2006 ski coat sunlight colorado — Me, in my 2006 ski coat, with my son and our friend Richard (who shockingly doesn’t have a helmet ?!?) But we all have SMILES!

From the Brave Ski Mom email box:

Hi there,

I haven’t been skiing in 5 years since before the birth of my son. Since he will be 5 in February, we are all going to Utah for his birthday.

BUT, all I have is my 1-piece black ski suit from the late ’90s that has tight stirrup pant bottoms. Will I look like a complete dork on the slopes? Should I go out and buy a new outfit? I was trying to wait and see if my son even takes to the sport before I spend the money. If he hates it, we probably won’t be going again anytime soon.

Thanks!

A.

Dear A:

I love your question! First of all, far be it from me to assign anyone the title of dork, let alone complete dork! As the mother of two teen-age boys, I am a complete dork and while I welcome you to this sorority (dorky moms), I’ll let your son christen you when he’s older.

Look for Sales – NOW!

Hopefully, your son is going to love skiing, but I think you’re prudent to avoid spending money until you know whether you’ll be skiing more. The good news is that if he does love skiing, you can probably pick up a great deal on new ski clothes in Utah. Depending upon where you’re skiing, if you can get to Salt Lake City, you won’t have to pay ski town prices. By February, big box sporting goods stores like Sports Authority may be putting gear on sale. Local ski shops may also be starting their markdowns, too.

That being said, some of the best skiers I know wear whatever they have and don’t worry about fashion. I happen to love clothes and fashion, but I am also frugal and I don’t really like to shop (true confession). If a ski coat keeps me warm, I’ll hang onto it as long as I can stand it (or until my husband buys me a new one!). Warmth trumps style in winter weather.

Here is some good news. As your mom probably told you, everything looks great with a smile. So if you’re having fun, your son is having fun and your husband is having fun, you need not worry about your clothing.

At Least It’s Basic Black

And another piece of good news: your suit is black! Aren’t you glad it’s a neutral color? When I look at my ski coat from the late 90s, I shudder. It’s dark teal, but still teal. I can also assure you that you probably won’t be the only skier wearing stirrup pants. You’ll be in the minority, and if that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to buy something new.

crested butte 2005 — There’s that teal coat from 2005. Not looking so good today! But at least we’re all smiling!

Dress For Success

As for your son liking skiing, make sure he’s warm enough. We started our oldest in a cute, cute specialty store coat. Bad idea: it was adorable but not warm enough. Your son will be happier in clothes made for skiing. Some resorts even rent jackets and pants – and helmets – so if you don’t want to break the bank on him, you might check into that. Also, I cannot recommend lessons enough. Lessons will set him off on the right foot, without the pressure of trying to please mom and dad.

Best of luck to you and I wish you a very enjoyable holiday! I live in Colorado and adore skiing in Utah. You’ll have a great time, I’m sure.

Enjoy! And, if you’d like some Brave Ski Mom stickers, just shoot me your address. They go well with everything. (This goes for all of you readers — stickers are always available, happily sent and completely free! Just let me know where to send them!)

Cheers,