John, it's so funny you should post this because I went skiing for my very first time this past weekend. My sister has a vacation place in Vermont and I went over President's Day. I'm going to Aspen for a week in March and thought I better try skiing before I go and waste a ton of money on clothes and equiment.
I skied at Ascutney. Conditions were awful because they had no snow. It was skiing on a sheet of ice with a sprinkling of man made snow. And guess what, it wasn't hard and I LOVED it and was told if you can ski in the Northeast, you can ski anywhere. Where are you going to be going?
My best advice is to take a lesson. My brother in law taught me (he's not an offical ski instructor but could be one). I just listened to everything he told me and quickly advanced from the bunny slope to the medium mountain. The way they make the equipment now really helps to. They make "shaped skis" so make sure you get them if you're renting. Also, I think shorter skis help newbies.
Waterproof pants for sure if you fall down. Definitely warm, waterproof gloves too.
Other than that, just have fun! Be okay with embarrassing yourself so you can really go for it. Everyone falls down so don't be afraid to. Just get back up, brush off the snow, and go for it again. You'll do great and you'll love it. I'm totally hooked already!
Please feel free to ask any questions because I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff.
Enjoy! | 
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