Hi- Am trying ski-ing for the first time in Stowe next month. As I dont know if I will like it I dont want to spend loads of money buying clothing before we get there- I know you can hire boots and poles etc, but is there somewhere in the village you can hire jackets and waterproof pants?

I agree it's kind of a waste to go out and buy stuff the 1st time. That said, I've never seen a clothing rental place.

My suggestion is to layer the clothing that you have and go with something like nylon running pants over a couple of layers of sweats/thermals. (not sure where you are coming from, so not sure what winter wear you may already have).

If you have a local REI or EMS, both are having pretty good clearance sales right now. Marshalls also has a lot of winter stuff on clearance.

Contrary to some magazines, you don't really need a lot of hi-tech clothing to ski, just something warm and comfortable. A turtleneck,then a shirt, then a sweater, then a parka of some type will do fine. As for pants, even jeans can suffice if you wear something under them like longjohns, etc. Windpants over everything is a good idea. As others have said, layering is the secret. What is critical is good warm gloves or mittens, and a hat. Worst case, you can go to a Wal Mart or such and get everything you need.

For 1st timers, water resistant pants, either ski pants or wind pants over jeans come in handy. Nothing worse than a wet butt to chase you inside fast.

It has been too long since I skied at Stowe to remember if they have this, but at some ski resorts, they do have bibs to rent. Call and ask.