Skiing Equipment for Beginners

Skis and Ski Boots

• One of the most common questions beginner skiers ask involves the need for hard goods, i.e. skis, boots and bindings. Do you really need to buy them as a beginner skier? In short and in most cases, no. It's nearly impossible to justify the cost (more than $1000 for new ski/boot/binding packages) based on the lack of usage the equipment will ultimately see.
  Purchasing skis, boots and bindings comes down to a bit of time/cost ratio evaluation. If you are an absolute beginner heading to the slopes for your first time or beginner who only skis for one week out of every year, renting equipment is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Even if you plan on skiing a lot as a beginner (maybe you've decided to get a ski resort job for the first time), it's still in your best interest to rent. Most mountain resort areas and/or independent ski shops offer fantastic beginner rental packages that include skis/bindings, boots and poles (and sometimes even other vital elements such as goggles, gloves, helmets and outerwear). In fact, many ski rental shops replenish their rental fleets quite regularly (every couple of years), virtually ensuring your rental equipment is in great condition and ready to hit the slopes. If you're intent on buying your own gear from the start, keep your eyes peeled for pre and post season sales where ski package prices are slashed dramatically, or the high-end, rarely used rental equipment is put up for sale.

My Feet Hurt...

• Whether you've skied before or not, it's likely you've heard horror stories about the misery beginner skiers endure due to uncomfortable ski boots. In truth, there is validity and commonality in this scenario. Ski boots fit more snugly and harness the foot and ankle at such an angle that discomfort is probable at some point during your initial ski experiences. Oftentimes, the calf muscle will tire from the pressure placed against it by the stiff high-back of the boot. But there is a distinct difference between discomfort caused by fatigue and unfamiliarity, and discomfort caused by boots that fit improperly. Make sure your toe is not crushed against the front of the boot (although it is perfectly fine if it slightly "rubs" as your foot will slide back in the boot due to "forward lean"). Similarly, if your ankle bone rubs or is crushed against the boot, don't be afraid to ask the rental/sales technician for a different pair to try on.
  If you plan on skiing regularly as a beginner, it's not a bad idea to consider purchasing your own boots. You will gain the advantage of becoming accustomed to the snug fit by wearing them around the house prior to clicking into your rental skis. Also, you can purchase custom footbed liners that will add to the comfort and performance of the boot. Your enjoyment as a skier at any skill level starts from the ground-up.

My Feet Still Hurt...

• You've tried everything, or maybe you've become so brainwashed from the tragic tales of ski boot carnage that your poor little feet won't stop aching no matter how many pairs you try on. It's quite possible the problem isn't the boot at all. Remember...skiing pleasure starts from the ground-up. You might find it insane to spend $20 or $30 bucks for a pair of socks, but ski socks are specially designed with materials for maximum comfort and technical performance. Ski boots have become so advanced that dryness and warmth need not be the function of your socks any longer. Socks that are too thick actually negatively affect boot-fit and can "bunch up" in your boots, creating harmful pinching or chaffing.

Base Layers

• Comfort and protection not only starts from the ground-up...but from the inside-out. One of the most important and commonly neglected pieces of the beginner ski puzzle are the base layers. As a beginner, you will exert far more energy than intermediate or advanced skiers. In essence, you will be fighting gravity--both attempting to slow down and attempting to pick yourself up off of the ground. This causes you to sweat and creates a dangerous scenario of body-heat loss if you're not dressed properly with upper and lower body "wicking" base layer materials. These form-fitting materials not only prevent sweat from building up on your skin (causing possible deadly hypothermic reactions), but they keep you warm when sitting on a potentially cold, wet and/or windy chair-lift ride.

Toward the Extreme(ities)...

• Now that you've got all your "bases" covered, it's time to move outward toward the extremities. No, I don't mean extreme skiing, I mean covering your head, hands, arms and legs. As mentioned, some rental shops will be equipped to supply you with ski outerwear, but this is more the exception than the rule. When purchasing outerwear, look for ski jackets and ski pants with a higher level of waterproofing (e.g. 5,000 to 10,000 mm). Many manufacturers adhere to a "three-layer system," wherein it is recommended to incorporate a base layer, insulation layer (e.g., fleece) and water/wind-proof layer. Keep in mind, you need not spend an arm and a leg to adequately protect your arms and legs. Most retail sporting good stores will carry affordable outerwear perfectly suited to the needs of beginner skiers. Likewise, pre and post season sales at specialty ski shops always have top of the line outerwear for fractions of the original (and sometimes exorbitant) cost.

Why Am I So Cold?

• As a beginner, acclimating to your new frosty playground will probably take a little time. Keeping your head and hands warm and dry is key to this process. Finding a worthwhile winter hat is pretty simple and will normally cost less than $20. A helmet is another great way to keep your head nice and toasty, as well as safe from injury. Quality helmets can be a bit expensive (upwards of $100 and more), especially for a beginner trying the sport for the first time, but nearly all ski rental shops have helmets for rent. The ten or fifteen bucks is well-worth it for a little piece of mind (not mention keeping the pieces of your mind inside your skull).
  Just as the cost of your ski socks might make you cringe initially, shelling out fifty or more dollars for hand coverings might send a chill up your spine. It's safe to say, getting chilled by the thought of glove costs is far more appealing than actually losing a finger or two to frostbite. This is one of the most common problems children experience out on the slopes as beginners, so parents beware and take the proper precautions to protect your kids' little digits.

Goggles...You Need Them!

• Some people think ski goggles look really cool, others feel like a bug-eyed freak when they wear them. How they look isn't the point. Goggles (and their lenses) provide protection from harmful UV sunlight as well as help "define" the contours of the slopes. As a beginner, its less important to have multiple lenses for varying snow conditions as it is to simply own a pair. They not only block sunlight and create depth of vision on snowy slopes, these seemingly innocuous "soft-goods" accessories can prevent serious eye or facial injuries (think tree branch across your retina or slamming your nose into the ground). Look for a pair of goggles with an "amber" lens, as this is a great multi-purpose lens shade. Decent goggles shouldn't cost more than $30 to 35.
  Add-in some sunblock with your rental skis/boots, ski socks, upper/lower base layers, wind/water proof outerwear, winter hat/helmet, quality waterproof gloves/mittens and amber-lens goggles, and it's time to begin your journey into the wonderful world of skiing.