Whether it’s the first time you are going skiing or you’re a seasoned veteran, your ski vacation packing list will look the same, and believe me, this is not the kind of trip you can wing without proper preparation.
There are so many specialized gear that you will need for the activity, from a neck warmer to the proper socks, that you may not have lying around your home.
You should avoid arriving at your ski resort unprepared, or you’ll have to rush to the closest pro store to get all these things, often at a much higher price.
And why would you do that when you can prepare yourself, have everything you need, and be fully ready for the trip?
To help you out, here are the items you need for your next ski trip:
Ski Jacket
You need a ski jacket when skiing or snowboarding. The jacket should be comfortable to wear and brightly colored so that you stand out on the slopes. When you are brightly colored, you are visible, ensuring no one collides with you.
The jacket should also have a fuzzy lining and waterproof shell that keeps you warm and dry even if you fall.
It will even be better if the jacket comes with adjustable cuffs that ensure that no chilly breeze gets in.
Balaclava Ski Mask
An ideal balaclava should be breathable, lightweight, and made from a thick, soft fleece fabric to keep you warm despite howling winds. When buying a balaclava, go for one with a full-coverage design.
Such a ski mask covers your whole head, neck, and face, leaving just your eyes exposed for maximum cold protection.
If you’re a DIY person – watch this to learn how to make your own ski mask:
Bib pants
Snow pants are fantastic in their own right, but bib pants like these here are the greatest way to prevent snow from coming in contact with your skin (even if you tend to fall while skiing).
For the best outcome, ensure that your bib pants are wind and waterproof and made from high-quality nylon.
Ski Socks
If you don’t have the proper pair of socks when skiing, your toes will undoubtedly suffer, not to mention failing to enjoy skiing. Ideal ski socks are made from wool that locks the warmth in. They also should have a moisture-wicking material that ensures that sweaty feet are not an issue.
If you struggle with circulation, wear socks with compressive arch support that keeps you comfortable and the socks in place throughout your skiing.
Here’s a great clip that shows you how to choose the right ski socks:
Ski & Snow Gloves
Investing in insulated gloves keeps your fingers warm and ensures you enjoy your time outdoors. Ensure that your gloves have a nylon shell that keeps them waterproof. They also should have thermal insulation that locks the warm air in and ensures you have a good time on the slopes.
Thermal Underwear
What you wear outside is as important as what you wear inside, so you must wear the right underwear. The underwear should be made from polyester and spandex. This ensures that the outfit is comfortable and stretchy.
The outfit should also be made from a moisture-wicking material that keeps you dry even if you begin to sweat. It’s also wise to ensure that your underwear contains ultra-soft fabric that ensures you are comfortable as you are skiing.
Ski Boots
You can’t go skiing without ski boots, can you? When buying the boots, consider your skill level. If you are a beginner, it’s good to go for a softer boot with more flex, but if you are experienced, you can get away with a much stiffer boot without much flex.
The terrain you will be skiing should also inform your choice. For example, if you will be walking a lot in your path, go for boots with a walking mode feature.
Of course, ensure that the boot fits you perfectly. You don’t want boots that pinch you or are too large that they keep coming off, do you?
Watch this to learn how a ski boot should fit:
Ski Helmet
Even the most experienced skiers fall, so you should always protect your head using a helmet. You should wear a helmet with air vent holes that allow in as much air as possible.
The helmet also should be shockproof and penetration resistant which gives you peace of mind that you won’t get injured if you fall.
You can use a helmet or one attached to Goggles to save money. When buying such a helmet, pay close attention to the goggles and ensure they are made with a flow tech ventilation design that gives you peace of mind that you won’t have foggy vision.
Boot Bag
When walking from your vehicle to the lodge, it’s wise to have a backpack that can store your boot and all your other stuff so that you free your hands to carry your skis.
Of course, the bag must be large enough to accommodate your boots, helmet, goggles, and anything you might be carrying. It also needs to have a waterproof base that won’t leak even when you put your wet boots inside.
Ski Goggles
Ski goggles are a must-have on bright days when ripping up the slopes. For best vision, ensure that the goggles are made with anti-fog lenses so you don’t worry about them fogging up and you fail to see where you are going. If you wear prescription eyewear, the goggles should be sized to fit over them.
Watch this to get some more tips:
Ski Bag
This should be distinct from the boot bag. The bag makes it easy to carry your gear onto your back as you head to the mountain.
The bag should fit your skis and be lightweight and waterproof.
Handwarmers
Even when you are active, ski resorts are known to be extremely cold. To keep yourself warm, investing in hand warmers is wise.
There are no right or wrong hand warmers, but you should ensure that the ones you buy are lightweight and small enough to easily slip into your gloves and pockets so you can stay warm.
To avoid worrying about your phone battery dying when you are out skiing, buy hand warmers that you can use as portable chargers.
