Are you heading to the snow this year? If you are, you may be wondering what kind of skiing gear you’ll need for your first skiing adventure. Like any sport, this one also requires a few essentials. However, with skiing, the essentials are a bit more specialized. You may be thinking of packing your regular winter clothes, but that can just set your trip up for disaster. Skiing clothes are designed to keep you cozy, warm and dry, something that your regular winter clothes might not be able to do. For example, once cotton gets wet, either from sweat or snow, it won’t dry out and will leave you feeling damp and cold. So let’s go through some tips on what kind of skiing gear you should pack for a dry and comfortable skiing experience.
Base Layer
Get a long underwear designed to breathe and wick away perspiration. Your base layer needs to be form-fitting and contoured to fit smoothly under your ski clothes.
Mid Layer
When it comes to skiing, dressing in layers is important to be comfortable. Consider light-to-medium-weight long-sleeve shirts and jackets made of synthetic fibres (thing Merino wool, and fleece). These layers should also fit snugly and provide complete coverage.
Ski Jacket
This is a key piece for staying warm, comfortable and dry. The main function of a ski jacket is to block the wind and keep out snow. This is why you need to invest in a quality ski jacket that is waterproof or at least water-resistant and breathable. Make sure the jacket you choose is well-fitting but allows for mobility and falls below the waist as to keep cold air and snow out.
Ski Pants
Just as your jacket, your ski pants should also be waterproof and insulated. They should also be long enough to be pulled down over your ski boots, and loose enough to allow your hips and knees to bend.
Gloves
Make sure you stay away from cheap gloves. Your ski gloves should be waterproof, warm, durable and washable because your hands will sweat too. Wear a glove liner for an extra layer of warmth.
Socks
A good pair of socks is essential to ensure an optimal fit for your ski boots as well as for providing extra compression support. Look for a pair of socks that have adequate wicking properties.
Gaiter
Also called a neck warmer, a gaiter will keep your face and neck protected from the wind. They are a much better option than a scarf, which can actually be hazardous if it becomes tangled on the ski or unravels on the slopes.
Googles
Some skiers don’t like to wear googles, but it is a wise idea to protect your eyes from blowing snow, wind, and the sun’s harsh UV rays. Not being able to see clearly puts you and the others around you in serious danger.
