ut on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the

Skiing is loads of fun, but when you're just starting out it can seem a bit daunting. It seems like everyone suggests a whole stack of things you need to take with you, so that in the end you either get confused or spend a whole lot of money on things you really don't need. Sometimes it seems easier and cheaper to just forget about skiing, to save yourself the hassle! But relax - I've listed some of the basic essentials you need for skiing, so that you can have a clear idea of what you really need, and don't waste your money on other stuff.

- Waterproof is essential! Check out your wardrobe and take anything that's waterproof. Skiing can be cold and wet, and the last thing you need is to get soaked. It's even better if you have waterproof mittens or gloves, particularly if you can wear your water resistance jacket or parka over the top of them. Keeping warm and dry on the slopes helps you enjoy yourself.

- Cotton is a bad idea. Choose wool based or synthetic materials, as they help to keep moisture away from your skin. This will also help you stay warm and dry throughout the day.

- Take along some energy bars. Once you get out on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the p

ems easier and cheaper to just forget about skiing, to save yourself the hassle! But relax - I've listed some of the basic essentials you need for skiing, so that you can have a clear idea of what you really need, and don't waste your money on other stuff.

- Waterproof is essential! Check out your wardrobe and take anything that's waterproof. Skiing can be cold and wet, and the last thing you need is to get soaked. It's even better if you have waterproof mittens or gloves, particularly if you can wear your water resistance jacket or parka over the top of them. Keeping warm and dry on the slopes helps you enjoy yourself.

- Cotton is a bad idea. Choose wool based or synthetic materials, as they help to keep moisture away from your skin. This will also help you stay warm and dry throughout the day.

- Take along some energy bars. Once you get out on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the

heck out your wardrobe and take anything that's waterproof. Skiing can be cold and wet, and the last thing you need is to get soaked. It's even better if you have waterproof mittens or gloves, particularly if you can wear your water resistance jacket or parka over the top of them. Keeping warm and dry on the slopes helps you enjoy yourself.

- Cotton is a bad idea. Choose wool based or synthetic materials, as they help to keep moisture away from your skin. This will also help you stay warm and dry throughout the day.

- Take along some energy bars. Once you get out on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the

warm and dry on the slopes helps you enjoy yourself.

- Cotton is a bad idea. Choose wool based or synthetic materials, as they help to keep moisture away from your skin. This will also help you stay warm and dry throughout the day.

- Take along some energy bars. Once you get out on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the

ut on the slopes, it can be a long time between snacks, and skiing is generally quite hard work. So stuff some energy bars into your pockets, and you'll be able to give yourself an energy fix when you need help to keep going.

- ID and some cash. Okay, nobody wants to think about the possibility of something going wrong, but it's better to be prepared. Have some identification on you, and a little bit of cash just in case.

- Fluid! When it's freezing cold and wet, you might think that you don't need to worry about being hydrated. But in fact the air on a snowfield is generally quite dry, and you will be working hard. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Obviously this list of basics doesn't include your actual skiing equipment, but it's pretty easy to work out what you need there and either buy or hire it. But although you can probably ignore the things on this list and still go skiing, the bottom line is that by being a little better prepared, you'll have a much better time skiing.