Going skiing for the first time is exhilarating. It can also be pretty intimidating if you haven’t ever skied before, you may look at people sliding down the slopes so effortlessly and wonder how they can ski so well on earth. It may not come to you so easily, and you may need to practice quite a bit before you’re an expert skier.
What Do I Need to Ski for the First Time?
First time skiing is better if you have the right equipment, gear, clothing, and accessories. Having the right gear and ski clothes that fit you well will do wonders for your confidence and help you ski better. You might have to do a lot of shopping for your ski trip, and it’s a good idea to be well-prepared and gather everything you’ll need beforehand.
1. What Do I Need to Go Skiing for the First Time? Where to Start?
The first step is to establish your needs to have a successful first venture on the snow that makes you return to the track the next winter. You need to learn about the basics of skiing, the equipment you need and the right clothing.
Ski Lessons
You may have all the willpower in the world, but you need a good technique, which starts with the ability to stand on your skis. Always keep in mind that with a few lessons in a ski resort, you will live your experience even more thrilling! The instructors are passionate and adapt easily to all levels. So you will have the right technique from the start!
The Equipment You Need
If you have your own equipment, the first thing to check is your ski gear: Skiing, snowshoes, boots, poles, etc. Ski boots are no joke. They’re especially designed for easy stride and walking on the snow. They’re lightweight with high collar and tongue to provide optimal support to your ankle and feet.
You can always rent suitable equipment in each of the stations. Equipment rental is a good way to get started with skiing inexpensively. In addition, you will be sure to wear the right equipment for your needs. The majority of the ski resorts include the cost of equipment rental and the ski ticket in the purchase of their initiation pass. However, you can hire the equipment for the season from other resorts or any other organization.
If you’re borrowing the equipment from a friend or family member, it is essential to have the bindings adjusted. For a few dollars, you can have the bindings adjusted at most ski resorts. Thus, you will hit the slope in complete safety.
If you do not go for the rentals, here is the equipment to plan:
- Helmets
- Ski
- ski poles
- Ski boots
- goggles
- Yellow glass ski mask for snowy days
- Sledges for children
Preparing Yourself to Ski
By gathering everything in advance, you will avoid the inconvenience of forgetting. Surely, if you are a novice or are completely unaware of the universe of ski resorts, the pass will not sound like anything to you. The ski pass is the identification pass that you will carry at the station and that allows you to move around the ski slopes using the ski lifts, such as chair lifts. In addition, the pass includes mandatory passenger insurance and gives you the right to claim if you suffer bodily harm due to the poor state of transport. The price of the ski pass varies each season and is different in each ski resort.
Keep in mind that very large resorts offer an exclusive pass for beginners, where only beginners can access the slopes and lifts without having you pay more for a pass to move around the entire domain.
Prepare Your Body for the Effort
Choosing the right equipment and outfits for skiing for the first time isn’t enough. You need to be in good shape. You need to prepare your body for this sport that mobilizes all the muscles. Before starting your venture, you can go cycling, rollerblading or swimming to start preparing your body. Endurance activities will also help prepare your body for the effort, and you will feel less tired when you are on the slopes. Likewise, before hitting the slopes, do a few warm-up exercises like squats and crunches, as the cold could hurt your muscles.
Get a Skiing Course
If you’re new to skiing, your friend’s advice is not enough. It is better to sign up for an introductory course at the ski resort or hire a certified teacher who will teach you the basics of skiing in a couple of hours. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not very good at first. If you want to get started, take classes for several consecutive days.
Renting vs Buying Skiing Equipment/Accessories
It may be a good idea for first-time skiers to rent out their ski gear and equipment. Ski gear, equipment, and clothing can be quite expensive if you want to buy everything brand new. Also, you may try skiing and then find that you’re not good at it or that you don’t enjoy it. In that case, buying new things would be a huge waste of your money, and you would have to worry about selling off your used things.
If you can borrow your ski things from friends and family, maybe give that a try. There is also the option of renting ski gear from your ski resort. However, ski resorts get a high inflow of guests, and it may be possible that the resort does not have any gear available for you. This could mean a whole day wasted without any skiing.
Rented or borrowed gear and clothing may not be the right size and fit for you. Not only would that be an uncomfortable experience, but it can also lead to accidents on the slopes. With ill-fitting or improper gear, you could experience accidents or injuries. So, that leaves the question of whether you should rent or buy?
If you think this ski trip will be the first of many, and you’re determined to become an expert skier, then you’ll want to purchase your own equipment and clothing. Buying new is a great investment in your ski career.
Equipment You’ll Need to Ski for the First Time
We’ve listed down everything you’ll need for your first time skiing, from clothes and jackets to ski poles and ski helmets. With this list, you’ll know exactly what to buy and what qualities you want to look for when you’re going shopping for your things.
Take a look at the ski gear, clothing, and accessories you’ll need.
1. Ski Boots
When it comes to ski boots, renting may not be the best idea because it is not guaranteed that the ski resort will have boots available in your size. Buying boots is probably the better idea. When looking for boots to buy, don’t go on color and style preferences. Rather, pick a pair of boots that is snow-proof and water-resistant and fits you well. The boots should be snug and not have any spare space, but not too tight that they are uncomfortable with socks on.
Try out the Salomon X Access 70 Wide Ski Boots and Rossignol Pure Comfort 60 Ski Boots. Both are great options and have a sleek look.
2. Skis and Ski Bag
When looking for skis, you want a pair that will help you in learning the basics of turning, balance, and control. There are differently weighted skis available, skis with bindings attached or bindings sold separately, and skis with different flexibility.
