Ski Gear Guide

Looking to take a skiing trip for the winter? Having proper ski gear is just as important as anything. Different kinds of necessary gear will not only keep you warm when conditions become frigid but also will keep you safe. Many skiing-related accidents are due to insufficient equipment and/or gear. Here is an guide as to what you will need to hit the slopes in a safe and secure fashion come winter.

  1. Skis, Poles and Boots

    • Skiers who take multiple mountain trips a year, usually own a set of skis, poles and boots. If you need to rent equipment, most mountains have a rental shop available to provide your needs. An associate will usually size you up with the correct boots depending on your foot size and a set of skis depending on your experience. Experience is generally measured as either a 1 (beginner or novice), 2 (intermediate; some experience but has certain limits) or 3 (expert, more experienced skier able to handle more challenging terrain). Skis are usually measured in centimeters and should approximately come up to the middle of your face when stood up straight. This could change according to your ability as novice skiers could use a shorter ski as they are somewhat easier to handle.

    Helmets

    • Helmets are the most important piece of equipment a skier can use. You must protect your head in any instance whether conditions are powder or icy. There are obstacles all around a mountain resort such as ice, trees, and even other skiers. Not only are helmets very safe but many are built today with a air vents, radio plugs and a button loop to secure goggles.

    Goggles

    • Goggles will protect a skier's eyes from snowfall, wind, and from sun glare in some prototypes. Although some may prefer to just wear sunglasses, goggles are the most effective form of eye protection when skiing.

    Gloves

    • Gloves are a must when skiing. Out of all the parts of your body, your fingers and hands probably get the least heat. Because to this, hand warmers are always a viable option. Some people prefer wearing standard gloves, however using mittens could be beneficial because you can press your fingers together to make warming your hands easier.

    Ski Pants and Jackets

    • A good, durable pair of ski pants and a jacket are necessary to keep you warm and dry. Some pants and jackets are more waterproof than others, so this is an important question to ask when buying gear. You generally want clothes that will not get in the way either, so stay away from puffy North Face jackets when skiing. They also are not the best waterproof jackets. Getting a jacket with sealed inside pockets is good in case you need to hold onto a wallet, cell phone or radio while skiing.

    Warm Clothing

    • Although some people may not prefer it, long underwear and turtlenecks are a smart choice. Your best bet is to make sure you have an adequate amount of clothing to remain warm throughout the course of the day. Long, thick socks are also a good choice so your toes remain warm and your boots stay comfortable at all times while skiing. Keeping toes warm can sometimes be problematic, so most rental shops sell toe warmers along with hand warmers. After all, it is better to have too much clothing on and be a little warm than not have enough and get stuck being cold. You can always take a shirt off and store it in your jacket or a backpack if necessary.