fall longer than the pants, just bunch them up inside the pants so they can still act as they should. If you’re really OCD about it, you can always hem them separately too) To give you an idea of how far up the pant can be hemmed, you can use the snow cuff as a guide. Just below where they are sewn into the lining is as far up as the outer pant leg can be hemmed to.

4. Of course, you can take your pants to an outdoor gear seamstress specialist, I know there’s one in the Melbourne CBD, and they’ll do a beautiful job but it can get very expensive and time consuming. Sometimes, you just need to know how to do it yourself.

I hope this all makes sense. Please let me know if you have further questions 🙂

Are my ski pants too long?
Are my ski pants too long?

 

Inspired to buy pants now 😛 We can help:

Women’s Snow Pants

Men’s Snow Pants

Kids Snow Pants

Plus Size Snow Pants

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Plus Size Product Information Snow Clothing Travel Information

What’s the best plus size jacket for travelling to places like Europe or North America in their winter?

“I just wanted to ask you which plus size women’s coat would be good to take travelling? We’re off to London and need something warm but easy to pack.”

I’m often asked questions like these, so maybe they can help you 🙂 We answer with links to our Plus Snow website but the same products can be found in Ski & Board Online too.

Hi Catherine, Thanks for getting in touch. It’s a tricky question with limited information but my favourites are as follows:

  • 1. Raiski Asama Longline Jacket – This is a great, super warm winter coat and nice and long but the most bulky jacket. It’s got a 300g insulation fill so is super toasty. It will suit any cold weather condition including time in rain and prolonged periods out in the cold. The two way zip is a bonus handy feature of this stylish winter coat too.
  • 2. Raiski Swan Longline Jacket – This is another lovely long-line jacket perfectly suited to travelers however this one is much thinner and a lot less bulky (with 100g of insulation which is soft and light) than the Asama jacket mentioned above and terrific for packing. A winner with many travelers for it’s pack-ability! This jacket will be suitable for a little drizzle and rain but not for prolonged periods and not for extreme cold. If it is very cold, you’ll need to wear an extra layer underneath.
  • 3. Raiski Kikai Jacket & Cartel Brooklyn Jacket & Raiski Aveline Jacket– My three favourite all rounder jackets. Warm, versatile, lots of features, highly waterproof and breathable. Lots of pockets and features. Not too bulky but not super thin either. A good stylish choice that don’t scream skier but also perfectly designed for hitting the ski slopes. The fur is removable and the length is perfect, just hiding your rear but not too long to get in the way or create extra bulk in your luggage. Each jacket has it’s own styling and features so scroll through on each style to see if any particular feature rings your bell. The Raiski jackets are slightly longer than the Cartel jacket by roughly 1 inch although the Cartel jacket is not a short style. Sometimes it looks shorter on the model as she is quite tall.
  • 4. Raiski Ascalon Jacket – This winter coat is a wonderful warm coat and more of basic style coat without as many internal features (pockets, powder skirt etc) so not as perfect for skiing or snowboarding as the ones in the above point. Has everything you’ll need to keep you warm and dry and the colours look fantastic. Not a ‘cheap’ jacket in any form and the outer material still has a lovely touch feel to it.
  • 5. Thermal layers for under your jacket – you’ll need something!! We have a great new range in now
  • We should also mention here that if you’re unsure which style to choose, you can always order two and then return the one which you don’t like as much. Our refund policy is designed to be simple and easy.

Hope this helps, let me know if there’s anything you’re interested in but I have missed out on highlighting or discussing. Sincerely, Monica 🙂

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Product Information Snow Accessories Snow Clothing

The best socks to wear skiing or snowboarding at the snow this winter

Woollen Warm Ski Socks at the snow
Woollen Warm Ski Socks at the snow

What are the best ski socks to wear to the snow?

The thinner your ski sock, the better. Yes, seriously. Frosty toes are the bane of snow sports and it may seem like a completely logical and a cozy idea to wear really thick explorer style socks or even more than one pair of socks to keep your toes and feet warm and dry all day. You will more than likely regret it once you’re out on the slopes.

Even when it’s cold out, your feet sweat and wearing a super thick sock or a few layers on your feet will only increase your sweat rate and take up any spare room inside your boots which insulates your feet, so it simply makes you colder. A mid weight or thinner pair of sweat wicking socks such as merino wool, Thermolite or eco-fibre socks will keep feet dry and insulated with just the right amount of wiggle room for your toes.