For first time skiing, you want skis that suit beginners. They shouldn’t be too heavy and bulky, but not so light that they do not provide enough support. We suggest the Rossignol Experience 76 CI Skis with Look Xpress Bindings or the Rossignol Experience Pro Skis with Look Kid-X 4 Bindings).
Most skis come with a nice bag to carry them in and protect them from getting worn or broken. If you’re buying skis without a bag, be sure to buy a bag as well. The bag should be of the right measurements to fit your skis in it.
3. Ski Poles
Good quality ski poles are strong enough to bear weight and hold sturdy during turns, light enough that your arms do not get tired from their weight, and flexible enough that if you fall or put weight on them, they do not break easily.
When buying ski poles, you also need to make sure that they are the right size for you. Ski poles come in a range of sizes from 30 inches to 56 inches. You’ll want to buy ski poles depending on your height and what would be a comfortable fit. Some ski poles are telescoping poles and can be lengthened or shortened with joints.
You should check out the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles and the Retrospec Solstice Trekking & Ski Poles.
4. Ski Helmet
When looking for a ski helmet, you want to keep in mind that the helmet should be sturdy and durable, not too heavy, and most importantly, it should have a special protective layer inside to ensure that your head is warm and dry.
When buying a helmet, don’t be swayed by style and color. Rather, make sure that the helmet fits you well, is comfortable, and will protect you in case of a fall or injury.
We suggest the Retrospec H1 Ski & Snowboard Helmet, the OutdoorMaster Kelvin Ski Helmet, and the TurboSke Ski Helmet.
5. Goggles
Ski goggles are absolutely essential gear that you need to have for your first time skiing. They’re not just a stylish accessory that will look cool while you ski but are an important protective part of your full gear. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, snow, water, and the elements. If you don’t have goggles, you run the risk of getting something in your eyes while skiing, which can impair your vision and result in some bad accidents.
The OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles OTG, the Findlay Ski Goggles, and the COOLOO Ski Goggles are all good options to pick from.
6. Ski Jacket
When buying a ski jacket, you have to look out for specific snow-proof features. Any winter jacket or parka would not be suitable for skiing. A skiing-specific jacket has to be waterproof and made out of a material that will repel snow and water. It should also be lined with an insulating material like fleece. Some ski jackets come with a detachable inner layer for your convenience. The jacket should also have enough pockets to carry some essentials like your goggles, sunglasses, water bottle, or tissues. A detachable hood that fits over your ski helmet is an additional feature to look out for.
For ski jackets, we suggest the Pooluly Men’s Waterproof Ski Jacket and the SUOKENI Waterproof Ski Jacket.
7. Ski Pants
Ski pants are a skiing essential, and like your ski jacket, they should be waterproof and made out of a material that will repel snow and water. They should have an insulating layer to ensure that you are not too cold when skiing, and they should fit you well. If your pants are loose, too tight, or too long, they will be a hindrance and get in the way while you’re skiing. Some ski pants also come with an elastic cuff at the bottom so that they can fit snugly over your boots and prevent any snow or water from getting inside.
You should try out the Heatwave Thermal Trousers or the Gash Hao Men’s Snow Ski Waterproof Softshell Pants.
8. Waterproof Gloves
Protecting your hands and your fingers from the cold is one of the most important things to keep in mind while skiing for the first time. Not only are temperatures very low, but when you’re skiing down a slope, the wind is rushing past you and can make you feel even colder. Your hands are very vulnerable, and you need to make sure they’re warm enough.
Your gloves should be waterproof and well insulated and should fit you well. You don’t want the gloves to be too loose or too tight, as that affects your grip. Some gloves also come with texture on the palms and the fingers that help you grip your ski poles better.
Check out the MCTi Waterproof Ski Gloves and the Anjetan Waterproof Thermal Gloves.
9. Ski Socks
Like your hands, your feet are vulnerable to the cold and need to be properly protected. You should invest in one or two pairs of good quality ski socks, in wool or synthetic material. Ski socks are also essential in keeping your feet comfortable in big heavy ski boots. The right pair of socks will prevent blisters and achy feet. Try the Thermal Ski Socks or the Weierya Ski Socks.
10. Shell Layers
You wear shell layers underneath your skiing clothes to provide extra warmth, insulation, and comfort. They can also provide extra protection if you do not have the correct skiing clothes for some reason. More commonly, shell layers should be of a thermal or fleece material. They are good for layering on top of each other to create that perfect warmth and cozy fit.
Shell layers include thermal shirts and tank tops, tights, leggings, socks, and gloves. It is easy and convenient to add on or take off an extra layer depending on whether you are feeling particularly cold on a certain day or if you’re feeling hotter than expected. It would also be a good idea to buy some thermal underwear.
We suggest trying the HEROBIKER Men’s Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set, the MeetHoo Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set for Women, and the MEETYOO Men’s Thermal Underwear Set.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you plan on renting or buying, we’ve listed down all your ski trip essentials. Make sure to go through the list and check everything off once you’ve got it. Preparing your things beforehand will make your trip go by smoother, make planning less stressful, and allow you to have a relaxing and calm trip without any worry.
Besides the skiing clothes, gear, and accessories mentioned, you should keep regular clothes, travel essentials, toiletries, medicines, and a first aid kit. If you think that you will be planning many more ski trips in the future and want to go along with your friends and family, you can even invest in a good quality set of walkie-talkies to make skiing even more fun. Talking to your friends and family while you rush down the slopes can be a great experience.
So, make sure to pre-book your spot at a ski resort and have all your resort information on hand. Start planning and packing early, and don’t leave buying important items till the last minute. Make sure that all your clothes fit you well and don’t compromise on quality!
Good luck with your first time skiing, and we hope that you have everything you need!
