Which ski gear do you need?

Since September, I have been working as a trainee for the Dutch Government and our trainee group organised a ski trip. This raised the question for some newbies – what do I need for skiing? So I composed a list of ski gear you probably need.

Just like any other sport, it’s probably better to give skiing a try and make sure you actually like it before you buy all the gear. I advised some beginners to rent or borrow as much as possible. Hire your skis or snowboard, the boots and helmet through your tour company or in the resort. If you book it in advance the rates are better, same with the ski pass.

The ski shops will help you find the right equipment, such as the right height for your skis and which type you need based on your skiing abilities. The toughest thing to get right is the boots – choose shoes that fit just right. If the boots are too small, your toes will rub the front and cause blisters or other pains. Sometimes the boots are too big which makes getting control of your skis or board is harder. If they are uncomfortable – just go back to the shop!

From top to bottom

I am always cold, so my first layer of clothing is thermal underwear. Thermo underwear helps regulate temperature and humidity, keeping the body dry and warm. After the thermo layer, a sweater or pulley follows for the upper body. You can also decide to wear a pulley and over this a sweater, but this might be too warm (even for me). Part of keeping warm is wearing extra warm socks, gloves (mittens are warmer if you feel the cold or splurge and buy some from a brand like Reusch) a hat and a scarf.

After this a waterproof ski jacket and ski pants follows. You can find these in all types of colors, fits and princes ranges. Choose something you feel comfortable in since you will be wearing it the whole day. The best ski jackets are the ones that have something that I call a “snow shovel”. This is a part at the bottom of the jacket, with an adhesive edge that stops snow in case you fall.

You always hope for good weather during the days you go skiing so eye protection is the next thing on the list. Goggles are for when you ski in falling snow and sunglasses for the sunny days. While skiing on sunny days, please do not use just any sunglasses. Sun and the reflection on the snow can cause something called snow-blindness. When the eyes are exposed to an abundance of “ultraviolet” light, the cornea (the transparent layer on the eyeball) can become irritated. Sunglasses that are not meant for the sun in the mountains let more light through which can cause irritated eyes. Therefore, choose sunglasses that have a category 4. Brands like Oakley, Sinner, Quechua and Polaroid sell these sunglasses.

What else should I pack?

In a day of skiing, you can come across many different weather conditions. My advice is to take a (small) backpack with you so you can store your goods. In a backpack you can easily store the items you take off or need to create an extra layer. Convenient items to take with you are:

• A scarf
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Thermo gloves

The sun is extra strong in the mountains so pack sunscreen and a lip balm. There are even small packages of sunscreen made for skiing that have a lip balm attached.

In the mountains the dress code is casual. Leave the heels at home and take some sturdy walking boots or snow boots with you. Add jeans, a cute jumper and sweater and you are ready for après skiing or walking. If you are in a resort – chances are big that there is a sauna or hot tub so do not forget to bring a swimsuit and some flip flops.

Good luck with your next or first ski trip, just have fun!