If you’ve watched any US Ski Team events—sponsored by HomeLight at the 2022 Beijing Olympics—you probably noticed how talented the athletes are. And you probably made an additional observation: skiers just look cool!
You can also look that cool. Start by creating a shopping list of gear you need to stay warm and safe on the slopes before picking out your skis.
What Skiing Gear Do You Need for Warmth?
Staying warm and dry while skiing requires more than just a heavy coat and some gloves. The weather in the winter months can be unpredictable, and you never know when you’ll come up against nasty wind and snow.
You need to deck yourself out head to toe in high-quality winterwear. Here are a few things to pick up to protect yourself against the elements:
- Base layers like leggings and a long-sleeved shirt. They can be cotton, thermal, or wicking material—whatever you find most comfortable. And don’t forget some nice, tall socks designed to wear with your ski boots!
- A waterproof and windproof ski jacket. You never know what the windchill might drop to when you’re out skiing, so try to get a coat that’s rated for zero degrees or colder.
- Ski pants to keep your bottom half warm and dry. Like your ski jacket, these should be waterproof, windproof, and rated for low temperatures.
- Well-fitting ski boots. Whether you’re downhill or cross-country skiing, you’ll be on your feet for a long time. Your boots need to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
- Nice, thick gloves. Make sure you can easily flex your fingers in whatever pair of waterproof winter gloves you wear. Bonus points if you can use your phone while wearing the gloves!
- A neck warmer. If your ski jacket doesn’t provide full coverage, a neck warmer is a great—and usually inexpensive—way to protect yourself from the cold.
What Skiing Gear Do You Need for Safety?
Skiing gear isn’t just about looking awesome—it’s also for your safety. Even if you don’t have a large budget, try not to pick the cheapest safety gear options. You often get what you pay for, and you can’t put a price on your health and safety.
The top priority is a helmet. Regardless of your skiing skill level, it’s not uncommon for skiers to take a tumble. Find a comfortable helmet with Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS®) to protect your head in case you fall.
The next essential piece of skiing gear for safety is a good pair of goggles. Obviously, ski goggles keep the snow and wind out of your eyes. But they also protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can even find anti-fog goggles so you don’t have to worry about your vision being impaired.
How Do You Pick the Best Skis?
Now that you’re warm and safe, you can start looking for skis. New skiing technology is constantly evolving to both improve the gear quality and help skiers pick the best equipment.
To pick the best skis, start with online reviews. People love to talk about their positive experiences. You can also visit your local ski shops for some expert advice. A professional, experienced skier at a specialty store can help you pick the top-rated skis that are perfect for your skill level. Now, strap on that gear and hit the powder!