Whether you are a seasoned skier or it's your first time hitting the slopes with friends or family, the basics for skiing and snowboarding remain the same. So, time for an equipment refresher before you get packing!
Baselayers
Let's start from the very beginning... having a reliable set of baselayers on-hand will set you up well for the week and keep you gliding snow without fear of cooling down. While skiing, snowboarding, and other similar winter sports, take place in snow-covered backdrops, because we are moving fast and working hard on the slopes, it is quite common to over-heat even in the most unlikely of places! To get the temperature just right, a smart layering system is imperative.
Merino wool baselayers are great for wicking away sweat as we ski, and keeping us warm when needed, meaning you won't be caught out by the changing pace. Arming ourselves with a strong-start baselayer means we can wrap up and unzip coats as needs be with minimal risk of cutting the day short.
Hats
While we all love a cute bobble hat, maybe with fancy sequins or other attachments, when choosing a suitable hat for skiing, remember that you will be wearing a helmet on top! All skiing helmets will have some form of insulation on them, but it is best to bring a compatible hat along with you in case it gets chilly!
Gloves
When it comes to gloves, the mittens Vs finger gloves debate always crops up. This is all about personal preference! Mittens can perform better with heat retention and have the possibility to fit a hand warmer in, but gloves offer more dexterity for taking on and off heavy ski boots each day. Whatever you decide to go for, make sure they are snow appropriate, watching out for waterproofing and heat ratings.
Socks
Comfortable ski socks are an incredibly important addition to your pack list. They need to be warm enough that you won't lose toes on the mountains and long enough that your shins are not chafing against the tightly fastened boots. Watch out for socks that don't fit snuggly, as you will want to avoid excess fabric trapped between your leg and the boots.
Goggles
There are two ends of the spectrum of goggle lenses to look for when selecting goggles for snow sports, from lightly tinted to mirrored lenses. As a beginner, it's hard to know what the difference means and whether a dual-lens is worth the added cost. Put simply, lightly tinted goggles are best for overcast days on the slopes, while mirrored lenses perform well on days when the winter sun is beating down and reflecting off the snow.
Which to go for? If you're just starting, a hybrid is your safest bet. They should provide a nice in-between for your ski holiday. Be sure to check the goggles are certified and display their lens category on the packaging so you know your eyes will be protected from the dazzling snow.
Suits
Of course, it's near-impossible to picture a skier or snowboarder without first visualising the big puffy jackets and trousers they show off as they zip down the snowy runway! These are a fairly straightforward purchase and often come down to style and budget. One of the key attributes to look out for is that the coat has a snow-skirt (an elastic skirting along the inside that, when closed, prevents snow from getting at our inner layers). Likewise, the ski pants should have a similar functionality which will stretch down over the ski boots and stop snow from entering inside and soaking our socks.
And What About Off the Slopes?
Once you've arrived at the resort for your ski holiday, you'll be fitted for boots, skis, and a helmet. Now that you're suited and booted for the day's activities, it's important not to forget the après-ski and self-care must-haves for when you're off the slopes too.
Make sure you pack a comfy pair of waterproof shoes or cosy snow boots to wear around the resort after you unbuckled the rigid ski bindings. You'll thank yourself later for this addition to the suitcase!
That's it! You're all set for a successful week on the slopes! Check out our ski deals online or get in-touch today to chat to one of our agents.