Planning your first ski trip can be exhilarating. However, packing the right gear and clothing needs a bit of forethought and preparation to guarantee a fun and safe time on the slopes. Much like running in the cold winter requires dressing appropriately — including choosing the right shoes and protecting your extremities — prepping for your first ski trip means you need some essential ski clothing.
In this quick guide, we’ll delve into ski wardrobe must-haves for beginners, ensuring that you’re not only prepared for the elements but also geared up for navigating the trails.
4 essentials to wear while skiing
Ski helmet
Spending a day on the slopes can be a lot of fun. However, like any sport, there’s a level of risk involved. In fact, beginner skiers are three times more likely to get injured than experienced skiers. Fortunately, properly fitting ski helmets can greatly minimize the severity of head injuries. When purchasing a ski helmet, look for a sticker with the code ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077. These codes indicate that the helmet has been tested for safety standards like shock-absorbing capacity, resistance to penetration, and durability. The OutdoorMaster Diamond MIPS ski helmet is a good, budget-friendly option that uses advanced in-mold construction with a polycarbonate shell and expanded polystyrene foam to keep beginner skiers safe and comfortable.
Ski goggles
Regardless of skill level, ski goggles are absolutely essential for skiing. It’s a piece of protective eyewear that shields skiers from the cold, UV damage, and snow blindness, a type of sunburn that affects the cornea. Ski goggles also allow you to see better in all weather conditions, from clear sunny skies to overcast days. Oakley has a collection of specialized rimless ski goggles that give skiers the largest field of view and extreme peripheral vision to see better on the slopes. Beginners can check out the Fall Line M Snow Goggles or the Flight Deck L Snow Goggles, which are both equipped with PRIZM™ lenses that enhance color and contrast to refine performance, safety, and your overall experience.
Ski jacket
A ski jacket is an integral part of your snow day wardrobe, as it’s the main piece of clothing that separates you from the elements, especially since ideal skiing conditions entail temperatures between 21°F and 30°F. To stay warm and dry, opt for a jacket with high waterproof ratings as well as high breathability ratings. In terms of insulation, choose synthetic materials over natural fibers, as jackets with synthetic insulation typically retain heat better, even in damp conditions. Additionally, winter sports enthusiast Jesse James suggests opting for ski jackets in bright colors so that beginners can be easily spotted in stark, snowy landscapes for safety purposes. Superdry’s Ski Ultimate Rescue Jacket meets all these requirements and has fully taped seams to enhance waterproofing capabilities.
Ski socks
A good pair of ski socks can make or break your day on the slopes. If you choose a pair that’s too thin, your feet might not stay warm enough. And if they’re too thick, they can make your feet sweaty in your ski boots, which can also lead to cold feet and blisters. When choosing ski socks, look out for moisture-wicking features, ventilation zones, and the right thickness. Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Over the Calf socks are the best for most skiers because they offer the ideal mix of comfort, cushioning, breathability, and support.
Outfitting yourself with the right ski clothing is essential for a positive and enjoyable experience on the slopes, especially for beginners. A well-thought-out ensemble, including a helmet, ski goggles, waterproof jacket, and moisture-wicking socks, ensures you stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your skiing adventures.