Also, by wearing one pair of well fitting, merino blend socks you reduce any friction and rubbing that may result in blisters and bruises.

If your heading away for more than a day trip and spending a period of days at the snow, always remember to wear clean dry socks Every. Single. Day! It’s tempting to try and get a few days wear out of them but their performance degrades with the more body oils and sweat they absorb, clogs the pores of the fabric and they simply no longer wick out the moisture. We recommend you have enough pairs of socks for your trip, or wash your socks at the end of your day to make sure you have a fresh new pair of socks every day you go out in the snow. It’s a small price to pay for a day of comfort.

TIP: Make sure your sock is pulled up firmly and allow your thermals to rest just above the top of your boot (not tucked into your ski boot).

If skiing with your family, this is so important when helping to put your kids gear on at the beginning of the day. An uncomfortable seam or ridge in their socks coupled with cold, wet feet will most likely stop their skiing day and lead to an unhappy child.

Some important ski sock wearing points to remember:

  1. Wear merino blend socks or ski socks which have high tech insulation properties such as Primaloft or Thermolite. Never cotton.
  2. Only wear one pair of ski socks
  3. Choose a mid -weight sock if you get cold feet for extra warmth
  4. Wear clean socks every day
  5. Never tuck your ski pants into your ski boots, you will thank us later!

Rojo Thin Lizzy Womens Sock RaspberryRojo Thin Lizzy Womens Sock Snap DragonRojo Thin Lizzy Womens Sock True BlackWomens Sock Size Chart

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Product Information Snow Accessories

Goggles For Prescription Eye Wear – OTG – Over The Glasses Goggles

The big question for many prescription eye wearers heading to the snow is “Are there goggles that i can wear over my glasses?”

The answer is YES!  Most companies now make ski and snow goggles that you can buy to wear over your glasses. These are called OTG (over the glasses)  goggles. We all know that goggles are one of the most important pieces of equipment you will purchase. If you wear prescription glasses you know far too well that cold air is dry and when you are up at the snow your contact lenses can feel like sandpaper rubbing into your eyes and making them sore and dry.   This is why OTG’s are your saving grace. OTG goggles are specially designed to fit over most prescription eye wear. The foam configuration creates a precise seal and a true anatomical fit. OTG goggles are deeper than regular goggles and have channels to allow for the arms of your eye wear.

Some useful tips to remember to get the most out of your OTG goggles:

1) Make sure that your helmet and OTG goggles are the perfect match.

2) If can, don’t wear metal framed glasses under your ski OTG goggles as the metal frames conduct the cold and are quicker to fog (especially as your body heat builds). Ideally wear plastic framed prescription eye wear and use and anti fog solution on them.

3) OTG goggles are available in children’s styles for kids that wear prescription eye wear too.

Other notes for those who are visiting the snow and wear prescription eye wear:

1) You can get prescription goggles made up directly from some companies. These are incredibly expensive however if you have a very thick wallet, it may be something worth considering.

2) Over the glass goggles also come in a range of foam, strap, and lens options. Wearing a single lens OTG goggle is a waste of your money.

3) The better quality the goggle and lens, the better your vision, so it is recommended that you buy the best goggle that you can afford. Goggles with spherical lenses will give you optimum vision with minimal distortion.

Also worth considering when looking at buying OTG goggles is the lens colour. As with buying any ski or snow goggles, the lens VLT (Visual Light Transmission) will enhance your vision is varying light conditions at the snow.

For More Friendly Advice on ski goggle and snow goggles Click Here

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Snow Clothing

Should I Get My Child An All-in-One Suit Or A Jacket And Pants?

All-in-one suits are great for small children as they retain body heat better than separate jacket and pants. Children usually move out of suits any time around the ages 7-10.

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On The Mountain Travel Information

When Is It Best To Buy A Season Pass?

Resorts usually offer a discount on season passes in early bird sales, usually a period of time before Christmas. Prices and discount change every year, but for example, last year Mt Buller offered $799 Season Passes for the first 2 weeks of December, regular price $1500! If you know you’ll be at the snow for a week or more next season, some research into season passes is not a bad idea, it could be cheaper than 8 single-day tickets!

Teah

Categories
Info for the Kids On The Mountain

How Does Ski School Work?

