If you’re packing for your first-ever ski holiday and find yourself wondering, “what do I need for skiing?” you’re not alone. Skiing has a reputation for being an expensive activity. It isn’t helped because you see images of celebrities and people in designer jackets and expensive ski equipment. That creates a distorted image about skiing and taps into the fear of people who believe that they need to spend exorbitant sums of money to enjoy skiing.
The days of skiing being an exclusive activity enjoyed by the rich and famous are over, and even though you can spend heavily if you want to, you don’t need much to enjoy skiing.
10 Necessities You’ll Need for Skiing
You can equip yourself with all the necessary ski gear and equipment in a small amount of money, and most of the stuff can be rented from the ski resort as well. So, if you want to learn what you need for skiing, you have come to the right place, as will be shortlisting all the gear and equipment you need.
1. Skis, Poles, and Boots
If you’re going on a ski trip for the first time, it is advised not to purchase your skis, poles, and boots. You can rent these items from ski resorts, and the combined cost of all these items shouldn’t be more than $100 for a week. As always, you need to check the quality of the skis, poles, and boots you are renting, as they should be appropriate for you and not be damaged or worn out.
2. Pants and Ski Jackets
You don’t need to spend money on ski jackets and pants as well. If you have friends and family who have gone skiing, you can easily borrow it from them. If you prefer to purchase them, look for brands that offer you quality jackets and pants at affordable prices. Don’t go crazy and spend a thousand dollars on ski jackets and pants, especially for your first ski trip. There are plenty of stores that will offer you discounted rates for ski pants and ski jackets.
3. Goggles and Sunglasses
Ski goggles are an absolute necessity when you’re going skiing, as they will protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun. They are helpful in windy and snowy conditions as they ensure you have a clear line of vision. You should try them on before you purchase them to ensure that they fit you properly. Once again, you don’t need to spend an absolute fortune on ski goggles and sunglasses.
4. Ski Helmet
Everyone must wear a helmet when skiing, no matter how experienced they are. They are especially vital for beginners since they are more likely to slip and fall when skiing. You never know when a slope tails off, and falling on your head is more common than you would think. It is also possible for another skier to fall on top of you, and wearing a ski helmet saves you from nasty head injuries.
5. Gloves and Mittens
You should purchase waterproof ski gloves and mittens that have moisture-wicking capability so that your hands don’t get wet if you’re falling over a lot in the snow. Mittens are warmer than gloves and add an extra layer of warmth, which is why they are an essential item when you’re skiing. You can expect to pay somewhere between $30 to $40 for a good pair of ski gloves and mittens.
6. Base Layer
The most important thing you must buy when going skiing is the base layer, commonly known as thermals. Even though the base layer doesn’t provide you with any thermal insulation, its role is to keep you dry no matter how sweaty you get when skiing or how wet the clothing on top of it gets wet. That will keep you warm as the clothes don’t get soggy after an intense skiing session, and your body temperature remains at a comfortable level.
7. Mid Layer
The mid-layer would ideally consist of a lightweight down jacket that provides you with an additional layer between the outer jacket and the base layer. It is recommended to buy the mid-layer if you will be skiing in the winter season. The idea is to build a warm middle layer that prevents you from catching any cold or suffering from hypothermia if you are skiing for long periods on the slopes.
8. Neckwarmer
A neckwarmer is optional since you can wear a scarf to cover your neck when you’re skiing. However, neckwarmers are made from fleece, which is either a breathable fabric or Merino wool, and will be warmer and remain in place throughout the day. The role of the neckwarmer is to fill the gap between your helmet and ski jacket and stop the wind from nipping down your neck. In extremely cold conditions, it is best to wear a balaclava that fits under your ski helmet.
9. Ski Socks
You need a good pair of thick woolen ski socks to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the day. Modern ski boots have good insulation, which means you can wear thinner socks and get a small cushion of warm air between the inner boot and your foot. You should be able to move your toes around, so ensure the ski socks you buy allow you to do that.
10. Backpack
You will also need a handy backpack for storing all your essentials and extra layers, in case it gets colder or if you want to strip down when the sun comes out. A backpack also gives you the option of taking a sandwich, chocolate bar, and a water bottle out on the mountain and save money on lunch.
Our Final Thoughts
As you can see from our list above, you don’t need many things when you want to answer the question, “what do I need for skiing?” The best thing is you can borrow most of the items we have mentioned in the list from a friend or a family member who has previously gone skiing. Don’t spend a lot of money on equipment and gear if it is your first ski trip.
