Austrian skier again.

Get and wear a helmet. About 80% of adults and children on the slopes in Austria wear helmets, way more than in the US. If you don't get one here, buy it there, and buy a UVEX. Good quality. Nevermind the clothing, the helmet is what you need.

As a PP said: Natasha Richardson. It doesn't take much, and Austrian (European) ski resorts aren't resorts/private property. That means no boundary markers, etc. No slow family ski zones.

You'l have a great time though, it's a wonderful place to ski. Except for the lift lines, where I suddenly turn into an American and want everyone to queue like civilized people. Uhm, no.


Where are you going? Maybe I'll see you.

If you have a smartphone download the Nike Training Club App. It has tons of workouts that require little to no equipment and will kick your ass. All free!

If you can find a stairmaster, those are great for building up the strength in your legs for skiing. If not, do stairs whenever feasible (to your office, etc). Carry your kids up and down the stairs, you get the picture. That and general cardio to make the altitude less of an issue. 30 day shred will give you the cardio and some leg work.

I found the leg routine on the Core Fusion body sculpt dvd to be really good for skiing, too.

Attire: Depends on what the weather is apt to be. I really like my North Face pants. Breathable, with some stretch, plus water-proof. Look for a prior season's on sale.

Wear a helmet!

OP here. Was thinking about attire too... I have nothing appropriate right now! Will gladly take suggestions on that, too. . Can't afford to spend a fortune on it... anything that might be dual purpose that I'd be able to wear for other activities later?

What I DO have is a good upper body base layer from Patagonia that I previously bought for a cold weather hike. I have an ok North Face jacket that might work, but it's a size or too two big. If I put a layer between those two, would that be sufficient?

I'll need some good pants. What style should I look for?

I do have decent snow boots for walking around pre and post-skiing, and a good pair of gloves that will work (they are ski gloves). Everything I have except the base layer is black, so it will all match.

At least take time to pull together some nice ski ensembles. Just don't show up in 80s skiwear, complete with oversized goggles and neon jacket and pants.

Two words: Natasha Richardson.