How does ski school work at the snow

Kid’s ski school lessons usually run in half day (am or pm) or full day programs starting around 9am. When taking your kids to ski school it is important to plan to get there early, there will be paperwork to fill out, and dragging children and ski gear can take more time than  you think! Also check with the ski school at the resort that you’re going to before you leave, there may be a requirement for bookings, especially on busy weekends and during school holidays. Helmets are also required for children by most if not all ski schools in Australia. Children are divided into groups by ability level and age, and paired with instructors for the day.
Once you’ve dropped your kids off, you’re free to enjoy the slopes yourself until the pick-up time! Clarify what your lunch plans are (some ski schools allow you to meet your child for lunch, or some provide lunch for the kids) and know your kids are in safe, trained hands.

Teah

Categories
On The Mountain Product Information Snow Accessories

What Kind Of Shoes Should I Wear At The Snow?

What kind of Apres snow boots (footwear) should I wear at the snow:

We have many people asking us what is the best footwear or snow boots to wear up on the snow. Be it for your self or your children there are some very affordable options of apres snow boots. One of the biggest mistakes people make dressing for the snow is wearing the wrong footwear and socks. The wrong boots will mean your feet will get wet and cold very quickly. You need your feet to be warm and the correct snow socks and apres snow boots will help blood circulation and help maintain warmth and comfort.

What to look for in your Apres snow boots:

The main thing to remember when you are pushing through slush and mud is that you need a pair of shoes that will support you and prevent you from injury in the wet and that will provide warmth which is also as waterproof as possible while still maintaining breathability so your feet don’t get really sweaty.

*Rubber soles will prevent you from slipping and give you peace of mind, plus keep you upright.

*Gore-Tex this legendary waterproofing technology is as breathable as it is impenetrable. That means while water and snow can’t get in, sweat can get out, helping keep feet dry and as comfortable as possible, no matter what the conditions or outdoor activity.

*Waterproof seam-sealed is the technology that makes snow boots practically impenetrable to snow and moisture without adding any extra weight to the footwear. By specially treating the leather or nylon and using waterproof tape to cover every seam and stitch. It’s like your feet are wrapped up in a safe and dry cocoon.

 

 

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International Resorts Travel Information

How Do I Claim Tax Back At The Airport Before Going Overseas?

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enable you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST).

To claim a refund you must:

1. Spend $300 or more in one store (can now be in multiple transactions, no more than 60 days before departure).

2. Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your orginal tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs and Boarder Protection Officer at a TRS facility OR if your goods are oversized (skis and poles), present them at the TRS office once you pass through customs.

3. Check out www.customs.gov.au for more details of the scheme. Click here for a direct link to more information on the Australian TRS

Nicola

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Getting There On The Mountain Travel Information

Where’s A Good Place Near Melbourne For Toboganning?

Tobaganning near Melbourne

Tobogganing is a fantastic way to introduce your young children to snow and maybe even spark the little skier or snowboarder within them!! From Melbourne, Lake Mountain (90 mins) and Mt Baw Baw (2.5 hrs) are the closest alpine areas for tobogganing and both cater to families with children, with clothing and toboggan hire available on site, as well as cafes and restaurants (and toilets) to make your day go smoothly.

If you’re keen to go to one of the bigger, downhill ski resorts (Mt Baw Baw offers downhill skiing and boarding, however only has surface lifts, T-bars, pomas and platters) such as Mt Buller or Mt Hotham, all of the bigger resorts have dedicated tobogganing areas and gear for hire too. Do not take toboggans on ski runs, only use designated tobogganing areas for your own safety

Ensure your kids have proper clothing (jacket and pants or an all-in-one), gloves, socks and boots so they stay dry and warm and enjoy their time at the snow!

Teah

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Product Information Snow Equipment

Should My Feet Ache In My Ski Boots?

Ski boots, believe it or not, are the comfiest boots of them all! If fitted correctly, you should be able to survive an entire day out on the slopes with no pain and no bruising.

When in the market for a pair of ski boots, remember to be fitted by a Master Fit Boot Technician. They hold the highest qualifications in the industry and are incredibly knowledgeable in their field. They will assess your feet taking special consideration into individual size, width, flexion, strength and skill level.

A handy tip when putting your ski boots on: Always kick your heel back after forcing your foot into the boot, this will encourage your foot to sit in the back of the boot allowing more toe room. Proceed doing your buckles up, fastening the middle buckle first. This will lock your ankle into the correct position of the boot. Then fasten the top buckle and power strap. Your toe buckles should be left rather loose as they are only there to allow for the boot to open up. They do nothing for you skiing! Finally, when you take your boots off, remember always always always to fasten the buckles back up again. This will maintain the plastic memory shape and increase the life span of your favourite ski boots! For more information and handy boot hints click here

Nicola

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Product Information Snow Accessories Snow Clothing Snow Equipment

Should I Buy New Or Second-Hand?

