 I am off skiing in a few weeks and need to get some socks. I was hoping to be able to use whatever I get for walking in when I return. Does anyone have any recommendations. I currently use Smartwool ones for walking and have recently got some x-socks, which I’ve tried on but have been out in them yet. Thanks in advance CC
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 clicky i use these. i find them very comfortable and supportive. mainly due to the sizing fitting my foot properly and they don't bunch.
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| Edited: 07/02/08 13:10 |
Talking of ski socks, I've never tried my hand at skiing before. I usually put total trust in my walking boots to keep my feet moving on terra firma. I've just been browsing the English tourist board's site for places to ski here. Am I mad or are there natural slopes (not artificial ones) in this country? Sorry for going off topic. I was about to post a similar request to the Enjoy England forum but thought it might sound like a daftquestion. As for ski socks, I can't really help you with that one Cumbrian Canary!
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 if it's downhill skiing then I'd get some ski-specific socks. Compared to walking socks the feet tend to be thinner, allowing you better control, and most significantly the shins are well padded so that downhill boots are mrely uncomfortable rather than screaming agony... (yes, i'm exaggering ridiculously 'cause I do XC and wear carpet slippers... but a padded shin can make a very useful difference to downhill comfort). Not the greatest for walking in, though they'd do, but at least you'll have some great socks for skiing next time you go! i've got examples from Smartwool and Bridgedale and am very happy with both. It'll be an extra £10-£15 or so, but how much do you value actually being in comfort? Pete.
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Am I mad or are there natural slopes (not artificial ones) in this country? Sorry for going off topic. In England there aren't any formal natural ski areas, but all you need is a slope with snow on it (you don't even need the slope for cross country). It's easier to take advantage of hill snow if you have some sort of touring skis as you don't have to trudge up in things never meant for walking before you can get on your skis. Scotland has 5 formal natural downhill ski areas, Glen Shee, Cairngorm, Lecht, Glen Coe and Nevis range. There is a Nordic centre at Huntly and they'll run on Real Snow if it's there, but it quite often isn't... Pete
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There are several ski slopes, with tows, in Cumbria, including on the slopes of Helvellyn and also at Yad Moss, near Alston. You can probably ski on them on about three days a year, if you're lucky...
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 I am off skiing in a few weeks and need to get some socks. I was hoping to be able to use whatever I get for walking in when I return. Does anyone have any recommendations. I currently use Smartwool ones for walking and have recently got some x-socks, which I’ve tried on but have been out in them yet. Thanks in advance CC
Ski socks are different to walking socks and you really shouldn't be thinking in terms of a crossover garment if you want any kind of comfort. The best ski socks have L and R supportive feet, padded shins and thinnish feet and calves. Do not be tempted to buy "tube socks" as no-one's lower leg, ankle and foot is shaped like a straight tube. These are nice scroll down to 'performa' and very comfy, as are Thorlos ones.
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 TKMaxx often have a nice line in Salomon & Nordica ski socks heavily discounted... haven't been in a while, but if it's for a single ski trip it doesn't seem a great idea to spend too much on them.
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I got some gorgeous silk Salomon ones in TKM 4 years back. they feel yummy on.
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 I've done all my skiing in the same Smartwool or Extremities socks as I use for walking and found them fine, but then I'm in a lower cut Telemark boot which, as Peter says, is far more comfortable than a downhillers boot anyway. I really couldn't comment on those. As far as 'natural' slopes for skiing in England, Peter and Guy have covered it. But at least now we have several indoor slopes where you can ski on something very close to real snow rather than the dreaded dry-slopes of yesteryear.... The Snowdome at Tamworth in Staffordshire, Xscape near Castleford in W. Yorks., and the newest, Chill FactorE near the Trafford Centre in Manchester. (Anyone know any others? I think there's an Xscape in Glasgow too?) I've used the Snowdome and Chill FactorE and found the skiing suface to be really quite good, although the run length is limited and crowds can be a problem. But handy for a bit of practice. Doesn't beat being out there for real though....
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I've done all my skiing in the same Smartwool or Extremities socks as I use for walking and found them fine, but then I'm in a lower cut Telemark boot which, as Peter says, is far more comfortable than a downhillers boot anyway. In my tele boots, I tour in hiking socks and a pair of original T3s, but the T2s I use on the piste definitely benefit from proper ski socks, and they're still a lot lower and more flexible (and thus easier on the shins) than alpine downhill boots. Cross country kit is another thing altogether. Though my classic/skate combi boots are actually boots, pure classic technique striding gets down to glorified training shoes with a binding bar. Yet another reason to do cross country! Pete.
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I'm in the second generation T3s for everything Pete, touring and on piste. I think Scarpa still make them but nowhere in this country seems to import them anymore - I guess they'd rather sell you a pair of T4 / Garmont Excursions for touring AND a set of T2s for the piste!! (Which I guess is what'll happen when I need to replace mine  ) . Anyway, going a bit OT there, sorry......
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Thanks for all the advice. I will get myself some ones with good shin protection, to make things more comfortable!
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Sorry for hijacking your post Cumbrian Canary! Thanks to everyone who had advice on skiing though 
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Not a problem Chris. Two answer for the price of one!
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 > TKMaxx often have a nice line in Salomon & Nordica ski socks
All made under licence by Intersock SpA. Most of the 'skiing brand' outdoor socks in TKM are from this source. That's where I get mine from, and yes, I'd go for separate skiing socks with a padded shin. I don't have trouble with my ski boots, but then I wear girls' boots as they fit me better than any of the men's I tried on...
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Captain Paranoia's owning of a comfy pair of downhill boots is something to regard as a Cunning Plan, even if you don't own your own skis. You can never be sure that rental boots you have access to will be right for you, where it's practically a given that the skis will be a choice of perfectly adequte or very good indeed, and you don't feel the pain so much dinging the bases... Pete.
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They're not thigh-length black patent leather, John... I think they fit better because, as a cyclist, I have realtively low and large calf muscles, and women's ski boots are cut for a lower calf. And they're not quite as big and clumpy as men's boots.
The link, of course, is bargains...
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bugger. never thought of girl's boots. i do have girly boots (according to my friend) which have the maximum flex and are as comfy as a comfy thing. cc - you didn't mention if this was your first time skiing or not. if it's your first, then boots won't reallly matter that much as you'll find them all uncomfortable until you get used to standing in a rather unnatural position.
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