You don’t want to waste time and money with the wrong skis. Pack the wrong stuff and you end up wasting too much time frozen and wet, or just sitting out the slopes.
Getting ready to set out for the slopes for the very first time? Let me help you get the right gear. You don’t want to waste time and money with the wrong skis. Pack the wrong stuff and you end up wasting too much time frozen and wet, or just sitting out the slopes. So get the essentials like your skiing travel insurance, best buddies, and plane tickets, and follow this quick Beginner’s Ski Gear Guide.
Let’s talk about socks. No really, socks. You probably thought I was going to start out talking about what fancy ski boots you need or what brand of ski mask is best, right? Nope. Let’s talk socks. Why socks? You need the right socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Make sure you buy socks that are well above your boot line. You don’t want socks that bunch up. Avoid wool socks, those will only keep you wet. If you have smelly gross feet, then opt for odor guard socks.
Keep your body warm with the right jacket and pants. You always want to wear a basic layer of a hoodie or flannel and t-shirt with moisture wicking base layer pants. You need actual ski pants meant for the slopes. Avoid jeans (who in the world skis in jeans?) and sweatpants. You can rent the pants or buy them outright. The pants should be snug and comfy, but allow for plenty of movement.
Your jacket depends on a few key factors. For example, what’s the temperature? Is it a sunny or snowy day? You will definitely, I mean definitely, need weatherproofing in rain, snow, or any temperature below forty degrees. Ideally you want a jacket that keeps you dry and warm if you fall, if it’s raining, or if temperatures are at freezing.
Notice a running theme here? You want to stay dry and warm on the slopes, or at least as much as possible. Why? Besides avoiding nasty stuff like frostbite, you also just want to be comfortable. You want to have fun. You don’t want to be the beginner skier miserable at the lodge wet and cold because you went cheap on the gear.
Additionally, some types of clothing, say jeans or sweatpants, get wet and then immediately freeze on your body. They freeze! And you do not want to be the guy (or gal) wearing frozen pants. Just not comfortable, or cool…well, maybe frozen cool. Just avoid it.
Are you a beginning skier? Then let’s discuss helmets. Yes, helmets. You will fall your first few times on the slopes. Even experienced skiers have nasty falls. Rent a helmet if you don’t want to end up leaving vacation with a concussion. Not kidding here. You need a helmet. And while you are at it, buy a pair of snow goggles next. Protect your eyes from snow blindness and damage from the wind. While we are on the topic of your head, wear sunscreen.
What footwear do you need to ski? If you can, buy the right shoes ahead of time to avoid haggling over prices and wearing worn boots at the ski shop. You need boots ideal for a beginner skier that keep you warm and give you more flexibility than boots for advanced skiers. You may need “all mountain” boots for those who are good for multiple terrains. Your best bet? Ask one of your experienced ski buddies about the best beginner footwear. Be honest about your skills. Experts use a much different boot than beginners. You also need to consider what type of terrain you plan on trying out. Downhill skiing, off-piste, and background skiing have different requirements. Use a soft flex if you have zero experience.
You need seriously good gloves. You want gloves that have treated leather. They need to be insulated. These are not inexpensive gloves. Gore-tex can be another option. You want to avoid frostbite, which is a real problem in freezing and snowy weather. Most ski shops should have them available. Now you are ready to hit the slopes!
Image by confused_me from Pixabay
