Top 5 ski gear essentials: What you really need
Getting back on the mountain is thrilling. It’s exhilarating, refreshing, and there really are few sports out there that will give you the same feeling as skiing and snowboarding. But before you get on the slopes, you will need to make sure that you have all of the gear that you need. But hitting up a ski shop can be overwhelming, to say the least, especially if you are just getting started. So, what do you really need regarding gear? Let’s break it down.
1. Skis, boots, and poles
Let’s start with the most obvious piece you need for skiing: the skis themselves. There are quite a few types and sizes out there, and the ones you need will be based a lot on your size and ability. The thing to remember if you are just starting is to not buy your own skis right out of the gate. You can rent them at a much-reduced cost until you get the hang of what you are doing. If you have an older set of skis, you should have them checked over by a ski shop to see that they are in working order or whether you are in need of an upgrade.
2. Snow pants and jacket
Depending on where you live, you may already own the right kind of jacket and pants to get down the hill. The key is having something that is waterproof while being well-insulated, keeping you warm and dry while you play in the snow. Some of the nicer ski jackets out there also offer venting to help you cool off if you get too hot skiing all day. If you don’t happen to own a set already and are not in a place where it warrants having a set regularly, see if you can borrow some from a friend or check with the local ski shop to see if you can rent a set before you commit to buying something you might not need.
3. Ski helmet
Ski helmets are a complete necessity. They are something that should be worn by skiers of every level, not just beginners. Your head should be top-priority because unfortunate ski accidents can happen to people unexpectedly on any type of slope. It might be thought that experts are the only ones who need them because of the riskier slopes they go down, but that is not true. Anyone can take a tumble. Always wear a helmet.
5. Gloves
You will need ski gloves that will allow you to be able to hold onto the poles well while you are going downhill, but a pair that will also keep your hands warm and dry. Consider that you will need to keep your hands protected if you happen to fall as well. You don’t really need any special ski gloves as long as you have durable and insulated ones.
4. Goggles
Goggles go beyond sunglasses, as sunglasses are not going to cut it. Goggles will keep the snow and wind out, allowing you to ski with your vision unhindered. The goggles will double as sunglasses as well, offering UV protection and shading. Goggles are not one-size fits all, however. You will need to make sure that they fit your face, your head, and the helmet as well. You may not have to buy them, but if you do, you really don’t have to spend much to get a pair that will do the job.
That is really the primary gear you need to go skiing. Beyond that, wear plenty of layers and get out and have some fun.
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