As we all know, snow-sports can get very expensive. Buying secondhand can definitely cut some of the cost, especially on kids gear. When looking at secondhand items, it is important to look for indications of quality, such as waterproofing ratings, seam-sealing (waterproofing tape running along the inside of seams) and brand reputability. Also check for working zippers and holes in liner pockets etc.

Some items you will need to buy new, because of safety and hygiene reasons, such as goggles, socks, gloves/mittens, and helmets. Do not buy helmets secondhand as you never know if they have had a good smash and the foam shell could be cracked. New outerwear can be quite affordable, with prices starting at about $100 each for jackets and pants. The advantage to buying new is that the gear is usually covered by a manufacturers warranty (if your item is faulty) and come with a factory waterproofing. With secondhand gear you run the risk of garments having been washed incorrectly, diminishing waterproofing quality.

Pros and cons considered, secondhand gear is an excellent place to start if your new to skiing/snowboarding, if you have young children who are going to grow out of clothing quickly, or if you’re on a budget. There is a wide range of pre-loved gear at Ski and Board Recycle Online Community or Affordable Ski and Snow Gear at Ski and Board Online. 

Teah

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Product Information Snow Equipment

How Often Should I Get My Skis/Board Waxed? When Is It Time For A Service?

Skis need to be waxed regularly to keep them in good condition and to keep the base from drying. Depending on conditions and they type of skier that you are, skis should be waxed approximately every 3-8 days of riding. When the base starts to look dry and flaky or white it is a sign that it’s time for a wax.

A full service will include an edge sharpen, and a base grind and clean before new application of wax. When your skis have seen better days, with scratches and the start of rust on the edges, a service is definitely in order. In a service, you can have your DINS or binding settings checked to ensure they are right for your height, weight, age and skiing ability. Correct settings are very important for your own safety on the hill and it is best to have bindings set by a professional.

Teah

 

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On The Mountain Product Information Snow Clothing

What Should I Wear Under My Outerwear?

Layering under outerwear (jacket and pants) is the most important part of getting dressed to go skiing. The most essential layer is thermal underwear, which wicks away sweat and moisture from your skin. Base layers (thermals) come in a range of materials in different price ranges, from polypropylene blends to merino wool. Snow Thermals are a great product that has heat-reflecting technology to retain body heat.

Second layers can include vests, fleeces, and soft-shells that act as an insulating layer. This layer is very important especially if you get cold easily or have a thin, shell jacket on a cold day. Hoodies and other cotton layers should be avoided as they soak in moisture and get waterlogged easily. Neck-warmers and scarves can also be added for extra warmth, and of course, your outer jacket on top!

Teah

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On The Mountain

Can I Take My Pet To The Snow?

Taking my pet to the snow

Sorry guys, the answer is no. Animals foreign to the alpine areas of Australia can damage environments if not restricted. Exceptions are made for pets of full-time staff in alpine resorts with prearranged permits. Dogs are not permitted in alpine national parks for day trippers and families on holidays.

Teah

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Product Information Snow Clothing

Should I Wear 1 Or 2 Pairs Of Socks?

Even though wearing two pairs of socks may sound like a brilliantly cozy idea, you will regret it at the end of the day! By wearing two pairs of socks your sweat rate is increased and as a result, your sock will not be able to maintain wicking away moisture from your foot leaving it damp and therefore cold. Also, by wearing one pair of socks you reduce any friction and rubbing that may result in blisters and bruises. Make sure your sock is pulled up firmly and allow your thermals to rest just above the top of your boot. Again, never tuck in your pants, you will thank us later!

You can browse various collections of socks online at – Ski and Board Online 

Nicola

Categories
Getting There Travel Information

Is it Necessary To Carry Chains In Australia?

Carrying chains to the snow

It is a legal requirement that all vehicles, both 2WD and 4X4, always carry chains when heading up the mountain regardless of the weather conditions. Each snow resort will display whether chains are required to be fitted or not depending on current weather situations. Handy tip: carry a dirty rag and a pair of rubber dish washing gloves in your chain bag, the last thing you want is to rip your nice leather ski gloves to shreds!